August 17, 2004
My writing is cleaner than I thought. I made it through 100 manuscript pages in my search for "as" and I found that about 2/3 of them were just fine. I had to KISS the other as's goodbye.

I've been warned that waiting for copyright licenses can take months, and as recently as 5 days ago, I was writing mean things about the music publishing world in my diary.

I take it all back. If I'd only checked my cell's voice mail yesterday I would have realized that the publisher already tried to fax me their price quotes. And she was friendly not only in her message, but when I called back too. Starting today, my sychophancy will be real.

August 18, 2004
300 pages of "as" in 3 nights. Not bad.

Since the almight music publisher has the price quotes for lyrics on the way, I re-entered the secret lair of KISS this afternoon. It's not the first time, but I still get nervous. So much is on the line here! I tried scripting what I was going to say, but I still felt like a bumbling moron when I called. I plan to use Sunday as my day of preparation for the big request mailing. Maybe I'll conduct some type of ceremonial ritual for good luck before I drop the envelope in the box. I'm open to suggestions as to what that would look like. Please keep it clean, pervs.

August 19, 2004
The official KISSfiction MVP of the month is none other than Universal Polygram. I've saved up literally thousands of dollars to pay the licensing fees for the six snippets of KISS song lyrics used in Won't Get Fooled Again. Today, the fax with the publisher's price quotes arrived. They approved every single song. I held my breath as my finger scrolled down the contract to find the dollar amounts.

Twenty. Bucks. Each.

After more than a few squeals, I went to my office to check my email. Look at the Dictionary.com word of the day:

Only one wildcard remains... Mr. Simmons.

August 20, 2004
I made it through 70 more pages of "as" tonight. Only 20 more to go, then I have to sweep through again to find unncessary pluperfect. But, hey! I have my copyright licenses! Well, almost. I still have to pay for them.

I sent an update to the copyright professional who secretly coached me during the licensing of the "Living the Fantasy" music. Here is an excerpt from her response:

This is the same woman who used the F word the very first time I talked to her and said, "They're not nice people" in reference to KISS. If she believes in me, I can't fail. I'll use Sunday to perfect me letter and send it out.

August 21, 2004
There is a game called "Two Truths and a Lie" in which you share things about yourself and others have to guess fact from fiction. Here's today's version. Did I...

They're all true. Now I'm going to sleep sleep sleep for the first time in 3 weeks. Tomorrow, I need to be alert so all my attention can focus on Gene Simmons. Just the way he likes it.

August 22, 2004
Done and done. All I need is a post office, and then the weight of Won't Get Fooled Again will rest on GS's shoulders. I like that image - especially when I imagine him in his Destroyer costume.

I suppose the only way to properly celebrate is --- karaoke with Matt and Joe.

August 23, 2004
The only thing between my destiny and me is a gigantic man who wears high heels and more makeup than your mommy.

August 24, 2004
Tensions are fairly high at the day job right now, but I'm proud of my staff(s).

Not much time for KISSfiction work as the marathon I call August continues. I've made initial contact with a proofreader who is ready to give a professional eye to all the itty bitty details I'm supposed to catch in final read-throughs. I know myself well enough to realize I suck at details, so as cheap as I am, I'm going to hire someone else.

My sister and I are now proudly featured at the ZO2 website. How cute are we with our big pink banner? Two of the guys from the band were members of KISS Nation. That's the tribute band with my favorite "Gene." KISS Nation can be seen performing in the KISSfiction documentary, "Living the Fantasy," and ZO2 was the band that opened for KISS this summer. That's your faux-KISStory lesson of the day. (continue)