Systems and Dealing with Overwhelm

Since I returned home from the Readers Studio last Monday, I’ve had so much to write about. Namely, my experiences at the convention. In between writing those posts, comes all the other stuff that wants my attention. And while I “should be working” on those things, what’s caught my attention right now, is this post on how I deal with “overwhelm” and how I knock things off my list.

TL;DR version: I’m not sure if what I write below is a system, but I do have a daily order to getting things done. Breathing helps, so does focusing the attention on where the passion lies and then working on one thing at a time.

Presenting Wine Inspired Writing Workshop

A few weeks ago, my good friend Anna and I decided to “do something together.” We weren’t sure what we wanted to do, so we brainstormed ideas. We listed things that we wanted to do (writing, design, divination arts, creative arts, writing) and from that list we brainstormed a few workshop ideas.

I’d like to present the first of our collaborations: Wine Inspired Writing. This course was inspired by Michael Gelb’s Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking. We explore the idea that wine can help inspire your muse and have designed some fun exercises to explore this connection! Click the read more link to learn more about what this workshop offers.

Good Advice from R.A. Salvatore

Kender’s read more Salvatore than I have; he was recently interviewed by the Willamette Week. I read the interview and really liked what he had to say about writer’s block and writing (click “read more” to see the passage I liked best). These are things I should try and remember when I’m in my own writing funks.

New Publication: Women’s Voices in Magic Anthology

A few days ago, I got word from the editor that the next anthology to feature one of my essays went into final editing. The book layout is complete and soon it’ll be sent off to the printers soon. There’s no word on final publication date but I’m hoping it’ll be out before the end of 2009.

I wrote an essay that discusses my magical path and the road bumps I’ve encountered. I hope that it encourages pagans to continue working and keeping the faith even in those dark moments where it seems like nothing exists or goes right.

Into Seattle once more…another RAVENS signing

Looks like I’ll be back in the Emerald City (Seattle) this Friday. The RAVENS IN THE LIBRARY crew flock at Norwescon. We join s00j and Catherynne M. Valente for a concert/signing/gathering.

The fun starts at 3pm and goes until whenever. So if you missed me last time, come on down and party! As always, I’ll have my camera for shots.

DIYP Article Up: Review of Tagging

This week, I reviewed Tagging: People-Powerd Metadata for the Social Web. Not an easy review for me. I received the book last November and took me awhile to get through. It was a good read but a bit TOO technical for me. You should go read my review and find out why.

Ravens in the Library Update

Go figure, as soon as I post about Ravens in the Library, the editors send an update email:

Hello! I just wanted to give you all a very quick update. Our book is currently at press and we’re waiting for galley proofs. We expect to have the finished books in hand in about 2 weeks. We had expected to be done by now, but there was an issue with a corrupt file in layout, and then we both came down with a very nasty ick that’s been going around. We’re healthy again though, and our layout artist has worked wonders to help us get the book done and to press.

If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy, please do so now! Not only are you supporting a good cause, but you’re helping to get my story out into the world.

Tidbits: too much in ze noggin’

I woke up way too early today. Couldn’t really sleep, there’s too much going on in my brain. So, I figure I’d write out a post and see if it helps my mind work through whatever is keeping it awake. Please click the read more button to see everything in this post.

On Ravens in the Library: Still waiting to hear from the editors on the book’s release. It was supposed to get sent to the publisher this week. Due to illness and business, they’ve been running behind schedule. But the imminent release of the book has me all ancy… I want it to arrive now, darnit!

On the New Amazon Kindle 2.0

I’m not sure how I feel about the Kindle yet. As far as tech gadgets go, it’s really nifty. Droolworthy, even.

I’d LOVE to own the new Kindle. Just the thought of all my books (now portable on one unit) makes the compulsive declutterer in me squee with delight. Next to my tarot deck, computer, and iPod, it’s the perfect companion for any zombie invasion. On the other hand, I love my books. I love the smell of the ink and the paper. I love the way books feel when I hold them. And I love getting lost in the worlds they contain. I’m not sure if reading on an hand-held device will ever really replace the joy I have when I coddle and carry books around as if they were my baby.

With that said, apparently there’s some hubbub about the new Kindle’s ability to “read” books out loud. And as always, the wonderful Neil Gaiman puts it brilliantly,

The Contest of First Paragraphs

Today’s been busy. Put in a few hours in on the manuals for CA, then started a draft for this week’s D*I*Y Planner article, and attended a free teleconference on “Knowing When to Let Go of Your Work”. That gave me a few good steps to knowing when my work is done and I should get it submitted to where it needs to go.

When I came back to Smudge, my friend Jenn sent me a link to Nathan Bransford’s 2nd Sort-of-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge “contest”. Nathan’s a literary agent who’s doing a fun-yet-informal contest on novel first paragraphs. The winner gets their choice of: “a partial critique, query critique or 15 minute phone conversation in which we can discuss topics ranging from reality TV shows to, you know, publishing. Your choice. Runners up will receive query critiques and/or other agreed-upon prizes.”

So, not one to back down an informal contest, I submitted the following paragraph for Touched:

The chair is old but well padded. Its brown vinyl is smooth from years of wear and use by others. It squeaks as she shifts her position, drawing her legs up and under her body. She’s not uncomfortable, but she’s not comfortable either. It’s sunny outside. Cassie can tell that it’s cold even though she’s not outside to feel it. This is the magic of autumn. When leaves turn colors and the temperature stays cold even when the sun shines. The wind taps on the window, calling for her to come out and soak up the magic. Cassie shifts her weight in the chair, feeling left out.