What’s happenin’?
Oct 13th 2007
RachelGOn Writing!
Writers usually fall into two categories. Those who write outlines before they start a book, and those who write by the seats of their pants. I fall into the latter. I write by the seat of my pants. Which means I never know what’s going to happen every day when I sit down to write.
I’ve always wanted to be one of those writers who outlines. It really seems like a more sensible approach, but I can’t. I’ve tried, but when I’m done with the outline, I’m done with the book. I know what happens. I’m bored with it, and I don’t want to write it.
Part of my process of writing is to shut myself in my office for the last two months of my deadline and write. I really can’t have any distractions, so it really is just me and the blinking cursor. It makes me very crazy and, as Mr G. can attest, really hairy.
How crazy and hairy?
Well, just the other day, at around three in t he afternoon, I felt a spider crawl up my leg. I jumped up from my desk and started slapping my calf through the leg of my PJs. When I thought it was safe, I took off my PJs, but I didn’t see any spider. I thought I’d flipped it somewhere until I sat back down and the air from the vent at my feet blew across my shin and the fine blonde hair on my legs kinda danced on the breeze and tickled my leg and felt just like a spider.
So, since I’ve been locked away from the world, what’s been happening? What have I missed? Give me the info. The good, the bad and the extremely important stuff. What have y’all been up to? Is Paris still out of jail? Lindsey still in rehab? Britney still wearing underwear?
40 Comments »
40 Responses to “What’s happenin’?”
Karen Hawkins on 13 Oct 2007 at 5:35 am #
I’m in deep deadline mode, too, sister. That means No Houseowrk until the deed is done. Which leaves my guy doing all of the dishes/laundry/etc. Fortunately, he’s pretty handy so it gets done, though we order out a lot.
As for the world, Britney lost custody of her kids, I think. And she didn’t bother to show up in court for the hearing, either. Sad, isn’t it, when a guy like K Fed is a better parent than her. Sorta scary.
Anyone else have some good gossip? Where IS Lohan these days, anyway?
Karen Rose on 13 Oct 2007 at 6:11 am #
Rachel, too funny! I do the same thing. DH slides food under my office door when I’m deep in the zone and comes away to clear the dishes like a ghost. I’m getting ready to go back into that mode and preparing, kind of like a bear puts on weight before hibernating, but methinks that is a poor analogy. Hmm.
Bills paid? Check. Teachers emailed over kids’ projects and upcoming trips? Check. Got my intake of Heroes and Law&Order? Check. Cause I can’t watch TV till I come back out. Scary life, when you think about it!
Judy F on 13 Oct 2007 at 6:40 am #
Rachel welcome back. Lohan is out of rehab, Britney has gone to la la land, Keifer Sutherland got a dui. Its just another day as the stars turn. LOL
I am off to the Sauerkraut Festival. 400 craft booths.
cookeemama on 13 Oct 2007 at 8:51 am #
Rachel. Yes on Paris, no on Lindsay, who knows on Britney. Didn’t know about Kiefer. Ditto on what Karen H. says about K-Fed. Other than the sadness for those babies, who cares? It just goes to show that being able to have sex doesn’t make you a good spouse, parent or human being.
Nicole Jordan on 13 Oct 2007 at 8:52 am #
Welcome back, Rachel! But I know your exile will be good for all us readers who are waiting avidly for your next book!
I haven’t kept up with the tabloid stuff either. For that I rely on Julia, but she hasn’t been as forthcoming as usual.
claudia dain on 13 Oct 2007 at 8:56 am #
I just heard on the “news” (that would be entertainment news) that Britney came very late to her custody hearing at court and that, once again, she wasn’t wearing underwear.
They took pix.
I can’t do an outline either, but I can’t figure out why anyone would call it Flying Into The Mist. Mist? How about Falling Off A Cliff And Seeing Every Pointy Rock Waiting To Skewer Me When I Plop.
Yea, it’s longer, but so much more accurate!
Sabrina Jeffries on 13 Oct 2007 at 9:24 am #
I outline. Well, actually, I write a detailed synopsis that I follow … some. The bones of the book are there, but I deviate quite a bit from the original concept of the characters as I write. Rachel, most of my friends are like you in the way they write, but I never really understood the whole idea of the fun going out of the book if it’s plotted ahead of time. I couldn’t do it any other way. The fun for ME is seeing how the characters handle the plot situations, what they say, how they react. Sometimes it does result in changes to the plot, but they’re not usually major major changes, just minor major changes.
I have often thought whether you outline or not has to do with whether you’re plot-driven or not. I’m plot driven. Most romance writers seem to be character-driven. There are advantages to both, but I’m edging toward being more character-driven as I advance in my writing. I still have to plot ahead though. I couldn’t function otherwise.
FreshEChelle on 13 Oct 2007 at 9:41 am #
R, I’m not a writer but I can understand your sense of “been there, done that” if you write an outline. The journey is its own reward.
As for Lindsay, Brit, Paris, Nicole and the naked chick from High School Musical - they’re all still the leading news stories. Who’d think we have soldiers involved in two wars? Don’t we have enough Access Hollywood type shows to cover this stuff. Sorry to soapbox but celebrity news slays me. My sanctimoniousness means I’m PMSing. I’ll sign off now.
Keri Ford on 13 Oct 2007 at 9:52 am #
What a great blog! I’ve been disconnected myself trying to finishing my golden heart entry for this year. (I had the bright idea to enter a half finished manuscript.)
Yep, I’m a pantser too. I start with an idea and build a story around it. Sometimes it’s a character’s name, or a place that seems interesting, or even a punch line. when I’m not at the computer, I’ll think about what I want to write, but not so much I know what’s going to happen, just some direction.
Plotting and outlining makes me feel boxed in. It makes me think I can’t drive away from my planned story and that cramps my creativity
PJ on 13 Oct 2007 at 10:31 am #
Thanks for the update. I’ve been playing in New York City with 13 girlfriends and haven’t been paying attention to the celebrity news either. I read in my People that arrived yesterday that Brittney has reconciled, or is trying to reconcile, with her mother. That girl needs somebody to talk some sense into her.
I did get a breaking news release yesterday from Celebrate Romance 2008 announcing that Goddess Sabrina will be a keynote speaker at their February 2008 conference in Columbia, SC and Goddess Karen has already registered to be in attendance. Is anyone else planning to go? That’s just down the road from me and I plan to be there in all my fan glory!
~PJ
Julia London on 13 Oct 2007 at 10:46 am #
Oh my, you are all woefully behind on the tabloid gossip. Nicole, your wish is my command:
Britney came later to the hearing and she’s getting overnight visits. And later that night, she went out and flashed her twat again (can I say twat on this blog?)
Lindsey Lohan is out and said her time in rehab was ’sobering’. She’s going to live in Utah and stay out of the limelight.
Nicole Ritchie is pregnant. JLo probably is too.
I outline. I couldn’t meet my deadlines if i didn’t. The first book I wrote was all by the seat of my pants, but I had a lot longer to write it. My outlines are general, and right now I am struggling through a very general part, trying to figure out where these two are going.
RachelG on 13 Oct 2007 at 10:56 am #
I think you’re right Sabrina. The author’s who write character driven book have to outline. And Claudia, I like your analogy of falling off a cliff and hitting the rocks on the way down. That is exactly what writing by the seat of your pants is like. At least for me.
Keri, good luck with the Golden Heart. I won that back in 1994. Wow, I am really old.
About celebs. I am so tired of them. Really. I get why someone told the Dixie Chicks to just shut up and sing. I just want to read a book or listen to music or watch a movie without hearing about a person’s political beliefs, and for the love of all that is holy, I don’t want to see anymore bald crotches. Ever.
rachelg
PJ on 13 Oct 2007 at 11:03 am #
“About celebs. I am so tired of them. Really. I get why someone told the Dixie Chicks to just shut up and sing. I just want to read a book or listen to music or watch a movie without hearing about a person’s political beliefs, and for the love of all that is holy, I don’t want to see anymore bald crotches. Ever.”
Amen!
Lisa H on 13 Oct 2007 at 12:12 pm #
Pamela Anderson got married last night! (I wonder if she’ll get up in the Elizabeth Taylor range?)
As far as writing with an outline, I too am falling blindly to the sharp cliffs below. I have an idea and begin to write, then I add more plots and twists as I go along. I know my characters pretty well on this book, but as a new writer I am always quite uncertain of myself.
I wish I could come up with a detailed outline, I will keep trying!
As for the shaved crotch issue,can you imagine how much that would HURT? Why would one want to look like a pre-pubescent little girl? I’m clueless!
Maggie Robinson on 13 Oct 2007 at 12:45 pm #
Al Gore gave his Pulitzer Prize money (over $1 million ) to environmental charities. Now that’s celeb news that’s worthwhile. And still, he will be picked on by gutless weasels. Maybe if he drank and snorted it away with Mel Gibson, Britney, Paris and Lindsay post rehab and jail sentences, he’d get more respect and coverage. But what’s an Oscar, an Emmy and a Pulitzer Prize anyway?
PJ on 13 Oct 2007 at 1:01 pm #
Maggie, I’m always amazed by what our media considers news and headline worthy. Of course, what do you expect from a society that pays athletes and actors millions of dollars but has trouble coming up with $30,000 a year for teachers?
I won’t get into my political views here but I will say that I have the utmost respect for what Gore has done regarding our environment. I hadn’t heard that he had turned the $ over to environmental charities. I think that’s wonderful but, unfortunately, probably not considered headline worthy by the media.
Nicole Jordan on 13 Oct 2007 at 1:02 pm #
Thank you Julia and other goddesses for the updates! Gotta keep up.
And Maggie, I didn’t know about Gore giving his Nobel prize money to evironmental efforts. That is so cool! And so admirable.
As for outlining, I do it ad nauseum. Plotting is the best part of being a novelist for me, so I love it. I’m like Sabrina in that respect… the fun in writing is seeing what my characters will do with the plots I throw at them.
RachelG on 13 Oct 2007 at 1:21 pm #
I’m glad Gore is putting his money where his mouth is. I’m am so sick of celebrities and politicians telling me to drive less, turn off my electricity and use less toilet paper as they board a private jet. I recycle and do my part, but I’m not conserving on the TP.
Pam Anderson got married? That’s disturbing.
Julia, I don’t know. Can we say twat on this board? I was thinking beaver and settled on writing crotch. Twat works though.
Julia London on 13 Oct 2007 at 2:04 pm #
Yeah, Rachel, I’m going to have to go with plot, especially having learned yesterday that the beaver is a Proud and Noble animal!
Kay on 13 Oct 2007 at 2:54 pm #
I just canceled a subscription to a weekly “news” magazine because it devolved into celebrity “news” with very little substance in the other reporting. Oh well.
I wish our notion of “CELEBRITY” could be changed. There are so many cool people out there doing great stuff-for their families, community and the world–that I wish the media would spread the word. Example–I know a woman who has spent YEARS organizing and serving meals (along with many volunteers, including my family) for up to 300 needy people once a month.
Kay on 13 Oct 2007 at 3:04 pm #
Rant over.
Rachel, I have been trying to plot out a book for weeks. I just gave up a few days ago, and I have two chapters done! It needs a lot of revision, but at least I have something on the page LOL
Ronlyn on 13 Oct 2007 at 3:09 pm #
I’m so out of the loop, I never know what’s going on. LOL. My aunt just called me this morning and said something like, “Well, I’m not working at the strip club anymore.” WHAT? You worked WHERE?? yeah, for 5 years and I didn’t have a clue. (She wasn’t stripping, she was doing admin stuff during the day.)
So, to update you on what I do know about: ME!
My 3 month old is teething. Already. Crazy.
My nearly 4 year old is doing everything 4 year olds do.
My DH just got his vasectomy this week and he’s milking it for all it’s worth. I’m having trouble being overly sympathetic after having had 2 kids and a needle the size of Kansas in my back each time.
My MIL is visiting, and I’m not in jail for assault, so it must be a good visit. *rolling my eyes*
ummm…yeah, that’s life at Camp Ronlyn in a nutshell.
Cookiedough on 13 Oct 2007 at 4:38 pm #
If we didn’t have celebrities around, how would we know our lives are so much better? Yeah sure, the swag is awesome, but does it give you a hug and tell you it loves you? I think not.
And hey no matter how bad your life feels, at least you can say with pride, no one has a picture of my hairless crotch circulating the internet.
Ellen on 13 Oct 2007 at 6:52 pm #
There is no doubt in my mind that, by now, you all know my dark side and cutting (warped) sense of humor. So everyone please forgive this moment of digression… (Probably catholic school induced neurosis)
I just think, as goddesses, we should come up with our own word for “down there.” Here we are trying to decide if tw*t is acceptable on our own blog. Sure we know the male influenced words like C#nt…Tw*t…P*ssy…H#le…and I swear, in NY there is an Italian meat wrap called a bracciole, (BRA Szhole)that is used to name our female anatomy.
I just think that one of you, oh fearless goddesses, should do a blog on what we would call “down there” if we had a choice. We can all vote on the best by the end of the day.
Just a thought…lol
Love,
Cookie Puss Ellen
Ellen on 13 Oct 2007 at 7:03 pm #
Brittney lost custody, but showed up (late) in court to ask for overnight. Said her mom could chaperone. Court said yes to overnight, no to mom. Brittney still has a (to be determined) that looks like a side of roast beef to be served at Quiznos.
Julia Roberts still loves her husband.
Christine Aguilera, Halle Berry, ugly political woman (grace?), JLo are pregnant. Ugly political woman and JLo are having twins.
Justin Timberlake is a drunk who screws beautiful women like Jessica Beal and then brags about it to roadies.
Mel Gibson’s wife is sick and tired of his shit.
Angelina and Brad are trying for another biological.
Angelina gained 10 pounds
LiLo (Lindsey) only comes out of rehab to by designer sous-vêtements in CA. Appears sex has replaced drugs.
Ellen on 13 Oct 2007 at 7:05 pm #
Hey Julia…do you subscribe to STAR? It is my bible of useless info.
Ellen on 13 Oct 2007 at 7:08 pm #
And Rachel….thanks so much for the pic of Cousin It. Gawd how I loved him!
Keri Ford on 13 Oct 2007 at 8:43 pm #
Concerning the shaved twat issue and why. From what I’ve read, it’s supposed to make thing EXTREMELY sensitive down there for your hanky-panky pleasure.
If you’re wondering if I’m speaking from experience, hate to dissappoint, but no. I’m too scared to shave and cut something off or have to deal with the razor burn. and I’m not interested in having hot wax poured on anywhere other than my eyebrows.
Karen Hawkins on 13 Oct 2007 at 8:53 pm #
Keri, thanks for that ah, enlightening description of The Reasons One Might Want to Shave Down There. Those of us who have wondered “Won’t the poor girl get COLD?” now realize it’s all about the Dengue Fever. Thanks for straightening us out.
Ellen, what’s START? I want it. I think i might actually need it.
And Rachel, I admire your ability to write without an outline. Whatever you do, it’s working. GO girlfriend!!!
doglady on 13 Oct 2007 at 8:59 pm #
Leave you girls alone for one day and you just get completely out of hand. Rachel I fell out of my chair at your “spider” adventures as I have had a few of those moments myself. If I were the judge in the Brittney case I would pick up the phone and call Brangelina and ask if they would like to adopt two boys! I mean those poor kids family on both sides is a combination train wreck and circus freak show. Even trailer trash (I live in one, I can say it) are saying “Man, that girl ain’t right.” They make you get a license to get a dog, but they will let anyone have a child. Go figure. I seat belt my dogs or their carriers in when I travel. I sure wouldn’t let my kid ride on my lap. My Great Dane was big enough she could sit in the front seat with the seatbelt on just like a person. Used to make people do a double take at red lights. I am sick of people with little or no talent clogging up the news with their self-centered crap. Celebrity status needs to be given to the cops and firemen
doglady on 13 Oct 2007 at 9:03 pm #
who keep us safe. To the soldiers all over the world watching out for our interests even when the politicians sometimes don’t know what those interests are. To the teachers who try their damnedest to make the next generous worthwhile human beings. To researchers who spend years and years trying to find a cure for cancer. And last but not least, to the authors of novels that make us smile, think, laugh, cry, and believe in love and happily ever after. In their own way they save lives, sanity, marriages and souls from a world that at times seems to be doing its best to shatter our illusions. The people I work with thank you Goddesses. If I didn’t have your books they would all be dead and hanging in the bakery freezer or on their way to the alligator farm in the back of my $600. Bronco!
RachelG on 13 Oct 2007 at 9:29 pm #
Interestingly enough and in light of the turn of the conversation, when I wanted to find a photo to put with the blog, I googled “hairy crazy person.” And what do you think came up? Yep, about a thousand porn sites specializing in really hairy crotches. Who knew? And yes, I looked at some. Very distrubing.
And you’re right doglady, the real heroes and heroines in this world never get any recognition.
rachel
Kay on 13 Oct 2007 at 10:06 pm #
GO DOGLADY GO! You tell’em.
Sabrina Jeffries on 13 Oct 2007 at 10:14 pm #
I have to say, I’m still laughing at the image of a Great Dane in a seatbelt. That has GOT to be a sight!
doglady on 13 Oct 2007 at 10:23 pm #
EEEK on those websites, Rachel. YUCK!!
LOL, I am nothing if not opinionated, Kay.
Trust me, Sabrina, it was quite a sight to see. I lost Miss Glory to bone cancer in December, but for almost ten years she “rode shotgun” on all of our trips. The funniest part was when we stopped at a rest stop and when she got back into the car, she would sit there patiently while I buckled her in. People would just crack up. She was able to sit up and look out the window of most vehicles by the time she was six months old! (Max weight a trim 150 pounds) She was born deaf so she wasn’t a barker. She would sit there at a red light when people would point or wave and give them her most regal, elegant, blue eyed stare.I actually think I have some photos of her in the seatbelt that my brother took. I’ll have to look for them.
RachelG on 13 Oct 2007 at 11:23 pm #
Speaking of seeing animals that are quite a sight, today I followed a camel down the highway. In Idaho, we just don’t have camels. He was in a special trailer with the sides and top cut out. He kept sticking his head out the side and through the top like a dog. I finally had to pass him because . . . well lets just say that camels go to the bathroom a lot.
rachel
Karen Hawkins on 14 Oct 2007 at 7:17 am #
Rachel! A camel! Wonder where he was going?
When my kids were in middle school, every morning we’d drive by a certain field and my son would say, “There’s that zebra.” And every morning, I’d think, “Uh huh” but I never got a good look, because it was on a curve and I was driving. Well, one morning, i happened to glance in that field as we drove by and b’gosh, there was a zebra! I about wrecked the car. I don’t know why there was a zebra in that field, but there was. My son was very disgusted that I hadn’t believed him but he’s quite the pranster and … well, a ZEBRA in TENNESSEE? Uh uh!
darkshire007 on 14 Oct 2007 at 6:19 pm #
Twat? We crotched a view of Brits beaver, again? Play on words? Sorry, I thought it was funny. Anyhoo, I am tired of hearing about some of these women (Lohan, Brit, Paris). And you most certainly CANNOT call them ladies. If we had more coverage on Gore, Obama and Rice (to name a few) maybe our young men would pull up their pants and learn to speak more eloquently and our young women would dress more conservatively and not use gutter talk! Mind you, this is my opinion and not a political debate.
Karen Hawkins on 15 Oct 2007 at 8:03 am #
Ronlyn, I missed your post Saturday, but — holy schmoley, girl, I hope today is better for you! And the story about your aunt is PRICELESS. I have a friend who casually mentioned the same thing, “When I worked at a strip club –”
My mouth fell open, my eyes popped out of my head and landed on the floor.
She grinned. “I didn’t DANCE. i did the BOOKS.”
Me, grinning weakly. “Oh. Right. Of course.”
Jami Alden on 15 Oct 2007 at 12:29 pm #
Oh man, you never know what you’re going to get when you google without the filter on. I once googled “business woman” and got all kinds of women getting the business, if you know what I mean.
Sorry you’re hairy Rachel, but I’m kinda glad because it means we’ll have another Rachel book soon.
And did you guys see that Britney flashed her Mr. Bigglesworth *AGAIN* last week? I mean, seriously, if you want your kids back, don’t be flashing your bald cooter at the photogs on your way to court.