Alvin's Farm

made me smile

2012-01-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

Been watching the download results for the last few weeks; this novel has done very well on Sony, which updates through Smashwords weekly. Already 55 copies of Alvin's Farm have been collected by readers! Well, today Barnes & Noble posted figures allegedly though 1 December. They noted 99 copies were downloaded. That was WONDERFUL! Yet one thing puzzles me...

This novel was only released on 1 December. On Smashwords. It didn't hit B&N until around the middle of the month.

Which means two things. 1) B&N are really reporting figures through the END of December. And 2) that's pretty darn cool!

A few reviews have popped up on Barnes & Noble, one nice, one meh. But opinions are always welcome, as we each have our own. If nothing else, the book is circulating, what more can a writer ask for?

a month in review

2011-12-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy few weeks, my husband having his thyroid removed, family visiting, Christmas celebrated. I even finished a novel this month, as Alvin's Farm was downloaded, even reviewed. Suzy Dubot left a brilliant notice, only after one day! I don't know what hit me more, those five stars or that she read it so soon after its release. Nothing means more to an author than feedback, and when it's positive and immediate, good grief! That set me up for a month of writer's joy.

After that, I watched as this novel was downloaded often, up to one hundred twenty on Smashwords at last check. It went into online distribution, and on Sony had reached twenty-two downloads in the four days preceding Christmas! I'm looking forward to Barnes & Noble's figures, when they report, then Sony's next numbers on Wednesday (thank goodness one retailer takes free downloads seriously).

But it's not just the numbers, it's how good it feels to have this book in other hands, regardless of how many. Suzy's generous words thrilled, and as I prepare The Thorn And The Rose, I'm flush with immense satisfaction, also gratitude. Writing does come easily to me, but it's also hard work. Much time goes into my manuscripts, each a labor of love. Seeing copies fall into other's hands produces excitement, which spurs the creative juices. Publishing is a long, sometimes lonely road, but I am so glad to be on it, couldn't imagine leaving my novels to a lifeless hard drive. This is why I write, to share my stories. As time passes, I look forward to releasing more, garnering feedback. Thank goodness for Smashwords, which makes it so easy to format, then upload novels. Blessing abound, as plentiful as the words!

so now...

2011-12-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

What a great feeling I woke with this morning, even after a poor night's sleep; I was up at 2 a.m. with awful cramps in my left ankle; I'll try to drink more fluids today. The week has been a blur of last-minute edits, but now as the sun shines, the wind long gone but depositing fallen brown leaves all over our back patio, I have great peace. Alvin's Farm is done, for all to read.

What is that like; it's like the morning after giving birth, still achy but the whole process sits in your arms, warm and good smelling, perfect and new. Whatever comes from this novel waits as each day passes, wherever it lands and whomever it touches. I try to write meaningful manuscripts that explore life. I write because I have little choice, and this novel, this series, dude! It was really only going to be some small tale, some aside. But it turned into far more than I imagined; I never imagined six novels about a handicapped farmer, a suspicious woman, a strangled ad-man. Alvin, Jenny and Sam became so much larger than I knew in February of 2009.

One of the pleasures of writing is how it unwinds, sometimes right along the outline, but this novel had no such compass, and I let it meander. When I finished it, the actual story was far from over; I walked outside, looking at the bright blue March sky, curious to just what had occurred. I had no idea what I'd accomplished, or what remained. And today I feel that way again; Alvin's Farm is out of my hands, just like it was on that day. This day is as sunny, maybe just as cool, but instead of leaves budding, they lie all over my backyard. And unlike before, with so much still to be decided, now the thoughts and opinions aren't mine. I'm done with Alvin's Farm, leaving it in others' hands.

Like every writer, I hope someone finds enjoyment from it, hoping to reach or touch just one soul. Maybe that's all writers should strive for; I am just one, so perhaps a solitary exchange is all that needs to be shared. Many novels are emerging due to independent publishing, here's another. One quiet story, but it led to five more. I didn't plan that, equally I have idea what happens next. All I know is Alvin, Jenny and Sam are freed from my hard drive, my mind. How they began is liberated, five more novels to set them truly to rest.

But today, I'll herald this arrival. Each book is precious, stands on its own merits. A happy day for this writer, watching this novel take its first independent steps. Off it goes, doing whatever it was meant to accomplish.

this book is live

2011-12-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

As of 5.09 p.m. here in California, Alvin's Farm is available for free on Smashwords. More soon, time to update other sites...

Hoot hoot!! I LOVE this book!

last edits day 3

2011-11-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

Just finishing, and I mean finishing. Tomorrow I'll format, and hopefully this time tomorrow evening, the book will be on Smashwords. Either Thursday or Friday, one of the two...

Okay, another couple of chapters to check. Boy will I sleep well tonight!

last edits day 2

2011-11-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

Dolly Parton's "Bargain Store" starts off the day. Exactly what Jenny thinks about her life, circa 1974.

Final revisions are funny; If I read this again, little things will be altered, but there's only so much a manuscript can take before starting to feel over-tweaked. Like, well, Dolly herself, a beautiful woman who now appears unlike herself, but that my personal feeling about massive plastic surgery. Jenny feels her worth is nil, but Alvin's going to change that. Alvin, Tommie, and Sam. Sam Cassel most of all.

Okay, back to the coal mines...

last edits

2011-11-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

When I reached this point with The War On Emily Dickinson, I edited to music, George Winston's piano solos. I was thinking about someone who died a long time ago, and as Emily Dickinson deals with a LOT of loss, it seemed apropos. Today I'm delving into the last round of revisions for this novel, and I'm going to listen to some of the playlist as I go. First up is "Daniel" by Elton John. I love this song, and this novel, set in the mid-1970s, is ripe with tunes. So, here I go...

a few more left

2011-11-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

A few more chapters, that is. I've really done some good work with the iBooks editing, found only a few typos, mostly just redundant, slowing prose. I have the title photo, need to get that scanned, and then one more look while the cover is sorted.

Then this novel will be published

I'm looking forward to that, for many reasons, but one is silly; the thrill of getting a new story released. Yes, I love this novel and want it out to begin the series, to move along the belt of tales. But there's a sweet hit of NEW BOOK that I never thought would matter. Once I published my initial indie novel, I thought that would be it.

I was wrong. And with this one the first of a series, what will that harbor for the rest?

I'll find out soon!

iBooks editing

2011-11-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm planning on publishing this novel soon, either at the end of this month or the beginning of December. Right now I'm revising due to reading it on iBooks. Nothing like looking at another font to open one's eyes.

But I need to get some more done on it. Writing two novels concurrently doesn't exactly help. Hopefully this week I can get more accomplished.

We will see...

I was so naive...

2011-11-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm writing up the Liner Notes for this novel and man am I glad I started this blog right when the idea hit me.

Because no way would I have imagined what a small little story I thought this was going to be.

HAH!

No, really I did. Go back to the initial entries and you'll find an author full of it. That would be me. I actually thought this was going to be some little tale, maybe 60K. 60K? 60K.

By 60K I was barely getting started!

Just had to note this. Now, back to the Liner Notes. Synopses are done, dedication is complete, tags are ready. Just need to edit one or two more times, then this novel goes LIVE!

(Such a small little tale; NOT!)

up next

2011-10-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

So this novel, one of my most beloved, is next in the publishing queue. I just put out A Slider, Tumbling yesterday, plenty of hoo haa about that novel on the main blogs. But as this story is so close to my heart, and my youngest is making the lasagna, I wanted to wax a bit about what writing this tale means to me.

When I wrote this story, I had big plans, and soon it became apparent that one novel wouldn't be enough. If memory serves, I finished this book, then walked outside, finding my husband youngest in the front yard, feeling that while I was done, things were far from over. I knew another book was in the works in April, 2009. I didn't know a total of five more would follow.

Alvin, Jenny, Sam and Tommie got under my skin. Rae and Max, Chelsea too. By the time I'd written The Thorn And the Rose, I was heavily invested in these people, their lives, their dreams. Their failings, and when I began the last novel (what I thought was the last), a bittersweet notion reared. Memories Of Home would be it, end the story, one that originally I thought I could shoehorn into one book. It took three. Then, only weeks later, I decided to write a second tier, update these folks, tell another level of this tale. I aged everyone twenty-four years, introducing new characters, bringing another generation of Cassels and Smiths into the clan. I wrote those books, The Farm At Sam And Jenny's, An Innate Sense Of Recognition, and The Timeless Nature Of Patience in 2010, the last book in November. I like writing sequels or the last of a series in November, a good way to end the year, making NaNoWriMo even more special. At the time, I had no plans to publish independently, wasn't sure how these books would be released, as I'm not a series author I've written a couple of books with sequels, but a series takes a lot out of, well, me. Maybe other authors thrive on it, but when Timeless Nature was done, so was I! But the feeling of accomplishment was huge, also tempered. This really was it for Sam, Jenny, Tommie and Alvin

In reading these books over the last several months, one chapter each morning, I've been inundated with farmers in Oregon. With the 1970s, with unrequited love. With disabilities and addiction, with joy and heartache. I wrote these books as a sort of love toward my own childhood, the good and bad. But mostly I wrote these novels because I just couldn't do anything else. I never planned to write a series, never! But it worked out that way, sometimes driving me batty. Driving me, I was driven to finish these books, and to think in a matter of weeks the first will be published, oh my goodness! Maybe someday I'll write another series, but nothing will ever been like this one, two trilogies but so necessary of the other, tales I just had to pen. Maybe no one else will feel this way about them, but I am so proud to have been blessed with these folks, so humbled by their stories. Yes I'm the writer, but I'm also just the hands on a keyboard. This series makes that more than plain. Alvin's Farm begot five more books, but more, a belief in myself as a teller of stories. A novelist, I am a novelist. Nothing is more lovely for an author than the feeling of one's baby ready to hit the world!

in the middle but getting closer

2011-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'm editing The Thorn and the Rose right now, the second novel in this series, but I thought I should pop in here, as it's this book that's getting published in November/December. Going to get this series underway, and in reading through it last month, I feel so blessed to have written it. Not only did this one idea spawn five more books, but these characters are probably some of my very favorites. Jenny and Alvin, Sam and Tommie, Rae, Max and Liz; such a great cast! As it stands now, I'll get this novel out, probably in December, then The Thorn and the Rose in May, winding down with Memories of Home next fall. The last three need some work, probably won't see daylight for a couple of years, but we'll see. If others feel about Jenny and Alvin as I do, maybe we'll move those later three to the forefront.

Time will tell!

under 107K!

2010-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

So I started editing this story a few days back, and halfway through was hoping to get it under 107,000 words. Starting it at 108,500 or thereabouts, this was a challenge, especially since I felt it was an edit not really meant for hacking and slashing.

But I did just that, eliminating over 1,500 words! Down to 106,800 or so, creeping to 1,700 overall omitted. That was so good, as it feels better to see it closer to 105K than 110K.

Some chapters were pretty set, but a few at the end had some real work accomplished. That was rewarding, and I think I'm going to dive into the next book in this series, see what a Stanza edit can sort there. That will start tomorrow, but this story is in a pretty nice way.

At least sitting at 106K it is!

getting closer

2010-03-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

I almost had a title for the new story, then it faded. But I have been working on the plotting, and that's coming along well.

I'm looking forward to this new series, as I'm sure it's going to be at least two novels. Maybe a third, we'll see what happens once I begin writing.

Which will probably be in April, my not the Script Frenzy novel.

only an idea

2010-02-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

I'm pondering writing another book (or two) with this series, these characters, setting it ahead in time to 2005, thirty years from when Jenny Cope moved to Arkendale.

Already I have the beginning, and the very end. The same with Alvin's Farm, and that notion ended up being three books totaling over 300K. Not sure IF this is going to happen, but the plot is there.

I wonder if it will come to pass. No title at all yet, only some ideas. Hmmm....

just to say...

2009-07-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

This story was originally going to be a small tale.

Now it's evolved into the beginning of a trilogy, and the last piece, or what I really HOPE is the last piece, will be written in November, for NANO 2009.

That month had been reserved for Call Me Padre, but now that title has been booted into 2010.

Well, at least there is a lot of mileage from this tale, who would have thunk it???

Excerpt Monday

2009-06-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Ninety minutes later the meal was gone, mostly demolished by the four males, the women offering only a slight touch. Jenny noted Alana was quiet like Steve, Max and Lexi to talk the most. Talk more than their siblings, Alvin, Tommie, and Rae carrying the bulk. From her silence, Jenny noted the couple’s devotion, but such different temperaments. Tommie talked, but it was Rae with the fire, where Max and Lexi got their voices. Steve said maybe two words, only when baseball was mentioned and Jenny found the resemblance between father and son uncanny, both sharing the same pleasant face; medium brown eyes, straight noses, wide smiles on each. Jenny found Tommie wasn’t pushy, trying to live through his child. Steve’s talent was for pitching while Tommie had been a fielder, yet the love for the game ran through both, and Jenny saw what had been, before Tommie’s injury.

Then to the Smith women, Lexi and Alana both blonde like their mother, with gray eyes and round faces. Rae was full of her opinions on this and that, but Jenny had gotten a few words with the girls about Joni Mitchell and Elton John, all she contributed. Otherwise she sat next to Alvin, feeling his hand take hers under the table, giving it an occasional squeeze. Rae complained about their neighbors, the kids’ schools, and the rain. Only with the latter did she include any laughter.

Jenny viewed them all, this family that was Alvin’s. Not by blood, but necessity, longevity, proximity. He was comfortable with them, even the kids, who he did address by name. He pulled two sentences from Steve about the Giants, both wishing for a team closer. There were rumors Seattle might be next in line for a major league team, the Seahawks coming to the NFL next year. Steve and Max began discussing sports, Max more inclined towards football, and as Lexi and Alana cleared the table, Jenny noticed the adults were left alone.

She hadn’t looked at herself since arriving, and no one had mentioned anything. Jenny had felt Rae’s eyes on her, but Rae had the good sense, or maybe it was just tact, to keep quiet. The headache was gone, but Jenny only wanted a good night’s sleep. Sleep off the biggest meltdown she’d had in memory.

She hadn’t even broken down like that during therapy, never letting that much go at one time. Alvin had only held her, not tightly, but with arms that let her cry, kept her from falling apart altogether. She hadn’t spoken any words, only bawling her head off, trying to breathe, the scent of old musty hay filling her lungs. She could still smell it, even in this house, ham and sweet potatoes also lingering.

Alvin and Tommie’s voice interspersed with Rae’s and Jenny closed her eyes, glad the kids were gone. She’d enjoyed talking about music with the girls, not so far from those days of caring about her favorite artists and movies. She’d left records with Alan in Jacksonville, 8-Tracks with Buster in Miami. Her Elton John and Joni Mitchell cassettes were in Las Cruses, Tony having hidden them from her, hoping to keep her there. She’d been so angry, but time had grown short, and she’d fled without them. Alvin didn’t have a stereo, so there would have been no way to play them, but her favorite albums, Court and Spark and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road were now in the hands of a stoned idiot, and Jenny knew she’d never have those tapes again.

She leaned back, her head going to Alvin’s shoulder. How many possessions had she left at seventeen, fleeing home? Only taking the minimum of clothes, she’d agonized over the few bits of her youth worth keeping; two small stuffed animals had gone in her duffel, the same bag she had arrived in Arkendale with, the same bag that had traveled to Georgia, Florida, New Mexico and now Oregon. Feeling Alvin’s warm squeeze of her hand, was this her last stop?

She’d left behind things all over the southeast, then one state in the southwest, but it had begun in Colorado. Jenny had run from home only carrying the most basic of items, hadn’t looked back. Left her driver’s license there too, and since 1963, she hadn’t legally driven a car. She still knew how, but hadn’t wanted anyone to trace her, wanted only to disappear. How she’d felt coming to the Smith’s that day, her face a broken mess of spilled tears, only hoping to slip into the shadows, unnoticed. Yet, here she was, and it was okay. No one had asked WHY she looked so horrible, no one barging in on her agony, plainly displayed.

There in the dining room, no one was perfect. Jenny looked a mess, as did Tommie’s right hand, Rae’s left leg, Alvin’s head. Inside his skull was a tangled mess of gray matter no one could sort and Jenny heard his laughter. She didn’t know the cause, but it was warm, honest, right, the first man in her life she didn’t fear.

A knock broke into her thoughts, loud and sharp. She moved slightly, looking to the doorway. Tommie got up with a grin, as if he knew the caller. “Well, I’ll be,” he said, getting to the hall, looking towards the front door. “Jacob, Sam, what the hell you two doing here?”

Jenny gazed down, then to Alvin, whose face held a happy smile. He stood, going to the doorway. Only Rae remained, also with a pleased expression.

“Well, when little brother comes down, gotta go see Tommie and Alvin,” came a voice unknown to Jenny. She knew Jacob Cassel was the other member of Alvin’s contingent, had heard there was a younger brother, but Alvin had never mentioned Sam by name.

The brothers came through, two six packs of beer in hand, and Jenny wished she could hide. Stealing looks, she observed the taller man with a great head of curly brown hair, thick beard and moustache kiss Rae, then turn her way.

“You must be Jenny,” Jacob Cassel said, moving behind Rae.

Alvin came from the other side and Jenny was trapped between them. “Uh, yeah,” she muttered.

“Jenny, this is Jacob, Jacob Cassel. And that’s his brother Sam.” Alvin pointed to the shorter man, still in the doorway.

Jacob’s voice boomed and Jenny watched as Tommie took four beers, opening them all, giving one to each man. Then he handed one to Rae, but left it unopened. Jenny caught Tommie’s eyes, shaking her head, and he only smiled.

Jenny then looked to Jacob’s brother, sipping his beer. Sam Cassel only met her gaze, giving her a small grin. He moved through, taking the seat next to Alvin, Jenny noting Alvin take one drink, setting the can aside.

Jacob and Rae chatted, as Tommie, Sam and Alvin caught up. Sam had only come down the night before, surprising the family for Easter. Jacob’s wife Debbie was at home with their kids, the brothers out for a quick visit. But a quick visit turned into much longer, yet, as six o’clock rolled around, Alvin was still on that first beer, while nearly all the rest had been consumed.

Jenny had gotten up after a time, excusing herself to the bathroom. Instead of returning to the dining room, she started the dishes, and only when Alvin came looking for her, was her isolation broken.

“Hey, I missed you,” he said, coming to her side. “Boy, the girls are gonna be happy.”

Jenny smiled. “Yeah, I thought I heard one of them pop in, but they didn’t stay long.”

“You okay?” he asked.

She nodded. “They don’t look alike.”

“Jacob and Sam?” Alvin chuckled. “Yeah, and they’re not alike either. Jacob’s really loud, kind of grumbly too. But he’s had a few beers. Nothing’s gonna bother him now.”

Footsteps were heard and Alvin turned. “Hey, Sam. Boy, you sure know how to surprise people.”

Sam set his empty can on the table, but Jenny didn’t move.

“Yeah, well, didn’t make it down for Christmas you know, and Mom’s still kinda sore at me.”

His voice reminded Jenny of someone, but it was lost in the shuffle, as Steve and Max came through. The plate of cookies was opened, those in the kitchen the first to get a sample.

“Man, who made these?” Sam asked.

“Jenny did,” Alvin said with no small amount of pride.

“Well, now I know why you’re looking so filled out. Jenny, these are great.”

Alvin only laughed, his weight gain not missed by anyone that day.

Jenny had finished the last of the pans and turned around, wiping her hands on the apron she’d found. She smiled, finding Sam’s gray eyes on her. “Thanks,” she said quietly.

Sam took another cookie, as the boys left with hands full. The plate was still loaded and Alvin took another.

“I better go give these to Tommie, or he’ll come down to our house tomorrow, looking for his share.”

“Oh, I can do it,” Jenny said.

Alvin already had the plate in his hands. “I’ll be right back.”

Jenny nervously fiddled with the pocket of the apron. She had just been getting comfortable and now only wanted to leave.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, you know, from Jacob.” Sam’s voice was easy as he moved towards her. “Alvin looks so much better with some weight on him. From these cookies, I see why.”

She smiled with the compliment. “Well, he’s not picky.”

“Oh, he doesn’t like peas,” Sam laughed.

“You do know him, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I mean, Alvin’s been like another big brother all my life.”

Jenny nodded. “He’s got good friends, good people around him.”

Sam smiled. “Yeah, he does. Thanks for keeping an eye on him.”

Jenny looked into eyes that seemed to know her. The face was familiar, but under the beard, moustache, and long, tousled brown hair, she couldn’t place where. Yet, not as other men stared at her, which seemed odd. This man looked at her as Alvin did, nothing expected.

“Boy, he was glad to see those cookies,” Alvin said, rejoining them. “But if you want anymore, you’re gonna have to fight him for ‘em.”

Sam turned with a smile. “All right. I’m ready to go a few rounds.” He gave Alvin a pat on the shoulder, then left the kitchen.

Alvin moved to Jenny, brushing back her hair. “He really likes those cookies.”

She smiled, glad for his return. “Well, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

“Jenny, we can go any time, you know. I mean, it’s been nice to see Jacob and Sam, what a surprise.” He looked at the kitchen. “You got on Tommie’s good side with those cookies and boy, what’s Rae gonna say when she sees this!” His laughter filled the room.

Jenny’s heart felt full, as her hands reached for Alvin’s. “Whenever you want to go.”

been thinking

2009-04-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

And in July it will all need to be sorted.

That's when I start the sequel, or part two. One or the other, and maybe I should come up with a title...

Been pondering that as well; The Thunder and the Rose.

Or The Thorn and the Rose.

Or The Thorn in the Rose.

Or The Thorn in My Side...

No, no, no...

But it's starting to move to where I want it to be. A study of what love means between genders, romantic love, platonic love, good old fashioned lust too. Not sure if I'll outline it, I didn't really with Alvin's Farm, and it came out all right. I have been taking notes, and as soon as I get the title sussed, it will have its OWN blog.

Right, just what I need....

surprise...

2009-03-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

As I completely didn't expect this.

I finished the book.

Finished, but... Set the stage for a sequel, tentatively to write in July.

Started early, but around ten, there was still another chapter for today. Yet, I didn't clean up all my mistypings as usual, but wrote out chapter 27, and off I went.

By a little after one o'clock, I was done.

As in DONE. And no one was more surprised than me.

Yet, there is still so much to go, and if I'd tried to squeeze it all in one book, we'd be looking at Shogun.

No thanks. I did that last summer, not again.

As it stands, over 109K, but very manageable. And not bad, the ending a sheer cliffhanger, one to which I'll seen to smooth a bit, or else it'll cut me.

But for tonight, I'm done. and it feels so GOOD!!

Today's word count- 8,817 (split between two chapters)

beautiful day

2009-03-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Good things happened today for Alvin and Jenny. It's sunny here, and an overall uplifting notion to this day.

I need to do some other work later, but that's for another story. As for this one, hitting 100K today, well, yeah. it's long. But coming more towards a conclusion with every chapter.

I got an early start, which helps enormously. Then the words just poured. I popped in Tommie's favourite oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, but need to work back in Jenny's lack of motoring skills. Little bits like that form continuity, threading through the book.

Speaking of thread, yarn needs to be addressed again, that too.

But I did put in one little detail that was going to come up later. And I'm glad it surfaced now. Too much hemming and hawing about something gets old after bit. Let the genie out, and then cork it back again.

I never did get that cookie yesterday. Maybe today...

Speaking of today...

Today's word count- 8,182 (split between two chapters)

all that jazz

2009-03-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Listening to John Coltrane right now, my favourite music when I need a distraction...

Then I just remembered that before I blog about today's work, I need to FINISH it...

So, off to read aloud. No Coltrane needed for that. Just a quiet room, door closed.

Then I'll be back...

And here I am. it's now 3.07, and all has been read. For as loosey-goosey some parts of my writing can be, there is a code, a way of doing things once I am writing.

Writing, then correcting, then reading silently, then reading aloud. Then, and only then, am I done.

But this is such a long, drawn out story. Already to 92K, and still some to go. But at least things are moving along. I have NO idea what will come of this, but at least it is moving, not a dead shark. There is that.

So, today's work done. I need to do some crocheting, wash a few dishes in the sink. Maybe, just maybe, eat a cookie. Perhaps not in that order...

Today's word count- 7,422 (split between two chapters)

sometimes short

2009-03-17T15:05:00.001-07:00

And that's today's work. Transitional as well, moving Sam into the forefront. Ending 1975, beginning 1976...

That's good. Much takes place in 1975, but now times are changing, Jimmy Carter's going to be running for president, and I think Alvin will be one of his supporters. Carter was a peanut farmer, Alvin's got his small plot.

But no cell phones, computers, only the basics. Heck, Alvin only just now got a private phone line...

Time warp-o-rama...

Today's word count- 3,583

not cooking

2009-03-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Is really nice. Especially when coupled with a small cold, it's liberating.

The words still come however, illness or no. Only added are some painkillers.

Mix with water and you get a writer, doing what writers do...

Nice not to have to cook, I'll tell you. One less thing to sort.

Instead there's a blanket, which I will attend to soon, and maybe a cup of tea...

But the work is done for the day, and this is just a long story.

Today's word count- 8,686 (split between two chapters)

I need a nap

2009-03-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

I woke this AM at a quarter to five. Got out of bed at a quarter to six, and can feel it's going to be a long day at 2.11 PM.

Part of it is the early start. Part of it's my small cold that leaves me with a bit of a sniffle, but more of the lethargy that just feels debilitating.

Sigh...

At least the work is coming along. One chapter today, but pretty good. Yet, this is a story slow in unraveling, like my small cold. Chugging along, and I can't tell if the pace is too slow, for there is still much to tell...

Hmmm... Or just a long story that stands fine as is. And even once I'm done, I'll still not know for a bit.

Well, I just keep writing. One of these days I'll find the end.

Today's word count- 4,377

slower day

2009-03-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

After a break, I jumped back into the work, getting a chapter done, only one, but that was fine. I made some notes yesterday, have a pretty good idea of the rest of the book. Things I knew were coming, but the exact order and manner were determined, noted, and now I just need to go back over it, as the day follow.

Things happening around here today, as Thea's home and the girls saw the eye doc. Thea's getting some prescription shades, very cool, and there's spag bol for dinner. It's great when Thea's home. We shop, she cooks. Gives me time to write, once the shopping has happened.

And tonight we'll get the RIGHT colours of yarn, and all will be well. Oh yes it will.

Up to 68K, and I'm thinking there's at least another 40, maybe even 50K... Sigh... How do some stories that I think will be somewhat contained just spill all over the place?

I don't know. Just how it goes. No rhyme or reason to it in a first draft...

Today's word count- 4,647

ready for a small recess

2009-03-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

So another two-chapter day, but tomorrow I'll not be writing a thing.

Which is good. I need a small-ish respite. Just a small-ish one.

And I need to figure out to move this story along now that Alvin and Jenny have come to an understanding. Time to kill before the next big thing, and I don't want a lull...

I mean, something doesn't always have to be happening, but I need to figure out a balance. Especially since it's already over 60K... Another behemoth of a saga, I'm wondering...

And if so, is there a sequel back in my brain, waiting to be drummed up... Ala Detours/The Road Home.

I mean, if I try really hard... No, no, no.... One idea at a time!!

Today's word count- 8,782 (split between two chapters)

rush rush

2009-03-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

So much going on right now, so this is short, with an excerpt from today's work. I don't know why it's coming as it is, but there you go. Making hay while that sun shines...

Sam Cassel had been watching Jenny and Alvin all evening. He’d been watching Jenny mostly, drinking one beer, then Tommie placed another in his hand, and he’d been nursing that one along. Didn’t want to get drunk that night, or not at least until Jenny was gone.

He moved through groups, avoiding his brother, didn’t want to hear Jacob’s voice. He was drunk, but that hadn’t taken long. Sam had been home for a few days and Jacob seemed drunk all the time. That wasn’t true, but every time Sam returned from Portland, Jacob was drunk more often than not, nights at the Cassel’s full of Jacob popping open another beer, Debbie clearing cans from the coffee table, Scott and Liz ignoring their father’s rants. If Jacob thought Sam wanted to return to this, he had another thing coming.

Sam came home only for their mother, their mother and Jenny. Not really Jenny, but Sam hadn’t been able to get her from his mind since meeting her at Easter. Yet, then she was off limits, like now. Then only Alvin’s roommate, his houseguest. Tonight she was his girl and Sam took a drink of his beer, washing down that notion.

Had he really thought it would be any different? Truthfully, he hadn’t expected her to be there. Shocked when Jacob let it slip Alvin and Jenny were together. Jacob had said it with a laugh, as though it was a joke. This was no joke, Alvin’s arm around the young woman who didn’t look at all as the last time Sam had seen her. On Easter, Jenny had looked like a truck hit her, her face the remnants of a bad accident. Tonight she shined, she and Alvin both, and if Sam had owned any idea of trying to hook up with her, it had vanished as soon as he saw the way Alvin held Jenny’s hand.

Her hand, her waist within his grasp, her whole attention gripped by Alvin Harris; Sam had noticed he wasn’t alone in watching them, that couple getting more than their share of attention. It was hard not to stare, only because Alvin was so besotted. So in love and in his awkward yet graceful manner, he and Jenny relayed their affections openly. Alvin’s, for he had no guile, no self awareness to be anyone but himself. He couldn’t be any other way, and so his love for Jenny was unabashed, apparent. Sam saw that as clearly as he saw the way Tommie’s youngest felt for Liz. Sam’s niece couldn’t give two figs for Max Smith, her heart crushed that night by the girl Steve brought. Sam had smiled at that little group of teens, heartache running all through Liz and Max. Max was like Alvin, shy around girls, especially around Liz. He’d not known what to say to her, how Alvin used to be.

Sam made his way to the porch, saying hello to Ted Hooper, who looked out at Jenny and Alvin, sitting at a table with Tommie and Rae, others nearby. Ted only pointed, laughing at Alvin’s smitten demeanor. Sam knew that mind, one not open, and only nodded.Ted went for another beer, as Sam stood alone. Alvin’s feelings for Jenny were those of a man clearly in love, yet like Liz, one young, unaware of custom or rule. Liz had chased poor Steve Smith around for years, just not getting it through her brown haired skull that he simply didn’t see her, missing poor Max, who’d have fallen at her feet.

Lots of men at the barbecue would have fallen at Jenny’s feet, and Sam breathed deeply. She was breathtaking that night, absolutely stunning, but had eyes only for the last person you’d expect. Her feelings were apparent too, but subtle, in the way her hand didn’t leave his arm, how her smile was always lit from his voice. From Alvin Harris’s voice, one most people didn’t notice. Like Max, on the sidelines, invisible, but to Jenny, he was the only man present.

No other man mattered to her, not really. But she’d give her time to others, already she’d danced with Max, with Scott too. Sam’s nephew was just starting to give girls more than a second of his time, and Jenny had surprised him with an early dance, then gone to Max, twirling around in that skirt, one Sam had heard she’d made. She had all kinds of talents, then Sam took another drink of his beer. Not a nice way to put it.

Sam knew the kind of girl Jenny was, the kind that a small town like Arkendale drove out with only a few sniffs. No one like her lasted for long, unless she wanted to live on the outskirts with Todd Lambert. The Ted Hoopers and Bonnie Carmines of the world would drive out a girl like Jenny before the sun went down. But they hadn’t found her first. Alvin had.

And now she was his, and he was clearly hers. Sam took another drink, then felt he’d need a third beer. No more than three, he didn’t want to get sloppy. Didn’t want to lose control, get like his brother. Debbie was the driver that night, so Sam didn’t need to be stone sober, and he was glad. Seeing Jenny with another man, even one as deserving as Alvin, Sam would need one more beer, just to take off the edge.

today's word count- 9,892 (split between two chapers)

easier day

2009-03-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

For me, for Jenny and Alvin too. More for me than them, but at least a few bits are getting sorted.

I wrote a lot today too; tomorrow I read on the radio in the AM, don't know how much work I'll get to once I come home, so at least its coming when it does.

The funniest bit so far is this story was supposed to be small. that's how it was conceived. Short, as in around 50K. Well, it's sitting around 45K as of today, and I'm NOWHERE NEAR the end.

So much for a shorter story...

But I like it, like the flow of plot, language, not bad for the first draft.

Just harder to write than I anticipated. But once I get going, hard for me to stop...

Today's word count- 8,477 (split between two chapters)

2009-03-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Not quite done for today, but sometimes you write things that need to be looked at afterwards, to let the pressure off...

Usually I can sort things, and while I write DRA-MA (to the gills!) there comes a moment, on occasion, where what was set down needs a minute to breath.

Letting the meaning escape, taking a breath, letting the music pour over, trying to sort was what said.

I may go back, and write some more. But for this moment, I just need to let Jenny and Alvin have a minute, while I do the same.

6.40 PM... I did take a few minutes, then wrote another long chapter, and felt quite overwhelmed by it all...

Today's word count- 9,400 (split between two chapters)

just got home

2009-03-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Time to quickly blog...

The writing went well, then I spent the day with my cousin, meeting another cousin down in Santa Cruz. It was really fun, then we had dinner at the Cliff House, looking out over Santa Cruz Harbor.

Now it's time for bed, nearly, even though it's only 9.18 (and with the time change, it feels like 8.18, which it IS, except it's 9.19...)

ANYWAYS... I'm eating some raisin toast, drinking water, and am getting down just a bit here. Tomorrow is back to usual, but I need to do some laundry, towels, I believe.

Time for bed. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

Today's word count- 3,889

cookies and beer

2009-03-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Not the traditional fare at Easter, but what was most popular at the Smith's in 1975...

Jenny's oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, the beer from the Cassel Brothers. Jacob and Sam are introduced into today's chapter...

But in 2009, it's Saturday, and with family around, the work is... Well, not harder to come by, but Bob left to straighten up the guest room, hanging pictures that have been waiting since last November. Jay woke, faffed about on the PC, and now the two of them are off for a walk. Bob tries to get out for more than a hour on his day off, and Jay got roped into joining him.

Gave me time to finish, read, then read aloud. Now I'm done, and getting peckish. I know he'll be hungry when they return, having had only a cup of tea.

But no beer and cookies for him. Maybe some oatmeal, but not with chocolate....

Today's word count- 3,641

first week

2009-03-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

And only a few changes, well, one. Tomorrow Sam will be introduced, and that wasn't going to be until August...

Well, August for Jenny and Alvin. But it's the last Sunday in March, 1975, the 30th, Easter. How I would have ascertained that nugget pre-internet, who knows...

Fortunately I'm writing this in 2009, not 1975. I had a chat with Lisa a few weeks back, at the write-in, and we discussed just HOW did people write books pre-laptops and the world wide web...

Pretty funny. She even alluded to the fact that I probably used those typewriters when in high school. Smiles on our faces, I said yes I did...

An age ago, how Thea would describe it. Simply an age...

Today's word count- 3,279

laughing, crying

2009-03-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Joni Mitchell has such a lovely voice, her words equally beautiful. Even after so many years, songs like "People's Parties" and "Same Situation" pieces of art clocking under three minutes each.

So much said in fragments.

I've been listening to these older songs, steeping myself in the mid 70's, like time travel. Capturing a sense of that time, that age in music. I was only a kid then, but as though transported to 1975 via melody and sound.

It's sunny out today, a streak that will last a bit now. The next 9 or so days are to be this way, but Jenny and Alvin are firmly in Oregon, gray skies the norm.

I'm just rambling today, already wrote a LENGTHY post on the main blog.

So not much here, just that I need to remember to introduce Jacob pretty soon, Bonnie Carmine too. The trouble with a vague outline is that characters that need to be brought in might be delayed.

But eventually they'll pop up.

Today's word count- 3,358

Carolina Drama

2009-03-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Is the title of the last song on Consolers of the Lonely, an LP from last year by the Raconteurs. I listened to one of the songs a lot, incorporated it into last year's April work. But for the last few days I've been checking out the entire record (via my iTunes) and I love it.

Sometimes things come just when you need them. You digest the bit necessary, then later, at another equally important moment, you reach for the rest, taking it in as much as what was devoured previously.

Today's title song is what I feel completely Jack White. Mmaybe Brenden Benson added some music, but the lyrics are vintage Jack.

And strangely, even though Alvin's Farm is set in the mid 1970's, this music is so relevant. Maybe it's no surprise these songs are based upon that time, from bands White and Benson appreciated, The Who, Badfinger, Led Zepplin. Very 1970's.

Met Rae today, her and all the Smith kids. Had to do a bit of last minute plotting, getting Lexi, Steve, Max and Alana's ages and school grades sorted. That is the kind of planning that comes when you need it, when you (or me, rather) hasn't plotted out things as meticulously as I should have.

Then after I was done writing, I ran out (not in rain, a small break) and bought yarn. I haven't bought yarn in the quantity that I did today in a long time. It was on sale, couldn't help it...

Now, well, I might crochet. I thought this story was going to be short, maybe some over 50K. Now, I'm not so sure. And since I'm writing again in April, well, it will be interesting. I don't want to burn out, but there won't be any writing until July after April, so if I do get a bit bonkers, well, there will be recovery time.

And by then, it surely won't be raining.

Today's word count- 2,833

rainy day

2009-03-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Here and in Arkendale, a fictional town in Oregon.

Alvin's got more on his hands than he knows what to do with, but that's life for you.

And rain simply DUMPED here this morning, the better part of an hour saw more fall than in all of January. My estimation, but knowing how sunny that month was, I'd bet it was true.

Writing's going well, this chapter was all from Alvin's POV, a simple man, but insightful.

The question is, will Jenny stay or will she go?

Today's word count- 3,126

chapter two

2009-03-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Today's work, or the second day of any manuscript, is easier than the first. You've already plunked down X amount of words, and the beginning has been set. Now it's a matter of reading over yesterday's work, and going from there.

I came up with today's first sentence in the kitchen, waiting for the kettle to boil. Then I had to hold it in my head as I made the tea, sat down and typed it out. Fortunately the kitchen and where I work are next to each other, separated by a doorway. The page already up, Chapter 2 already noted. All I had to do was type.

It was the cadence of Alvin Harris's voice that told Jenny much.

Then the rest followed. Having not plotted this out too stringently, I just wrote what comes along, hoping for the best. So far, it's okay.

Meanwhile I've been keeping a close eye on this news story, brought to my attention with the two American footballers, one an Oakland Raider. I only hope for a good ending, but as each hour passes, one can only wonder...

Today's word count- 3,985

first day

2009-03-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

So, one chapter down, and so far, okay.

My daughter was nearby, doing homework, asking small questions here and there, then apologizing for interrupting. It was cute.

Tomorrow she'll be at school, so no interruptions then. And today wasn't bad either, just different.

As for Alvin? Well, so far we've learned some about Jenny. More about Alvin tomorrow...

Today's word count- 3,573

details

2009-02-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I really enjoy this part.

Sometimes it's tedious and a pain in the behind.

This one is a mix. And I've put it off to nearly the end.

But I did get a start, and will work on it more tomorrow. Maybe even later today.

I'm thinking this will be an under 60K story, in that there isn't an incredible amount of plot.

But we will see....

lining up the music

2009-02-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

Trying to sort out the line-up, as I'm thinking of starting this one 1 March.

I need to outline too, maybe today or tomorrow. I know how it's going to go, but want to put even a small frame around it.

Which helps immeasurably. Otherwise I end up killing people off, left and right. Not conducive to a proper story, believe me...

thinking

2009-02-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

So, I came up with this idea yesterday.

Going to be a small story, like New Year's Eve. The kind I don't have to plot much, which is REALLY nice, considering others aren't so simple.

I think I'll write it in April, a chaser to Belated.

Alvin and Jenny, Tommie and Rae, Mrs. Carmine... Doesn't have to be a big cast.

It's coming... 7 weeks? No, 8, I just counted...