Matthew J. Olson's Blog, page 8
September 5, 2015
killer
The new thing this week is that Jynx has quit running away from Zailey for the most part. Instead, Jynx is attacking Zailey with no provocation. The two will wrestle with Jynx ending up on top most of the time. Jynx is going for the jugular each time and biting as hard as he can. Its almost as if the cat is trying to kill the dog.
Zailey is clueless to the fact that Jynx is a killer. Instead, the dog is returning the playing in kind. She will play bite Jynx, usually on the tail, legs, or ears. At least I think it is a playful bite. Jynx isn't in pain after these episodes.
My wife and I aren't pleased with this new development. We had hoped Jynx would assert his dominance and then Zailey would be scared to play with the cat. Since that hasn't happened, we've had to keep the two separated.
I've had a tough time this week with a character. This character is a mean son of a bitch that is bad to women and a thief. Even I can't stand the guy and I created him!
Worst of all is that this guy is sex crazed. I couldn't believe that his girlfriend would stick around this guy. So I made her a prostitute that has to buy her freedom from her pimp. She is using this guy to help her do that. I'm not sure that using is the right word because she has fallen in love with the guy and wants to marry him. It's a complicated relationship.
The reason I came up with this guy was to introduce the mystery in my paranormal mystery in chapter 2. Otherwise, it wouldn't get introduced until chapter 5 or something like that. But I've grown to regret this. Even though the material is great, having this character in my head isn't.
Like Jynx to Zailey, I want to kill this guy. Also like Jynx, I just can't do it. We both have no love for who we want to kill, but there are consequences if we do.
Zailey is clueless to the fact that Jynx is a killer. Instead, the dog is returning the playing in kind. She will play bite Jynx, usually on the tail, legs, or ears. At least I think it is a playful bite. Jynx isn't in pain after these episodes.
My wife and I aren't pleased with this new development. We had hoped Jynx would assert his dominance and then Zailey would be scared to play with the cat. Since that hasn't happened, we've had to keep the two separated.
I've had a tough time this week with a character. This character is a mean son of a bitch that is bad to women and a thief. Even I can't stand the guy and I created him!
Worst of all is that this guy is sex crazed. I couldn't believe that his girlfriend would stick around this guy. So I made her a prostitute that has to buy her freedom from her pimp. She is using this guy to help her do that. I'm not sure that using is the right word because she has fallen in love with the guy and wants to marry him. It's a complicated relationship.
The reason I came up with this guy was to introduce the mystery in my paranormal mystery in chapter 2. Otherwise, it wouldn't get introduced until chapter 5 or something like that. But I've grown to regret this. Even though the material is great, having this character in my head isn't.
Like Jynx to Zailey, I want to kill this guy. Also like Jynx, I just can't do it. We both have no love for who we want to kill, but there are consequences if we do.
August 29, 2015
full steam ahead
I think Jynx is getting the most exercise of his life. As much as he taunts Zailey and then runs through the house to let the puppy give chase, there is no way Jynx isn't losing weight.
What gets me is that there are several places Jynx can jump to and prevent the dog from getting to him. Yet, he continually tears around to allow the dog to give chase. He is enjoying tormenting the dog.
Another irritation is when Jynx is done playing, he'll jump to a place where Zailey can almost, but not quite, reach him. The puppy yips at the cat. Her yips are at the shrillness to really get on my nerves. It is worse than nails on a chalkboard.
It is this need to torment that Jynx is giving his best effort in running through the house. It is full steam ahead for him.
The other day, I looked at all the writing I have been doing lately. While I like to have more material than what I share in my two writing groups, I'm usually just a couple of weeks ahead. Right now, I am about six weeks ahead.
I then asked myself, "Why are you so far ahead?" The answer was simple. I was starting a new project and putting the finishing touches on another project. One or the other would have been enough motivation to carry me to some extra material. Both combined has really kicked things into high gear for me. I am just so excited to write.
I'm cashing in on this excitement while I have it. I do know that things will slow down a bit as I edit my complete collection of stories. I've also got a busy schedule with coin shows that I will be showing at over the next six weeks. I will also be going on a vacation/business trip.
I'm hoping that I can still keep up my motivation through this busy period. I need to keep moving full steam ahead to accomplish my goals. Otherwise I'll end up being tormented like Zailey is by Jynx.
What gets me is that there are several places Jynx can jump to and prevent the dog from getting to him. Yet, he continually tears around to allow the dog to give chase. He is enjoying tormenting the dog.
Another irritation is when Jynx is done playing, he'll jump to a place where Zailey can almost, but not quite, reach him. The puppy yips at the cat. Her yips are at the shrillness to really get on my nerves. It is worse than nails on a chalkboard.
It is this need to torment that Jynx is giving his best effort in running through the house. It is full steam ahead for him.
The other day, I looked at all the writing I have been doing lately. While I like to have more material than what I share in my two writing groups, I'm usually just a couple of weeks ahead. Right now, I am about six weeks ahead.
I then asked myself, "Why are you so far ahead?" The answer was simple. I was starting a new project and putting the finishing touches on another project. One or the other would have been enough motivation to carry me to some extra material. Both combined has really kicked things into high gear for me. I am just so excited to write.
I'm cashing in on this excitement while I have it. I do know that things will slow down a bit as I edit my complete collection of stories. I've also got a busy schedule with coin shows that I will be showing at over the next six weeks. I will also be going on a vacation/business trip.
I'm hoping that I can still keep up my motivation through this busy period. I need to keep moving full steam ahead to accomplish my goals. Otherwise I'll end up being tormented like Zailey is by Jynx.
August 22, 2015
chasing
Zailey loves to chase Jynx through the house. She wants to play with the cat, but Jynx wants no part in it. Their antics cause my wife and I to yell at the two animals. To make things worse, Jynx eggs Zailey on in order to get her in trouble.
My wife and I caught on pretty quick to Jynx's game. Why else would a cat purposefully go up to the dog just to turn and run away? We've gotten to the point where Jynx gets in just as much trouble as Zailey if they run through the house.
At different points throughout the day, Zailey gets kenneled. Usually for bed time but also if she is being bad or its a time where neither my wife or I can watch her. Jynx thinks it is fun to lay outside her kennel and flaunt his freedom.
Today, Zailey was in the kennel and Jynx jumped on top the kennel to lay down there. Zailey didn't like this and jumped and bonked the roof of the kennel. Jynx was surprised by this and moved to where he could look in at the dog. Zailey tried to paw through the slots in the side of kennel to get at Jynx. This didn't work. So even separated, they are still trying to get at each other.
I've been thinking about the beginning of my new novel. I've been planning the whole novel for a couple of years now and thought I was beginning at the perfect spot. I mention a tornado in the current first chapter. This tornado is the first warning that the voice in my character's head warns about.
I thought this event just merited a paragraph at the most. Now I am thinking that it is worth discussing if full and should be given a chapter of its own. Plus, it really is the beginning of the events in the rest of the book since the character is led on a journey by the voice.
I'm chasing the beginning of this novel like the dog chases the cat. At least I'm not bonking my head to get at my goal. Hopefully the chasing will stop soon.
My wife and I caught on pretty quick to Jynx's game. Why else would a cat purposefully go up to the dog just to turn and run away? We've gotten to the point where Jynx gets in just as much trouble as Zailey if they run through the house.
At different points throughout the day, Zailey gets kenneled. Usually for bed time but also if she is being bad or its a time where neither my wife or I can watch her. Jynx thinks it is fun to lay outside her kennel and flaunt his freedom.
Today, Zailey was in the kennel and Jynx jumped on top the kennel to lay down there. Zailey didn't like this and jumped and bonked the roof of the kennel. Jynx was surprised by this and moved to where he could look in at the dog. Zailey tried to paw through the slots in the side of kennel to get at Jynx. This didn't work. So even separated, they are still trying to get at each other.
I've been thinking about the beginning of my new novel. I've been planning the whole novel for a couple of years now and thought I was beginning at the perfect spot. I mention a tornado in the current first chapter. This tornado is the first warning that the voice in my character's head warns about.
I thought this event just merited a paragraph at the most. Now I am thinking that it is worth discussing if full and should be given a chapter of its own. Plus, it really is the beginning of the events in the rest of the book since the character is led on a journey by the voice.
I'm chasing the beginning of this novel like the dog chases the cat. At least I'm not bonking my head to get at my goal. Hopefully the chasing will stop soon.
August 15, 2015
anniversary
Today marks the one year anniversary of Shorts: A Collection of Stories being published. It first entered the public eye as an ebook and the paperback followed 11 long days later. I say those days were long because I was nervous as all heck to see my book in actual print.
The ebook has sold quite a number of copies to a variety of people in different countries. Most have been strangers, but a few were bought by friends. The print copy has only sold to a few countries but in not as much of a variety. Mostly friends and acquaintances have been buying the print version so that they could get me to autograph it.
My life is stranger now than a year ago. I'm proud of my accomplishment, but also worry about how it is received. The one bad review was like a kick in the balls. I'm also getting ready to release the second book and that also comes with some of the same mixed emotions.
Jynx doesn't like it when I am writing around him. He doesn't care about the things I'm accomplishing. Instead, he sees me not paying attention to him when he wants, so he has to get on my lap. Since my laptop is already there, I have to move it out of the way to accommodate him. Maybe he senses my worry and is trying to comfort me. I doubt it, but would like to hope.
Lately, I've worried about Jynx. The introduction of Zailey into his life has not gone as smooth as I would have liked. I would hope that the puppy and the cat would be friends by now. I'm hoping it just takes time.
My book has been out one amazing year. I hope it takes less time than that for Zailey and Jynx to become friends.
The ebook has sold quite a number of copies to a variety of people in different countries. Most have been strangers, but a few were bought by friends. The print copy has only sold to a few countries but in not as much of a variety. Mostly friends and acquaintances have been buying the print version so that they could get me to autograph it.
My life is stranger now than a year ago. I'm proud of my accomplishment, but also worry about how it is received. The one bad review was like a kick in the balls. I'm also getting ready to release the second book and that also comes with some of the same mixed emotions.
Jynx doesn't like it when I am writing around him. He doesn't care about the things I'm accomplishing. Instead, he sees me not paying attention to him when he wants, so he has to get on my lap. Since my laptop is already there, I have to move it out of the way to accommodate him. Maybe he senses my worry and is trying to comfort me. I doubt it, but would like to hope.
Lately, I've worried about Jynx. The introduction of Zailey into his life has not gone as smooth as I would have liked. I would hope that the puppy and the cat would be friends by now. I'm hoping it just takes time.
My book has been out one amazing year. I hope it takes less time than that for Zailey and Jynx to become friends.
August 10, 2015
puppy love
Well, my wife finally did it. She brought home a new dog. The new addition is a female blue heeler that is about 10 weeks old. Her name is Zailey.
I've known this day was coming for a while, so I can accept it. Jynx is a different matter. Several times since bringing the dog home, my wife has uttered the phrase, "Jynx, put away your foot!" It doesn't help. Jynx has popped the new puppy several times.
Zailey is a mild mannered dog. She has not retaliated back to the cat. She has tried to play with the kitty, but has been unsuccessful in getting Jynx to join in. The puppy has even taken some of Jynx's toys and played with them. This has ended up not helping relations.
Besides trying to pop the dog, Jynx has taken to hissing, yowling, and growling when the dog comes near. He clearly has no love for Zailey.
Zailey does have lots of love for me. She follows me around the house and wants my attention and approval. She even is content to lay by my side as I work on my computer.
I also have a new love. I've started writing another novel. Actually, the first half of the first chapter was started a year ago. I've finally finished the first chapter and have done more work on the outline for the full manuscript. Plus, with some help from some friends on Facebook, I've got a good title for it: Whispers Within.
Don't worry about my current projects. Tech Fear is still in production. I'm also still planning on releasing the second collection of stories called Dark Matter here in the next four months or so once final edits are done.
Between the new dog, the unaccepting cat, and all of my writing projects, I'm in for one hell of a ride. Hopefully, my sanity holds. Oh wait, my sanity left me a long time ago.
I've known this day was coming for a while, so I can accept it. Jynx is a different matter. Several times since bringing the dog home, my wife has uttered the phrase, "Jynx, put away your foot!" It doesn't help. Jynx has popped the new puppy several times.
Zailey is a mild mannered dog. She has not retaliated back to the cat. She has tried to play with the kitty, but has been unsuccessful in getting Jynx to join in. The puppy has even taken some of Jynx's toys and played with them. This has ended up not helping relations.
Besides trying to pop the dog, Jynx has taken to hissing, yowling, and growling when the dog comes near. He clearly has no love for Zailey.
Zailey does have lots of love for me. She follows me around the house and wants my attention and approval. She even is content to lay by my side as I work on my computer.
I also have a new love. I've started writing another novel. Actually, the first half of the first chapter was started a year ago. I've finally finished the first chapter and have done more work on the outline for the full manuscript. Plus, with some help from some friends on Facebook, I've got a good title for it: Whispers Within.
Don't worry about my current projects. Tech Fear is still in production. I'm also still planning on releasing the second collection of stories called Dark Matter here in the next four months or so once final edits are done.
Between the new dog, the unaccepting cat, and all of my writing projects, I'm in for one hell of a ride. Hopefully, my sanity holds. Oh wait, my sanity left me a long time ago.
August 1, 2015
frog
Jynx was pouncing on something the other night. My wife looked over and said, "Get that bug." That got my attention and I looked over in time to see the "bug" hop.
My wife was then like, "That isn't a bug. What is it?"
I saw that it was a tree frog and Jynx played with it again. I like tree frogs and I didn't want to see Jynx kill it. I ran over to save the frog from further harm.
At first, the frog was afraid of me and tried to hop away. But it was more afraid of Jynx. I was able to get the frog to hop onto my hand. I cupped it to prevent its escape and placed it outside the front door.
Jynx went nuts for the next ten minutes. He kept looking for that frog. He was convinced it was still in the house. He still wanted to play with the little guy.
It is almost time for me to go nuts with my red pen. My second collection of stories is nearing completion since I have decided to keep it down to twelve stories like Shorts: A Collection of Stories. I just need a few of the stories critiqued and do some follow up work after that. I'm thinking that I can get it to an editor here in a couple of months. Assuming it takes less than a month to edit, it could be out just before Halloween.
So like the tree frog, my next collection of stories is almost out the front door!
My wife was then like, "That isn't a bug. What is it?"
I saw that it was a tree frog and Jynx played with it again. I like tree frogs and I didn't want to see Jynx kill it. I ran over to save the frog from further harm.
At first, the frog was afraid of me and tried to hop away. But it was more afraid of Jynx. I was able to get the frog to hop onto my hand. I cupped it to prevent its escape and placed it outside the front door.
Jynx went nuts for the next ten minutes. He kept looking for that frog. He was convinced it was still in the house. He still wanted to play with the little guy.
It is almost time for me to go nuts with my red pen. My second collection of stories is nearing completion since I have decided to keep it down to twelve stories like Shorts: A Collection of Stories. I just need a few of the stories critiqued and do some follow up work after that. I'm thinking that I can get it to an editor here in a couple of months. Assuming it takes less than a month to edit, it could be out just before Halloween.
So like the tree frog, my next collection of stories is almost out the front door!
July 25, 2015
fear
Jynx had to go to the vet this week. I wasn't there, but to hear about all the whining, screaming, hissing, and clawing reminded me how much he hates going to the vet.
Several years ago, I had to take Jynx in to the vet for a checkup. I dropped him off in the morning and picked him up that evening since they were going to sedate him to even do anything. When I picked him up, he was absolutely out of his mind with fear. It was like he didn't know who I was. I had to put gloves on to try to pick him up and transfer him from the vet's cage to my carrier. Try was the operative word. Even with gloves on, my hands were ripped to shreds.
Finally, one of the techs helped me put the carrier in one side of the cage so that all I had to do was scare Jynx into it. Jynx threw a fit all the way home. I couldn't believe how much he hated me.
Lately, my anxiety has been a little high for several reasons. Work has been a strain. I'm putting a lot of effort into my coin business. The one bright spot is that Shorts: A Collection of Stories is doing better than ever. Plus, I'm about done with a second collection of stories. Getting it out in the world also adds a bit of anxiety.
So, while I have much to fear right now, I try to tell myself that things will work out. Unfortunately, my subconscious won't listen to me. I wish my life was more stable, but it being a roller coaster is half of the fun. Too bad Jynx doesn't like roller coasters.
Several years ago, I had to take Jynx in to the vet for a checkup. I dropped him off in the morning and picked him up that evening since they were going to sedate him to even do anything. When I picked him up, he was absolutely out of his mind with fear. It was like he didn't know who I was. I had to put gloves on to try to pick him up and transfer him from the vet's cage to my carrier. Try was the operative word. Even with gloves on, my hands were ripped to shreds.
Finally, one of the techs helped me put the carrier in one side of the cage so that all I had to do was scare Jynx into it. Jynx threw a fit all the way home. I couldn't believe how much he hated me.
Lately, my anxiety has been a little high for several reasons. Work has been a strain. I'm putting a lot of effort into my coin business. The one bright spot is that Shorts: A Collection of Stories is doing better than ever. Plus, I'm about done with a second collection of stories. Getting it out in the world also adds a bit of anxiety.
So, while I have much to fear right now, I try to tell myself that things will work out. Unfortunately, my subconscious won't listen to me. I wish my life was more stable, but it being a roller coaster is half of the fun. Too bad Jynx doesn't like roller coasters.
July 18, 2015
fishing
While out fishing last weekend, my wife caught a 17 inch white bass. When the fish hooked, it broke her reel. I had to hand wind the line to get the fish in the boat.
Since I had to buy my wife a new fishing reel, I decided that I also needed to upgrade my fishing pole. Besides, it sucked having no backup pole after hers broke.
Yesterday I was putting together the rods. Jynx spotted my activity and decided that fishing line was fun to play with. Even funner for him was when I got a swivel put on. He would jump after that swivel and kick at it. He was having fun playing with this. Then again, I was still trying to put these rods together as he played. He was screwing me up which frustrated me.
I went on a fishing expedition not too long ago with my writing. I ended up hooking a short story with a interesting theme. The main character was an immortal dragon who has spoken with several historical figures. Jesus was one of those figures. I had a comment about Jesus misinterpreting what the dragon said and told others that it was God talking to him.
Another historical figure that the dragon spoke to was Darwin. He theorized that since the dragon was older than any other life on this planet, all life evolved from him somehow. The dragon relates in the story that it was theorized that life evolved from the dragon's bowel movements after eating primordial soup.
As usual, I shared this story with one of my writing groups. There were a few people upset that Jesus talked to a dragon and not God. But people were more upset by the notion that life on Earth sprang from dragon shit.
So my fishing expedition ended in a place I didn't expect. My sense of humor seems to have gotten people upset when I didn't think that it would. I'm still trying to decide if that isn't entirely bad.
At least it is good to know that I can catch a Jynxy cat-fish any time I want. Jynx isn't offended by my fishing. Why should anyone else be? Comment below if you agree or disagree.
Since I had to buy my wife a new fishing reel, I decided that I also needed to upgrade my fishing pole. Besides, it sucked having no backup pole after hers broke.
Yesterday I was putting together the rods. Jynx spotted my activity and decided that fishing line was fun to play with. Even funner for him was when I got a swivel put on. He would jump after that swivel and kick at it. He was having fun playing with this. Then again, I was still trying to put these rods together as he played. He was screwing me up which frustrated me.
I went on a fishing expedition not too long ago with my writing. I ended up hooking a short story with a interesting theme. The main character was an immortal dragon who has spoken with several historical figures. Jesus was one of those figures. I had a comment about Jesus misinterpreting what the dragon said and told others that it was God talking to him.
Another historical figure that the dragon spoke to was Darwin. He theorized that since the dragon was older than any other life on this planet, all life evolved from him somehow. The dragon relates in the story that it was theorized that life evolved from the dragon's bowel movements after eating primordial soup.
As usual, I shared this story with one of my writing groups. There were a few people upset that Jesus talked to a dragon and not God. But people were more upset by the notion that life on Earth sprang from dragon shit.
So my fishing expedition ended in a place I didn't expect. My sense of humor seems to have gotten people upset when I didn't think that it would. I'm still trying to decide if that isn't entirely bad.
At least it is good to know that I can catch a Jynxy cat-fish any time I want. Jynx isn't offended by my fishing. Why should anyone else be? Comment below if you agree or disagree.
July 12, 2015
either way is fine
A good friend of mine and former college roommate came to visit this weekend. Jynx didn't know what to make of my friend being here.
Jynx would be purring. My friend would let Jynx sniff him before petting the cat. The cat would then claw and bite my friend's hand. Then the cat would be fine and back to purring once my friend withdrew his hand. My friend would see this as a sign to try again, but would get the same results. Jynx's bipolar disorder was working overtime.
I am very structured when it comes to how I write. I've got outlines for novels and I tend to come up with complete ideas for short stories before beginning to write them. This helps me a lot.
From time to time, I will forgo my outline or just start writing a story with no idea how it was going to end. These pieces end up feeling very organic as I write them. They also end up being some of my better pieces.
The down side to this unstructured writing is that I end up editing them over and over. The structured stuff ends up being done with just minor edits.
Which way is the better? Does it really matter? The more editing I do means more time. It also means that I'm writing more stuff that isn't in the final version. But in the end, either way sees a complete piece. That makes either way enjoyable to me.
Despite Jynx fighting my friend, he still got attention. Wouldn't it have been more enjoyable to not fight the attention being offered? Maybe, but it doesn't really matter to him and is bipolarness. Either way he got what he wanted like I get what I want out of my writing. So, really there is no right or wrong way to go.
Jynx would be purring. My friend would let Jynx sniff him before petting the cat. The cat would then claw and bite my friend's hand. Then the cat would be fine and back to purring once my friend withdrew his hand. My friend would see this as a sign to try again, but would get the same results. Jynx's bipolar disorder was working overtime.
I am very structured when it comes to how I write. I've got outlines for novels and I tend to come up with complete ideas for short stories before beginning to write them. This helps me a lot.
From time to time, I will forgo my outline or just start writing a story with no idea how it was going to end. These pieces end up feeling very organic as I write them. They also end up being some of my better pieces.
The down side to this unstructured writing is that I end up editing them over and over. The structured stuff ends up being done with just minor edits.
Which way is the better? Does it really matter? The more editing I do means more time. It also means that I'm writing more stuff that isn't in the final version. But in the end, either way sees a complete piece. That makes either way enjoyable to me.
Despite Jynx fighting my friend, he still got attention. Wouldn't it have been more enjoyable to not fight the attention being offered? Maybe, but it doesn't really matter to him and is bipolarness. Either way he got what he wanted like I get what I want out of my writing. So, really there is no right or wrong way to go.
July 4, 2015
on second thought
Yesterday, Jynx was begging to be let out. He was running to the door and throwing a fit. So my wife gave in and got the cat in his harness. She took him out and put him on his leash.
It was in the mid 80s and humid out. There was also not a cloud in the sky. Who could blame Jynx for changing his mind.
No sooner did my wife have the patio door closed than Jynx started hollering and throwing a fit to be let back in. He was done being outside.
The other day, I did something I rarely do. I completely rewrote the ending of a story. From time to time, I'll add to the ending of a story as I realize I haven't fully resolved everything. I will also cut back on an ending if I've droned on a bit too long.
This time, I deleted all but a few lines in the final five paragraphs and rewrote it. In the original ending, I had a character react in a manner that wasn't completely believable. Since this was a humor story, I was even able to throw in another joke on top of the funny ending in the rewrite. The character's behavior is now completely believable.
Now I can't take full credit for my change of mind here. I had shown the story to my mother and she had commented that the character's actions weren't believable.
No matter the cause, Jynx and I had good reason to second guess ourselves. Jynx and I both ended up in better place because of it.
It was in the mid 80s and humid out. There was also not a cloud in the sky. Who could blame Jynx for changing his mind.
No sooner did my wife have the patio door closed than Jynx started hollering and throwing a fit to be let back in. He was done being outside.
The other day, I did something I rarely do. I completely rewrote the ending of a story. From time to time, I'll add to the ending of a story as I realize I haven't fully resolved everything. I will also cut back on an ending if I've droned on a bit too long.
This time, I deleted all but a few lines in the final five paragraphs and rewrote it. In the original ending, I had a character react in a manner that wasn't completely believable. Since this was a humor story, I was even able to throw in another joke on top of the funny ending in the rewrite. The character's behavior is now completely believable.
Now I can't take full credit for my change of mind here. I had shown the story to my mother and she had commented that the character's actions weren't believable.
No matter the cause, Jynx and I had good reason to second guess ourselves. Jynx and I both ended up in better place because of it.
