rolanni | State of the Cat Farm

First, thanks to everyone who sent along header files -- we're all set now, and very much appreciate the assist.

Since my last electric letter, I have more-or-less recovered from the Fluish Thingy. Alas, it hit Steve somewhat harder, and also took my counterpart in the English Department for a ride. Steve is now starting to feel human, and I'm hoping Jo is, too. Discretion dictated that we cancel out of SnowCon, which was the right thing to do (friends don't go to cons sick).

The weatherbeans are calling a snowstorm for tomorrow, so we will be joining the Traditional Pre-Storm Trip to the Grocery Store today, then I plan to settle back on the sofa and read Scout's Progress. With luck and a tailwind, I'll be able to start writing Mouse and Dragon Monday evening. Yep, I do read slow.

This may be a good place for a word about process. The story-shaping time is strangely fragile; it's a time when ideas perk and rise and spin out in silly directions; when connections are made. It frequently includes some "I didn't know that!" moments as information and ideas make new patterns. Reading Local Custom, I was amazed at the number of plot hooks that were already set and baited for this new story. Truly, the writing brain is a marvelous instrument.

I know a bunch of people are excited about this book (I am, too), and I know that readers have Ideas about how they want stories to go and what situations they want to see favorite characters deal with. This is not the time to write to the author and tell them your ideas. This seems harsh, I know, but if you've learned nothing else from reading this journal, you ought certainly to have learned that Writers are Terrible People. I certainly can't stop anyone from speculating inside the comfort of their own skull. However, I will immediately delete any letter, or post in this journal, that seems to be giving story direction, no matter how well-meant.

There are reasons for this -- and not just craft reasons. Writers and fans have gotten into nasty brangles in other parts of the forest, because a writer "stole" a fan's idea and now the fan wanted compensation. Life is too short; and I don't want to go there. Ever. Also, yanno, there are those hooks, all set and ready to be used.

And so to breakfast, and the adventure that will be the grocery store.