January 25, 2003
I battled a migraine the better part of today, but I accomplished a lot fueled only by a can of Coke, 14 saltine crackers, and 2 Excedrin Migraine tablets. The first draft of Valentine '03 is done. I think it's a winner.
Heather gave me a couple pages of notes for my novel this afternoon. I felt kind of defensive when I was talking to her, but I have to credit her for staying on task. At one point when we were talking, my cat Penelope started throwing up. I was on the phone saying, "Oh no! Not there, Penelope! Please don't puke on the white carpet! Aw jeez, not on the white comforter, too!" Heather paused for about 2 seconds, then said, "In the third paragraph of Chapter 4 you have a comma splice." I had to interrupt her to ask for permission to wipe up the vomit. But that's why she's the sister/editor. She knows you can't lose your focus if you want to be a writer/slash/celebrity-writer. When I'm famous, I'll write a how-to book for aspiring authors and include this anecdote.
January 26, 2003
Superbowl Sunday. Is that important to note?
I got through 2 pages of my sister's notes today. I thought I hadn't been taking a lot of her suggestions, but when I looked back, I'd made changes in about 70% of the areas she pointed out. I think that's a good sign. I'm still catching pluperfect errors along the way, as well as qualifiers that don't match. Most recently, I found a magazine with cheekbones and elevator doors with hands. If I were writing sci-fi, I'd be a genius.
Curtis cut our phone conversation short last night so he could read my book. If that was his way of getting off the phone without hurting my feelings, he's a genius.
January 27, 2003
I took a nap then did a little writing tonight. I finally remembered to email a copy of my novel to myself so in case of flood or fire in my condo, the world will have KISSfiction.
And KISSfiction is already quite a commodity! With my 5 manuscripts distributed to the Volunteer Ready Army (Aunt Paula received hers today), I have already heard rumors of bribes. Jared tried to give Colleague Melissa a whopping 5 bucks for hers.
Speaking of Aunt Paula, I was going through some of my old emails, and I found a volume of her CD review that I never posted. How did I overlook her positive rating of "New York Groove" and controversial stance on KISS's disco tune, "I Was Made for Lovin' You"? I will be sure to post the continuation in hopes that she will forgive me and delve into the non-makeup catalog.
January 28, 2003
How did I write a book last year? I realize I'm trying to eat and sleep more this year, which cuts into my book time, but still... I just want to take a night off.
But that ain't happenin'. I'm going to get through at least one more page of my sister/editor's notes. Aunt Paula has only had the manuscript a day and she's already hot on the trail of the others. She's not diggin' my first page -- too minimalistic. I have to go back and look. Colleague Melissa wants to meet this week to go over her notes. This is all very cool.
Signs are literally flying around everywhere. Last night, Melissa left me a message from her cell phone. "I'm in my car with your manuscript and listen!!!" She held the phone up to the radio and it was the Who singing you know what. Tonight, I went to a student meeting where they played KISS music for me (and not just the dreaded "Rock & Roll All Nite" - these guys were seriously sucking up with some fairly obscure tracks). At the end of the meeting we all watched the Simpsons, which featured a cameo by the Who. Don'tcha know they sang "Won't Get Fooled Again"? This morning, Kurt Doan announced that he'd found a bat flying around our office. I love bats! They symbolize saying goodbye to the old and accepting the new. They also eat bugs. Say goodbye to the stale, awkward or otherwise crappy sections of my book. Thanks to the Volunteer Army, the bugs will be eaten and pooped out into literary guano.
I don't know what that means, either, but I like the word "guano."
January 29, 2003
I'm doing my best to keep editing, but I'm looking forward to more feedback from readers. Melissa is going to lunch with me tomorrow to talk about some concerns she has with some of the plot sequence. That sounds intriguing. Can't wait! Sister/editor is on my case about a sequel. Sheesh. First, let's get the original book published so I can be a big star. When I'm relegated to Hollywood Squares appearances I'll start working on the next one. Fair enough? (continue)
Into the Vote
Don't get pulled down with negative feelings. Do something nice - vote for KISSfiction.com as your favorite link on KISS's website. Just click on the cartoon Colette on the left.
Diary Table of Contents * Diary Cast of Characters * Links
Guestbook * KISSfic Yahoo Group * Contact the Author
