life

I am picky about keyboards and pens. I only use fountain pens, and I like my keys to feel a certain way when I type. I like a lot of springiness in my keys. I love the clicking sound a good keyboard makes. It reminds me of a typewriter – which I own exactly zero. I love my computers far too much to go down a peg.

My current love is the Arteck HB192 Universal Bluetooth Keyboard. The springiness and clicking is utterly divine! I can switch between my game computer and my work computer with just a press of a button. Being Bluetooth means there are no wires to have to worry about. The keyboard itself is rechargeable, so there’s no need to worry about buying batteries. The battery life is very long, but I’m also the person who turns off things if they’re not in use.

I am totally in love with it. Low profile means I don’t trip over keys or mistype something (much). It can connect to three machines. I’m only using two, but it will allow for even Android connectivity. I know someone who writes on their phone, and I am suggesting this to them. It has all the bells and whistles are far as volume, player controls and brightness. Where has this amazing thing been all my life?

There’s more going on than just me rhapsodizing about keyboards. I’ve gone on ahead and started writing the manuscript to Tribal. In the outline, I am on chapter twenty-one, so I plan on writing it during the day, and working on the outline at night after work and gym. Twenty-one chapters should be more than enough of a buffer to keep everything going. I’m also putting myself on a deadline – stop laughing – and I want to have the second draft done by end of September. With an eye on publication the following year. This one won’t be vetted by the writer’s group because that’s going to take far too long. I want this book out before the current political climate comes to an end…which if you ask me, can’t come soon enough.

Other than that, I have also started outlining Serve Me Now out of a fit of boredom. When I get Tribal’s outline finished, I am going to throw myself into that. I would like to have two manuscripts done this year…even as I sit on two complete manuscripts that need attention. Why? Because I’m like a German Shepherd on a freeway. So many tires and so little time and teeth.

I’m feeling a lot better – who knew that rest and medicine would work? I’m still a little cough-y, but I am continuing to outline Tribal. I am going to finish the outline before I continue writing it. I am trying to plan better things better and wing it less. I think this is going to make me more productive in the long run.

I did go to the doctor today, and I’ve lost three pounds in three weeks! I am going back to the gym now (and then), and I am feeling a lot better now. I am hoping to keep this going, even though I took a day off today to catch Opening Day (if MLB.tv would LET ME). I am going to head out in the evening. Normally, I go early in the morning, but today I had a doctor’s appointment and the aforementioned Opening Day.

While I am writing the outline for the current novel, I am trying to work on the literary novel. I’m torn as far as endings go. Should I make it depressing or uplifting? I don’t really know because both of the endings appeal to me. This book is my criticisms of society and how they treat creatives, and the nature of celebrity in this day and age – so the depressing ending fits. However, I would like to have an upbeat ending for the main character just because I am going to put him through so much crap. It’s still in the embryonic stage. I don’t even have a good title for it. Right now – I’m referring to it as Crab Bucket Society. It’s not my best title, but it works for now. I am going to write this as if I could put this in the running for the Pulitzer. After that, I might work on something I’ve hung on the line for way too long.

I’ve really got to get on the stick and revise something. Is till have to get Agonizing Alibi Day edited down a little bit, not to mention Alien Voices. Actually, I need to get the cover art for these two books done first. I need to get a lot done. I just need more time. Then again, don’t we all? Anyway – I need to get back to work.

Thanks for sticking this out with me thus far. I am still trying to figure out how to get new books on my right bar. It’s not easy, but I can wrestle this to the ground. Hope you all have a good day.