I was sitting here and I caught a strong whiff of an odor -- kinda like what a decayin' dead mouse under the stove or the moldy stagnant water sittin' in a sink full of dirty dishes after a week smells like -- you know what I mean - stank and nauseatin'. I checked all around where I was sittin' as well as I could given the little bit of light available as an instantaneous light bulb incident coincided with the initiation of my search efforts. No sign of dead animal or putrid food was located in the immediate area. Such necessarily leaves the conclusion that the smell had to be comin' from me. That I might be in some way decayin' or decomposin' was a most depressin' thought indeed. I did try to move on to lighter thoughts.
However, I am also highly mindful that it ain't the only time that dyin' has come to mind, here, of late. The linked post acknowledges only one of several anniversaries associated with the death of someone close to me. It is almost uncanny that my late wife, my mother, and then my dad, all died in the summer months. All three of those mentioned have been on my mind a lot lately and my deep inner mood has been dark and despairin'.
It is partly 'cause of my mood that I have been recompense in my bloggin' duties, however, 'cause I had to also focus a lot of my attention on gettin' that final rewritin'/editing of the book completed so to get me through some of the particularly rough spots. Of course, the book is finished, as I previously stated, but the road ahead still has a few potholes.
Currently, Alien Attitudes-Alura Allen: Alien at Large* is in the hands of three review readers, each of whom has been involved in this project for a considerable length of time and all of whom has heaped rave reviews upon my literary efforts. Yee ha! 'Cept that those same three people regularly read this blog. I already know that they really enjoy my writin' efforts.
I am developin' this concern that the dead statistics involved with this blog also forecast the public reception I can expect to get from from the publication of my novel. I can fervently describe my book as a 60,000+ word tale about a group of unique and lovable characters all caught up in a fast movin' series of adventures involving a clever and talented young lady tryin' to find herself under highly unusual circumstances.** Look out Harry Potter!
The book, of course, is filled with the same sort of descriptive prose and witty repartee that I use in all of my blog posts - blog posts that many, it appears, feel are unworthy of readin', or, if worthy of readin', are unworthy of comment or mention. I had always maintained some belief that my unique and, hopefully, humorous way of phrasin' stuff out-shined the inane and insane topics upon which I chose to comment. I surmise that I may have developed a severe case o' the I must be the only one who thinks I am funny 'cause no one's laughin' syndrome. Desperately, I am seeking a remedy. A lot of anything [applause?laughter?rotten fruit?***]**** would be nice. Pre-orders on the book [by Christmas?] are welcomed, and encouraged. roguegenius[at]hotmail[dot]com subject line=Alat1
My navel seems to still be dealin' with the nausea matter discussed above and is not currently available for comment. End of report.
*I have neither found nor selected a publisher. If you have any ideas that might assist me, please feel free to pass them along.
**And not a single footnote in the entire novel. For some of you, that reason alone, might be worth the price of the book.
***Please do not throw dead animals at the entertainers.
****Odd that neither love? nor money? was listed, huh?
Posted by Tiger at July 26, 2004 10:32 PMWill you stop feelin' sorry for yourself, boy...? Your wife is probably sitting somewhere in Heaven, shaking her head at you.
Now c'mon, you know you're loved, hon. *hugs*
As for the quietness of the Blogosphere, it's been a beautiful Summer and I can't imagine anyone insisting on staying inside. I've been spending a considerable portion of most days enjoying the sun and splashing around in out little pool with Zane. Maybe you ought to do the same, hon--it'd do you a world of good!
As for the book, I'm almost finished with it. I'm probably going to put it all together into a format where I can add my own concept pictures and see how well they jive with the book. Then I'd send that back to you for critique. Sound cool...?
*BIIIIIG HUGS!*
--TwoDragons
Posted by: Denita TwoDragons at July 27, 2004 12:29 PMHey, I read your stuff. And I like your writing. How do I order a copy of this book? And I am jealous, I wish I could write a book. However, I tend to wander around too much to have a plot.
Posted by: Junebugg at July 27, 2004 07:33 PMI've been remiss in most of my blog reading lately - never mind commenting! Denita pointed out that you were feeling a bit down and I get here to find that you've finished a book!!! Congratulations!
Keep writing - it's good for the soul *grin*. I hope you get a publisher! I don't know anything about that except I have heard that you should also have an agent... it's complicated isn't it.
Also keep in mind that many authors who are prolific had to submit 3, 4... up to 10 manuscripts before a publisher took notice and started printing their work. For you I'm hoping that the first time is the charm. Good Luck and let us know when it's out - I will certainly buy a copy!!! (and I'll read it too)
Posted by: Teresa at July 29, 2004 04:08 PMHang in there, Terry.
Keep producing and you will eventually feel better. I will order your book when it's published. Have you looked into publish on demand?
Posted by: David at July 31, 2004 02:37 AMDavid, that is the way everything is pointing. I have run across several different on-demand publishers and suspect that I shall soon be choosing between those to select a publisher. I was hopeful someone with some experience might be willing to walk me through the process. ;)
Posted by: Tiger at July 31, 2004 08:21 AMYou might wannna read Steve's comments over at HogOnIce. He used iUniverse and I think he was not all that impressed....
Posted by: Ozguru at August 31, 2004 05:57 AMI have actually been in contact with Steve, and from what he had to say, he chose iUniverse because they were rated the highest from what he found by searchin' the 'net and yes, he was not very impressed with their efforts. I am definitely in a quandry and am currently hopin' jes' to find some professional to look over my manuscript and confirm that I am not wastin' my efforts with somethin' totally unworthy of publication.
Posted by: Tiger at August 31, 2004 08:57 AM