Flailing frantically, staying above water.: seanan

Flailing frantically, staying above water.

So this has been a week. Yes. That is definitely what it's been. Rarely has a week been so very week-shaped, and so equipped with lots of little pointy days to stick things to. I have thoughts, honest I do, and many of them even make sense, but it's been such a week that I really am essentially reduced to sitting here going "well, yeah, that was a week." So here, have some bullet-points instead.

Writing.
I'm making awesome progress on Blackout, which is up to 115,000 words, which technically puts me a day ahead of target. If I can make my overly-ambitious goals for the weekend, I may be able to get far enough ahead of target that I can actually enjoy LepreCon next weekend without needing to get up in the morning and worry about word count. (I'll get up in the morning and worry about word count anyway. I just won't have to.)

"Rat-Catcher" is also coming along nicely, and I'm about halfway through the story. I'm shooting to finish the first draft by Monday or Tuesday of next week, and then hand it over to the Machete Squad for glorious abuse. It's being written for a specific anthology, but I can't say which one until the story is finished and the editor decides that it's worth printing. Assuming that happens, I'll make sure to share the ordering info, because who wouldn't want a story about Tybalt in London before he was King? Questions are asked, questions are answered, you get to meet the elusive September Torquill, and as a bonus, Tybalt's family is involved.

Watching.
So the season premiere of Doctor Who was amazing, and I can't wait for tomorrow night's episode. I love Matt Smith's Doctor so very much, and I really hope we get to keep him at least as long as we kept Tennant. (Young actor, more likely to want to avoid getting typecast. Young actor, more likely to go "This is AWESOME!" and keep doing the show just so he can play with more aliens. So it's a wash, and we'll need to wait and see.) I love Amy, I love Rory, I love that Rory's in the opening credits now, and yes, I even love River Song. Although there is now officially an embargo on characters named "River."

Two episodes remain in this season of Fringe, which is absolutely one of my favorite things on television, bar none. I'm even kind of jealous, since "alternate versions of the main character or characters" is one of my narrative kinks, and it's really, really hard to do when you're working purely in text. I've got some alternates coming up in the Vel stories, but that's about it. The storytelling on Fringe just keeps getting better, and I am so excited and terrified to see where this season ends.

Wandering.
May sort of kicks off my convention season in a big, big way, and next weekend is LepreCon, in scenic Tempe, Arizona. I'm their Music Guest of Honor! Which will be fun, since I'm working with an unfamiliar guitarist and we won't have much time to practice. That means our performance will be, if nothing else, sincere. I'm planning to have a great time, even if it kills me.

Later in the month, I'll have Cat Valente crashing at my place before her event at Borderlands to promote The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, which you should totally attend, and then heading to New York for Book Expo America, followed by Wiscon, with a stop in the middle at a high school in Wisconsin. And all of this should explain why I am quite so passionate about making my word counts every day, even if it kills me. There is no room left for slippage.

Wanting.
The new Monster High dolls have been announced, and to absolutely no one's surprise, I want them all. ALL OF THEM. I am going to need to get a new shelf. "All of them" includes the San Diego International Comic-Convention Exclusive Ghoulia Yelps cosplaying as her favorite superhero. Yes. A ZOMBIE SUPERHERO. I control all things.

What's up with you guys?

firebirdgrrl

April 29 2011, 14:48:33 UTC 6 years ago

New comment

Cosplaying Ghoulia?!!!?!!!

I cannot deal with all this awesome.

I gotta know though-which of your books are you speaking on at the high school?Any one is a winner, but I think if it's _Feed_, the "fight the power" message would be even more fantastic HS.

seanan_mcguire

April 29 2011, 15:15:23 UTC 6 years ago

If you go to www.monsterhighdolls.com, there's a picture in the forums. OMG THE AWESOME IT BURNS.

I'm speaking about writing in general, but we've sent them a box of Feed.

inkgrrl

6 years ago

tsgeisel

April 29 2011, 14:54:17 UTC 6 years ago Edited: April 29 2011, 14:59:09 UTC

I'm reading a compilation titled "Zombies vs Unicorns" which has some great stories in it (so far), but tries to be too cutesy in the story intros. It might be YA, which would account for that, and in that case, the gay teenage zombie love story ("Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Alaya Dawn Johnson) is just a little better for that context.

Addendum: Apparently it is a YA collection.

April 29 2011, 15:15:35 UTC 6 years ago

Awesome.

shiyiya

jennygriffee

April 29 2011, 14:56:19 UTC 6 years ago

"All of them" includes the San Diego International Comic-Convention Exclusive Ghoulia Yelps cosplaying as her favorite superhero.

....ohgodWANT.

(This has been your moment of erudite coherency for the day.)

April 29 2011, 15:15:50 UTC 6 years ago

Yeah, no, that was my exact reaction.

eilan

April 29 2011, 15:00:29 UTC 6 years ago

It makes me sad that I'm in Canada and can't make it to all these wonderful Cons that you're going to!
You should come to FanExpo in August, even just as a visitor! :D

(Note to self: I need more Zombie icons.)

April 29 2011, 15:16:05 UTC 6 years ago

Zombie icons are love.

newroticgirl

April 29 2011, 15:03:26 UTC 6 years ago

Any plans to wander back to Oregon? I know you were just here for Orycon, but I didn't know then how awesome you are, and how much I would have liked to follow you around like a puppy. :D

My big fun today is a girlybits exam. Wheeeeeee. Ish. Whee-ish.

April 29 2011, 15:24:17 UTC 6 years ago

Not in the immediate future, but definitely before too terribly much longer.

Just don't punch anyone during the exam and you'll win.

biomekanic

alicetheowl

April 29 2011, 15:09:39 UTC 6 years ago

I so wanted to go to BEA, but their site so confused me, and it looked like it was $130 to go and you couldn't go for just one day, and no way can I afford that AND a hotel. So I'm sitting it out this year, and hoping their website is a little less inscrutable next year.

April 29 2011, 15:24:40 UTC 6 years ago

I will miss you!

firebluespinel

April 29 2011, 15:19:52 UTC 6 years ago

Once again, I love your choice of music. XD I'm a huge a cappella freak, and that song is basically the reason I learned what a cappella was, way back in the day. I assume, btw, that you also know their song "Zombie Jamboree?" Because if you don't...that just wouldn't make sense, given Feed et al. *laughs* (Also, while I LOVED Bujold's Cryoburn, I totally think Feed should win the Hugo.)

What's up with me is that I've been ready to start graduate school for almost a month now, and it doesn't start till late August. *is going slightly stir crazy*

April 29 2011, 15:26:15 UTC 6 years ago

I love me some a cappella. Do you get the BOCA competition albums? Good stuff.

Breathe in deep, and do not destroy the world out of boredom.

April 29 2011, 15:30:58 UTC 6 years ago

Monster High? How did I miss these before?

Not usually a doll person but OMG WANT!

I'm still bummed that I can't get a copy of Feed down here from my local bookstore by the way. I'm waiting until Deadline comes out before I cave and order them both online to get my zombie fix.

April 30 2011, 01:09:10 UTC 6 years ago

Awww.

Best of luck.

wendyzski

April 29 2011, 15:39:38 UTC 6 years ago

I got to see the first two episodes of new Who (BBC America held premiere events in NYC and Chicago) and I now really love Rory. He's a bit funny looking and can be kind of thick, but he's so amazingly in love with Amy it makes my eyes leaky.

April 30 2011, 01:09:45 UTC 6 years ago

I hate you a little right now. I'll get over it tomorrow.

kippurbird

April 29 2011, 16:06:50 UTC 6 years ago

Love that Rory's in the credits. He's my favorite of the companions just because he's there for the adventure but also there for his wife to make sure she's safe. And you know there isn't going to be any Rory-Doctor romances so they can hopefully get like best buds (Except in Fan Fiction, but then again everything is except in Fan Fiction)

I hope you have a good time at the various conventions. I want to go to bookexpo really badly but can't afford it. Sad panda for me.

As for me getting over Passover holiday which apparently is a bit of an effort this year and back into the work groove. Having to go back to work in the middle of the week after a five day weekend sucks.

Also SoCal renfaire this weekend! :D

April 30 2011, 01:10:28 UTC 6 years ago

"Everything is except in fan fiction" may be the truest thing said ever.

calico_reaction

April 29 2011, 16:30:15 UTC 6 years ago

Two episodes remain in this season of Fringe, which is absolutely one of my favorite things on television, bar none. I'm even kind of jealous, since "alternate versions of the main character or characters" is one of my narrative kinks, and it's really, really hard to do when you're working purely in text. I've got some alternates coming up in the Vel stories, but that's about it. The storytelling on Fringe just keeps getting better, and I am so excited and terrified to see where this season ends.

Oh, you're so right about it being difficult to do when dealing with nothing but text. But I'm with you: it's one of my favorite conceits in the genre, and I'd kill to be able to pull something like it off in fiction! :)

It's been a great season of Fringe, though.

April 30 2011, 01:11:09 UTC 6 years ago

I will eventually find a universe where I can do it, and do it well. Or else I'll manage to get a "Vel vs." TV show made, and we'll do it there.

I can't wait for tonight's episode!

spectralbovine

April 29 2011, 16:49:56 UTC 6 years ago

Although there is now officially an embargo on characters named "River."
Every time you name a character River, pick up a Curse card!

April 30 2011, 01:11:34 UTC 6 years ago

YES.

deakat

April 29 2011, 17:03:46 UTC 6 years ago

followed by Wiscon

Followed by Wiscon!?!?!!?

Why did I not know this? Also...

SQUEE!!!

April 30 2011, 01:11:51 UTC 6 years ago

It was a relatively late addition to my schedule.

qnofhrt

brightlotusmoon

April 29 2011, 17:26:06 UTC 6 years ago

Well, the good news -- according what I've heard -- is that Matt Smith is signed on to play the Doctor through at least 2013 and maybe beyond. So, yay!

April 30 2011, 01:12:09 UTC 6 years ago

YAY!!!!!

meko00

April 29 2011, 17:38:41 UTC 6 years ago

I'm always game for more Tybalt. :-)

As for Fringe, I'm more interested in the Alt-Team, to be honest. Mostly because I've never really been overwhelmed by Peter Bishop, though I quite liked him during the first season.

April 30 2011, 01:12:29 UTC 6 years ago

I'm a fan of both teams. But I love our Olivia.

martianmooncrab

April 29 2011, 18:17:39 UTC 6 years ago

I picked up the Cleo de Nile & boyfriend pack last night.. it has such a cute little asp in it.

April 30 2011, 01:13:24 UTC 6 years ago

Yes!

bigherman

April 29 2011, 18:51:02 UTC 6 years ago

That reminds me, I wanted to offer up my bottle of Creme de Violette to your liquor cabinet, because it's not to my taste and just not going to get drunk here. Seems like a good start for a Fairyland cocktail though, as it's all purple and made of flowers.

April 30 2011, 01:13:40 UTC 6 years ago

Oooooo, I'd love that!

lilrongal

April 29 2011, 18:56:33 UTC 6 years ago

I do, I do, I do so love River Song.

"I'm a screamer. How's that for a spoiler for you!" (or something along those lines) I love the banter between her and The Doctor. Rory is just awesome. And I want Karen to spread her hair out and let me lie on it like a pillow.

Matt Smith as The Doctor is divine. I LOVE him at The Doctor. He is so much fun to watch, and he gives us such a great dimension to The Doctor.

April 30 2011, 01:13:55 UTC 6 years ago

April 29 2011, 19:27:56 UTC 6 years ago

Total agreement on both Doctor Who and Fringe. As much as I love "The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang", and think it deserves to win the Hugo, I truly wish that Fringe had gotten at least one nomination.

April 30 2011, 01:14:08 UTC 6 years ago

Me, too.

mrs_norris_mous

April 29 2011, 19:31:10 UTC 6 years ago

What's up with you guys?

Enjoying our second 4 day weekend.

I decided to listen to Feed as I was having problems reading the book as I got spoiled. I have got to the point where I want to pick up the book as audiobooks are slow....

Introducing my sons to the idea of cycling properly by doing a 5 mile loop every couple of days.

Got my supporters number(1431) for Chicon 7 so I can vote for a London 2014 worldcon and hugo prizes next time.

Getting excited about Doctor Who tomorrow.

I received my copy of Angelic from Rose Fox from your link and I have ordered the other couple of books from subterranean press.

Generally good times.

April 30 2011, 01:14:29 UTC 6 years ago

Brilliant!

bercilakslady

April 29 2011, 20:04:46 UTC 6 years ago

I was a little frustrated with the new Who, actually. Yes, we finally get to figure out what the hell is up with River (probably, eventually), but I don't entirely trust that the eventual resolution will be satisfying. I'd elaborate, but I refuse to leave any spoilers out here in the open.

That said, I can't wait for tomorrow night.

April 30 2011, 01:14:42 UTC 6 years ago

I trust Moffat.

vincentursus

April 29 2011, 23:06:44 UTC 6 years ago

This episode of 'Reasons Why Seanan is Cooler Than You' was brought to you by the letter 'Z.'

April 30 2011, 01:14:57 UTC 6 years ago

Hee.

wfw_sj

April 30 2011, 01:00:14 UTC 6 years ago

While you're in Tempe, you may want to see Billy Elliot the Musical. One of my nephews, Kylend Hetherington, is one of the boys playing Billy.

April 30 2011, 01:15:19 UTC 6 years ago

Unfortunately, when I'm traveling for conventions, I really have no time for fun things like this. Sorry.

phoenixrave

April 30 2011, 01:33:55 UTC 6 years ago

Catching up to my word count for the thesis here. I'm also planning a lesson for my interview for a job teaching elementary school in Boston. My next break is Pagan Unity Festival in TN. (Yay!)
Throughout, I'm praying to The Great Pumpkin to A)Get me out of the South (My time in CA obviously changed my body chemistry. I've had more insect bites in the year that I've been back than in my entire life!), B)Get me to a Blue state, and C)Help me to be the kind of teacher that I was blessed with.
My friends and loved ones in Alabama are all accounted for, but some of them have lost people. May all of you out there , and your loved ones, be safe!