@adriabailton
Howdy!
This week I'm running a few days late due to recording a great ZOOM panel on the Thunderbolts* movie for Con-Tinual: The Con that never ends.
I've been running around trying to make sure my smile doesn't have a big hole in it.
I found joy this week in binging the Amazon series Etoile. I with there was more than one season--I love watching ballet.
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #WritersofMastodon #amreading #amwriting #amwatching
@neve
Do I have any submission/publishing plans this month? Am I planning any promotion?
I'm hoping to go back through some recent stories and find new places to submit them.
A new antho I have a story in will have a book launch at Balticon on Memorial Day weekend.
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #amresearching #alternatehistory #writersofmastodon
@neve
How am I planning to balance my writing time with everything else this month?
Short answer: Poorly.
Long answer: Really poorly.
I'm terrible at this. It's been an issue since my hubby moved his office upstairs anticipating foot surgery. It's since been revised once, and needs to heal before they can revise again . . .
I'll share his meetings forever . . .
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #amresearching #alternatehistory #writersofmastodon
@neve
What writing goals am I excited to dive into this month?
--Write the first draft of the alternate history short story
--More novel research
--Write a piece of flash
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #amresearching #alternatehistory #writersofmastodon
@neve
How did last month go in terms of my word count or publishing goals?
Honestly, I've done better. I've mostly been researching for two different alternate history projects, one short story and one novel.
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #amresearching #alternatehistory #writersofmastodon
@neve
Monthly check-in . . . just a titch late.
I'm scrambling to get ready and judge a cat show this weekend--they forgot to actually ask me, so I didn't find out until Wednesday. (Normal is months to years in advance).
I'm back to dieting. It's going well, I think. Week 2 of new meds.
Had some fun at the dojo this week--pulled out my new lightsaber to use for a sword form.
@Priyajsridhar
What is one random act of kindness that you will do for yourself this week?
Try to make up sleep after the long drive home!
@Priyajsridhar
Random acts of kindness focus on doing little things that can brighten someone else's day or have a ripple affect. In your writing, what is the kindest thing a character has done?
An apprentice helps a lost girl in the market (it's a fairy tale).
@Priyajsridhar
The sin of empathy ... <snip> progressives emotionally manipulate evangelicals into supporting causes they would otherwise reject. <snip> How would your characters respond if facing this belief?
If my characters were actual caring people, they'd be devastated by the aid shutdowns and other terrible things happening, irrespective of the "emotional manipulation."
#Writephant #lateWritephant
@Priyajsridhar
Not all works of fiction are kind. Some are tragedies while others focus on the horror and terror within an impossible situation. Nabokov's Lolita is all about when a man lacking empathy grooms his stepdaughter while painting her as the villain. Do you believe even the cruelest stories are rooted in the principle of kindness's presence or absence?
I hate to say it, but I think this one is above my pay grade. Sorry.
@Priyajsridhar
Nabokov & James say empathy lies at the heart of the story. As a writer, how do you feel about this notion?
I agree wholeheartedly. If readers don't care about *any* of your characters, they won't be invested in your story, and they'll lose interest. They need a way in.
@Priyajsridhar
How are you doing today (February 17th), and what is bringing you joy?
I didn't answer anything on the 17th because I was still driving home from an amazing Boskone. I said hi to Cory Doctorow (in person this time!), Kelley Armstrong, Frank Wu, and finally met Brianna Wu. It was a great Boskone!
@Priyajsridhar
I'm Elektra Hammond. Find me at untilmidnight.com
See me talk about SF/F, writing, comics, TV, and Supernatural at Con-Tinual (the Con that Never Ends) on Facebook and Youtube.
If anyone's near Parsippany, NJ this weekend, I'm judging a cat show at the Sheraton on Sunday--stop by and say hi!
My next convention will be Boskone 62 over Valentine’s Day weekend.
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #amediting #alternatehistory #writersofmastodon
@Priyajsridhar
Today is a rather contentious day. How am I self-soothing or cuddling?
I'm answering this late, but I spent much of January 6th torturing myself in remembrance by watching the news--then buried myself in Hallmark movies.
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #writersofmastodon #neverforgetjanuary6th
@Priyajsridhar
What other forms of self-care do I have in addition to cuddling? Do these routines help with my writing?
I've been trying [desperately] to get plenty of sleep--difficult for an insomniac who's most comfortable staying up until 4am. Quviviq has been a lifesaver.
Unfortunately, events in the world [and the loss of my shrink] have totally disrupted my writing brain.
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #writersofmastodon
@Priyajsridhar
In some stories, Cuddles is an ironic name for a monster. What monsters do I like, who have odd names?
Hagrid's 3-headed dog Fluffy, who helps protect the Sorceror's Stone for Dumbledore.
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@Priyajsridhar
Cuddles can also cause a sensory overload, as can other forms of physical contact. Do any gestures cause a sensory overload for me?
I'm generally okay with contact, as long as it's someone I know.
I do have to tell the kitty not to use her teeth when she shows affection and starts cleaning me . . .
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #WritersOfMastodon #NationalCuddleDay
@Priyajsridhar
It is National Cuddle Day. Do I like cuddles? How about my characters?
I love cuddles--I'm a hugger. And I cuddle with my kitties all the time.
I haven't written a cuddly character. Yet. Hmm.
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #WritersOfMastodon #NationalCuddleDay
@Priyajsridhar
Today I'm answering #Writephant a day late (and a dollar short). Yesterday I was recording a ZOOM panel for #Con-Tinual during the usual time period.
My joy right now is coming from memories of Spot, also known as Fluffy, my beautiful black and white maine coon who passed over the rainbow bridge this weekend after a battle with cancer.
#lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #amwriting #WritersOfMastodon
@neve
What strategies do I use to limit screen time and avoid burnout while writing?
I have a 14-month old maine coon who thinks she's still a kitten and constantly needs attention. She makes sure I don't spend too much time working. Also, my bladder . . .
#Writephant #lateWritephant #WritingCommunity #WritersofMastodon #selfcare
