April Assizes (Don't worry, it's not what you think)
A time for assessment but not judgments
From an older version of my brain, to yours.
Things to celebrate! and Things to ponder…
I turned in my suspense book to my editor last week! Hurrah!! I had a lot of fun writing this one, and I hope she enjoys reading it. By my extremely suspect calculations, the earliest I might hear back is mid-May.
The Crime Writers for Trans Rights auction raised over 300% of our original fund-raising goal!!! Can you believe it? It was incredible witnessing the outpouring of support for the cause, The Transgender Law Center and its vital work for trans rights. Not only support from the 200+ donors in the crime writing, larger writing, and crafters communities, but also from all the people who shared in the excitement on socials and who bid. We also heard from people, just out of the blue, that it mattered to them, deeply, to see our heartfelt efforts.
It was fun. It was exhausting. It was uplifting.
And now I find myself akin to a puddle of sludge. I don’t really want to be doing anything, y’know? Which is why this edition of Musings is late. (Also, please excuse any typos!)
At the same time, I am also finishing up my taxes, and feeling deep gratitude for my accountant and his calm, level-headed demeanour. FTR, I am way ahead of the curve! I even shepherded my entire family, including a newbie, to file early. Which also means, I already know how much we owe.
In addition to my book deadline, and the auction, I’ve also been mentoring two early-stage writers in the Humber College creative writing program since January. That involves reviewing biweekly (or so) writing submissions, as well as brief monthly check-ins. I’m glad for the break between semesters, which just started.
Naturally, I find myself assessing what’s next.
For starters, you might be glad to know I’m taking a bit of a break. I promise to do my best to rest and recuperate! Some health issues have cropped up and I hope rest will help manage them.
For another, other than whatever happens with the suspense novel, I’m not currently under contract for another book. Which means I have some breathing room to write what I want. I think it’ll be a second romance novel, but I also have pressing ideas for a fantasy series, a standalone scifi horror, and another standalone suspense novel. And, of course, there’s still a third romance novel, too; it would round out the romance trilogy I started during the shelter-at-home phase of the pandemic.
All to say, the world is my oyster! I might not feel quite as exhilarated as that proclamation deserves, but I hope to regain all of my enthusiasm after a brief holiday from work and volunteer responsibilities. Fingers crossed!
~ In-Person Workshop - May 3rd ~
I’ll be presenting as part of the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County annual spring conference. I’m including the registration page link here, but please note there are some errors. I did ask for corrections to the ones related to me and my session. Corrections might still be coming, but for now, the most important to note is:
My session is called Plotting Characters. It’s not strictly about ‘creating strong characters,’ but rather, we go through writing exercises which will help create a strong plot from deep characterization.
If you’re in the Edmonton area or in Sherwood Park, there’s still plenty of time to register. I hope to see you there.
~ In Other News ~
I’m back on the Agents of SMOOCH roster! Starting tonight, I record an epi on Pride & Prejudice (2005). I cannot freaking believe it’s been 20 years since I watched this film in the theatre.
Next week, I record another epi on Sense & Sensibility! Another vivid theatre-going experience. I also still recall that Emma Thompson gave an absolutely delightful Golden Globes acceptance speech when she won for best adapted screenplay.
News on drop dates in future Musings.I started streaming the series Scandal, my first time watching. As of this writing, I’m on S3:E12 I think. It is a fascinating time machine into 2012-15 era American fashion and tech but also, I wish they’d done Kerry Washington’s hair differently. I find myself distracted by how much I don’t like it. She’s still stunning, don’t get me wrong.
Also, the plot lines are bonkers, and so much of the social and political commentary is still painfully relevant, if not even more so in some cases.I deactivated the Q&A link for a while, but if you’re interested in subbing a new question, here it is again! I’m happy to resurrect the Q&A Corner whenever it suits.
Oh, there’s just one more thing...
One of my auction committee friends has a line into Marvel Studios / Disney / Star Wars (!!!) and so we tried using that connection to ask for a donated item from Pedro Pascal. It didn’t work out, sadly, but it was pretty neat to feel like we had a chance. If you didn’t know he’s a vocal supporter of trans rights, then here’s a wee tidbit for you.
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