I've been known to write annoying people into my sf and fantasy (the more clearly different from the Primary World, the better) and then redshirt them or otherwise bring them low. However, I can't do that with the mess I'm currently in because, written as fiction, it would look like an idiot plot ( Read more... )

During the 2008 financial meltdown, Jerry Pournelle advised a friend who was having PTSD symptoms that the best way to deal with the situation was to make one's own personal space as clean and orderly as possible. At first it didn't seem to make sense -- it seemed like busywork, or even punishment -- but as the current crisis progresses, I see two ( Read more... )

The process of writing is often difficult, especially for those of us who are "pantsers" (for "writing by the seat of one's pants") or "discovery writers." I've seen it described as walking into a valley full of fog, able to see only just a little way ahead of you, and hoping that eventually you'll come out the other side ( Read more... )

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When you take a trip, are you troubled by nagging worries that you may have left a burner lit on the stove, or the garage door open, or some other oversight? Use your cellphone to take a picture of your stove knobs, or your thermostat, or whatever you're apt to fret about forgetting, right before you leave. That way, if you start having those ( Read more... )

Over at Mad Genius Club, Sarah Hoyt has some observations on the anxiety of having to follow your first published novel with a second, as well as some tips for overcoming that horrible brain freeze ( Read more... )

Things have been busy and difficult of late, with two disappointing events. It's become far too easy to let stuff slide, and it's time that I get back to work. I will try to be more present here again -- and the move from summer to fall weather may help that.

I'm at a primitive campground for a week for an outdoor event. It's a lot more low-key than the comic cons and anime cons, so I'm hoping to get some time to catch up on various projects and reflect upon where I want to go with them.

So there may be some introspective posts in the next few days, depending upon time and broadband signal strength.

Sarah Hoyt has an interesting post at her blog about looking back on your life and mid-life crises. In her case it was precipitated by a trip home to Portugal to visit her parents, who are still in good health at the moment but are approaching the age at which frailties and health issues tend to multiply and snowball ( Read more... )