A new writing contract at the end of a week I don’t wish to see repeated

This week has been one of a good thing negated by several bad things, wash, rinse, repeat. Last weekend was wonderful. Honey and I went out for date night on Friday, I always have fun with him, followed by an 8k writing marathon, progressing my Hollywood story to nearly 78k. I pushed into the light at the end of the tunnel, indicating I know where the story’s going and how it will end.

The challenge with this one is that it spans nearly 30 years. Truth be known, that’s my favorite kind of story, probably because I like to know what happens to people, and not just get a slice of their life.

On Monday, when I attempted to write  more, I came across my old friend – doubt – not a particularly companionable sort, and I started to question some things about the story. Though I wrote 2k on Monday, I suspect I’ll chuck them and more, as I’ve now decided to do a complete read through, adjust the timeline by four years, of course, check for continuity, and see if the ending I have planned is what it really should be. No one said writing is easy.

Tuesday, the whole world seemed to come at me at once and it didn’t stop until Friday, yesterday, when something amazing happened, but I get ahead of myself.

Now, along the way, good news was interspersed with the bad. Our youngest daughter called to say that she and her fiance had decided to push up the wedding and get married very quietly, with only family and a few close friends, on May 5. They’re living together anyway, and no, there aren’t any arrivals expected in the coming months, they just don’t want a fuss. We’re thrilled, as we trust this guy completely with our daughter and grandpuppy, Fiona, so the wedding is a fait accompli.

My legs have been giving me fits for months and this week seemed to be one of those times when they said, “Oh, hell yeah. She’s having a hard time anyway, why not?” Achy, restless, and swollen. Yeah, a doctor is in my future. I’ve put it off for several years and I fear I can’t deal much longer.

Princess Promotions took on several new clients, and Daphne is as busy as I’ve ever seen her. That’s a good thing and it brings her to the house a couple of days a week. I like that.

Some matters concerning a member of our extended family flared badly this week, grieving me terribly, because I had to tell someone I love very much (not my honey!) that they were wrong and that they were responsible for the bad decisions that has brought his life to the breaking point. Tough to say those words, but I haven’t second guessed myself. They’ve needed saying for a long time.

Then my website vanished, eaten by something that ails Blogger. I spouted a whole new vocabulary over that little affair, particularly because you can’t call anyone or even email anyone. They have help forums, which don’t.

Honey and I went out last night for date night. Saw Safe with Jason Statham, who never lets us down. Lots of action and raw angst. Love it. Then, on to a Thai restaurant, which was very good. We’ll reprise it at lunch, because neither of us could finish and brought home leftovers.

I checked my email when I got home and found a very welcome new writing contract. Dreamspinner Press bought my story, For Men Like Us. I’ve very excited and look forward to working with them. The story is a gay historical and one I’m very proud of. Beta readers loved it, giving me some very positive feedback.

With a tentative release in September, I can’t wait to get started and get it ready for publication before I go to Gay Rom Lit in October.

I second guessed myself and the story after it was harshly critiqued by someone who admitted they had barely started reading it, but based on a few sentences, they felt qualified to wax on about writing style and story, followed by, “Unless, of course, your writing style is different with historicals than it is with contemporaries.”

Ah, yeah, it is.  It’s necessary to set the stage for the time period, and I do that partly by the use of archaic English or at least my version of it, based on reading, documentaries, and period movies.  After shaking off the crit, I subbed it to Dreamspinner and I’m so glad I did, because seven weeks later, I’ve gotten a contract and some very encouraging words from Elizabeth North.

Lastly, I finished reading Heidi Cullinan’s historical, A Private Gentleman, and enjoyed it very much. I will have the courage to tell her so face to face at Gay Rom Lit, something I couldn’t bring myself to do last year, speak to the lady, that is, as I’m a huge fan. I also started and am almost finished with Country Mouse, by Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov.

Now, no two writers could be more disparate, yet this book works seamlessly. I recognize Aleks in the writing and have to assume Amy is what I don’t recognize, but I’ll be remedying that very soon. This book is quirky, funny, poignant, and light, which I needed at the end of this past week.

Here’s a quote that I found described some people I know:

“You’re a nice guy, but that’s like blood in the water. Attracts all kinds of unpleasant people who’re just trawling for a weakness. Any weakness.”

And

“It’s not unreasonable to ask for a little respect.”

My own – “I’m nice till I’m not.”

Off to see what mischief I can get into today. I suspect writing isn’t a part of the equation, though. Maybe tomorrow.

Hugs.