Thursday, March 6, 2014

Blind Stitches and Winter Survival

No, I haven’t fallen off the grid—okay, I might have slipped the grid a little, but I’ve not done so in my usual winter slump. I’d like to think it’s because after years of practice, I’ve learned how to survive winter a little better. No, full-spectrum lighting is not part of my W.S.K, (and as soon as I post this—just because I have posted this—I may very well fall into a deep dark place), and I haven’t returned to medication (aside from an occasional glass of wine in front of my keyboard). And in spite of the brutal cold outside that started in November and is now stretching into March (many mornings, like as this morning, it has been well below zero), this winter has flown by for me. My secret? I’ve been completing my first draft of my next novel, formerly known as Blind Sight.

Now that the first draft is complete, a more appropriate title has emerged, BLIND STITCHES It fits much better since one of the main POV characters is a seamstress, and the other is vicariously ‘blind’—that is, his delusional mother believes he is blind.

Having said thatabout not falling into my usual winter slumpI must add a disclaimer about the way winter may have affected my writing. BLIND STITCHES is a little on the darker side, psychologically speaking. Then again, it’s difficult for me to be objective about my novels, especially when it comes to gauging how dark, or twisted, or disturbing my readers might consider them. I will admit to a sensitive constitution—I don’t like horror stories, and while I enjoy the occasional thriller, it takes my nervous system days to recover. So, what I consider dark may seem merely ‘dim’ to someone else.

I don’t have a projected date of publication for BLIND STITCHES, but I anticipate having it out there within the next six months. I need time away from it while it’s out with my beta readers, and I will use that time to read some Russian literature and to work on the cover layout.

Meanwhile, Portrait of a Girl Running has received some nice reviews and mentions—check these out if you are inclined:

And I would especially like to thank a loyal reader whom I shall refer to as Mr. Left8, from over on the WoodenBoat Forum, who started a really nice post about mybooks. (For my long-time readers, you may recall that when I wrote Uncharted: Story for a Shipwright, I spent a fair amount of time researching over at the WoodenBoat Forum, and it was grand fun!) That thread, and those who contributed to it, were a huge perk that helped me stay out of the doldrums! 

8 comments:

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    1. Yes, I'm good, and as reclusive as ever! I think I'm turning into one of those nutty old cat ladies (did I mention we have to kittens now? We call them our Monstroskitties!). I hope you are well, my Old Codger friend!

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  2. That was a great thread. It's like hanging out with a bunch of old fisherman. You have a fan club. How much fun is that.

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    1. It's kind of funny that my fan club is a bunch of older men! They've provided so much encouragement all through my writing process. The cool thing is, they are generally a well-read group of intelligent men (and some women) who are out of my usual writer loop.

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  3. What fun...great thread! And hooray for Blind Stitches. I like the new name better too!

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    1. Thanks, Liza. The title 'Blind Sighted' is too easily misread or misheard, and Blind Stitches works so much better thematically Now to make a cover that conveys that, too!

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  4. Thinks look bright for you! I'm happy for you. :)

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    1. Thanks Michelle--but of course you know that bright is sometimes measured in shades of less-dim and can quickly turn. I'm always aware of how dim things can get, and how quickly. I just with it would warm up a little!

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