canadiansuzanne

It's been a long, long time

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:27:41 GMT

I can't believe it.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day procrastinating, surfing the web, and by the end of it I wanted to write. But when I opened a word file and began typing, all I could do was rant. So I let it out, ranting for about a thousand words about my current predicament with the J-situation.

It felt remarkably good to get it off my chest.

I then proceeded to follow some excellent advice and wrote an email that (a) made me very emotional but also (b) made me feel good (okay, not right away, but after I'd had some time to think about it and allowed myself to be proud of the step I'd taken). Good's a feeling I've been sorrowfully lacking in my life of late.

Today, motivated by a dream I had the night before last, I wrote a *new* story. 5,300 words worth, a start-to-finish little nutshell of a first draft. And there's actually hope that I can get some quick first-reader feedback and submit the thing for the December 31st deadline for Writers of the Future.

Only a couple of days ago I would've LMAO at anyone who had suggested that I would not only want to write, but could actually finish a story and like it.

Granted, I haven't read it over yet, and who knows how I'll feel about it after I do, but g-dash-it, I'm pumped.

Maybe the fog of frustration is finally lifting???

Reconnecting with the outside world

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:57:52 GMT

I've been a hermit of late. An epic hermit. And the Christmas/holiday season is the worst time to be a hermit.

So today, I'm out in the world, sitting in a cafe, catching up on all the media I've been ignoring including Facebook, LiveJournal, and Hotmail, to name a few.

Hello everyone, glad to see you, apologies for my continued absence. It's nothing personal, it's all me, so don't sweat it, dear friends. I still care what you're up to, even if I haven't read your LJ or written on your Facebook Wall in ages, and appreciate all contact even if you don't get a timely response.

Today, I'm feeling full, mostly from all of the parenting and meditation books I've been reading. I now practice the art of "I matter," and am working on "letting go."

And since I'm almost at my internet surfing maximum for the day, I may actually do a little writing in a few minutes.

Life is life. What else can I ask for?

Holiday Spirit

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:40:25 GMT

I attended my younger son's holiday concert at school today. They did two songs, both of which made me uber-proud.

I have shopped and wrapped gifts which are now under the tree. Chanukah gifts have already been exchanged. Tonight, my younger son and I opened our "Christmas Eve" gifts as he goes back to his dad's tomorrow and I won't see him again til Boxing Day.

Should be a quiet Christmas, and I'm trying to enjoy that aspect, as strange as it feels.

Pampered Chef Update

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:19:00 GMT

My first thirty days as a Pampered Chef Independent Consultant are almost up. I have one more cooking show scheduled before the deadline, this coming Sunday afternoon. Hopefully, fingers crossed, I will meet my thirty-day requirement and qualify as a consultant. Here comes the plug...

If any of you Canadian bloggers have been considering buying some Pampered Chef products for yourself or as a gift for the holidays, please contact me ASAP. The deadline for placing orders for guaranteed Christmas delivery is Dec 17th.

If you're interested in browsing the catalogue, drop me an email and I'll send you instructions on how.

...end plug.

For those of you following the big drama in my personal life, nothing has changed. I continue to be frustrated, but have resolved to be patient and hope for the best.

A New Venture

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:38:05 GMT

I've done it! I've signed up as a Pampered Chef Independent Consultant.

For those of you out there in Canada, if you're thinking of ordering some of their product (for yourself or as a gift for the upcoming holiday season) give me a shout! Google Pampered Chef to check out their products.

As for the why, well, with all the ugly stuff and its related expenses, I welcome the challenge and will appreciate the extra income.

As part of my launch, I will be having a couple of Grand Opening shows. If you're interested in coming out for one, let me know. And the best way to save money on the products is to host a show. If you've always wondered what it's like, it's not only easy, it's fun! I would love to hear from you.

Chapters tomorrow

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:16:20 GMT

On Saturday, October 31, I am doing a book event at the Chapters on King St N in Waterloo. Drop by between 1 and 3 pm for snacks and a reading from Tesseracts 13. Look for a review of the anthology in the Kitchener Record on Saturday as well.

Paperwork Days

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:47:57 GMT

Yes, we all have them, the dreaded paperwork days. These are the days when we read emails we've been avoiding, update our bankbooks, and generally try to feel as though we have a handle on what's going on in our lives.

This is what I spent my time doing today.

Remarkably, the first time I checked my watch, almost the entire day had flown by. This means no writing for me today.

I do feel as though my life is stabilizing. Many of the big items on my plate have been finishing/resolving/completing. So I many have some brain time and/or writing time soon.

Must make time.

Flight

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:18:00 GMT

In an effort to ready myself for the upcoming NaNoWriMo, I did some soul searching today. I'm still not sure if I will change my mind and write something new, but for now, I know that I want my efforts to go towards something important.

My novel, "Flight" is at the top of that priority list. No matter what, I must put my efforts into it, come hell or high water, as often as I can, or I will lose the small amount of momentum I gained this summer at WorldCon and DragonCon.

Today, I figured out how to transition from the new beginning into the old beginning for the one character. Kyle is another story. His beginning is so radically different, I still don't know how I will merge him back into the middle of the novel. For now, he has his own crisis, his own directives, and I hope, soon, an epiphany will hit me hard enough to get me through this land of unknown-mixed with doubt.

SK has promised to read it over, and I haven't forgotten. I know she was busy the last couple of months with her own commitments, but I want to get something in her hands soon, and that means repairing the breaks I've made to solve the mistakes I wrote myself into.

This novel stuff is hard, gosh darn it.

Hey, if it worked before...

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:08:43 GMT

I finally had the chance to give, "Destiny Lives in the Tattoo's Needle" a final read-through today. Now it's in the hands of the editors of Tesseracts 14 to slush as they will, so to speak.

My total number of subs for the year has risen again to a whopping 7. Yes, I know, it's low, but it's all I've got. (And I've reached the lucky 13%! Woot!) The shiny counter:

7 / 52 submissions. 13% done!

Out and about

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:30:01 GMT

I'm sitting in a Starbucks in Toronto, taking in the vibe, hoping to be inspired to write something. I might give "Destiny Lives in the Tattoo's Needle" a read, and decide if it's worthy to sub to Tesseracts 14. I will definitely send them something (maybe two somethings, if they allow multiple subs) because I like the antho and hey, it's Canadian, eh!

The weather here is dreary, so I bought myself a new purse and scarf -- perfect accessories to get me through the fall.

Out the Door

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:16:53 GMT

I sent, "Jelly and the D-Machine" to Writers of the Future today. Yay! It read like a first-draft-ish story, but I think it worked, so what the heck. I'm feeling pretty good about having a couple of stories out there, even if it means I've been neglecting the novel. Orcs storm the wall!

That puts my total number of submissions for the year at 6. The shiny counter:

6 / 52 submissions. 12% done!

In other news, my pool is closed, just in time for our cold miserable weather. Summer is certainly long gone.

And on the irritating front: inanimate objects are the enemy. I'm just saying...it's been one of those days.

Words on Paper

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:15:01 GMT

I have finished draft zero of "Jelly and the D-Machine," which weighs in at about 4,800 words.

I wrote the opening of the story in January of 2007, and haven't touched it since. With a little polishing, I'm liking what I've done with it.

After a couple of passes, I do believe I will send it to WotF, as the deadline looms. I don't really have time for crits, which may be a HUGE mistake, but it's my own fault for leaving things until the last minute.

Tesseracts 13 Launch at Bakka-Phoenix Books

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:05:19 GMT

Just a reminder of the launch party for Tesseracts XIII at Bakka-Phoenix Books tomorrow (Saturday, September 12) at 3PM.

With any luck, I will be reading from my story, "The Tear Closet."

Hope to see you there.

It's a Miracle

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:58:25 GMT

You should sit down...seriously, because I wouldn't want you to faint and crack your head open.

Okay...you sitting down?

I submitted a story today. It's true, I swear! I sent "The Needle's Eye" to Asimov's. That puts my number of subs for the year at...I know, it's embarrassing...5 for the year.

The sort-of-shiny counter:

5 / 52 submissions. 10% done!

Oh, and I updated my website, including the Gallery which was sadly, horribly behind the times.

Home safe, but BUSY

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:36:25 GMT

Michael and I got home late last night.

Today, my kids returned home with a sea of requests: clothes, school supplies, etc.

My pool needs some serious attention, as fall has brought forth a ton of leaves!

Dragon*Con was fantastic. I hope to blog about it, Washington, and my fall plans as time permits. But the next few days will be all about getting my house in order after a two week absence. Busy doesn't even begin to describe my life right now. I must make some lists...

Cherry Hill, NJ

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:45:01 GMT

Michael and I stayed in Cherry Hill, NJ last night, visiting a whole crew of his relatives. Lots of fun. Ate at Ponzio's last night and the food was great.

Today, we're on the road to Washington, DC.

Wicked was fantastic. Loved it. Great musical. More when I have time...

Dragon*Con schedule

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:55:36 GMT

I haven't received my schedule yet for duties in the Daily Dragon office, but below are the panels that I am definitely attending. Ironically, almost every panel that I'm covering for the paper is in the same room. *Weird*

Thursday, September 3

9:00 PM+ Celtic concert, Atrium Ballroom [Marriott]

Friday, September 4

10:00-11:00 AM Conversation with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy Atrium Ballroom [Marriott]

4:00-5:00 PM Battlestar Galactica cast appearance Atrium Ballroom [Marriott]

Saturday, September 5

10:00 AM-11:15 PM Dragon*Con parade outside the main hotels

11:30 AM-12:30 PM Battlestar Galactica all attending cast panel Atrium Ballroom [Marriott]

10:00 PM-?? parties at the Sheraton

Sunday, September 6

1:00 PM-2:00 PM An hour with Patrick Stewart Atrium Ballroom [Marriott]

5:30-6:30 PM Battlestar Galactica cast panel Atrium Ballroom [Marriott]

8:00-10:00PM Dinner with my DC2K author friends

10:00 PM-?? parties at the Hyatt and Sheraton

Monday, September 7

11:30 AM-12:30 PM Battlestar Galactica cast wrap-up Atrium Ballroom [Marriott]

If you're looking to find me at other times, try the Daily Dragon Office, Chicago room [Hyatt]

50 Bands I've Seen Live

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:47:28 GMT

Pauline Zed tagged me on this one. I racked my brain for a while, but got to fifty and sighed with relief. I know I've seen more bands, not to mention all of the opening acts that I haven't remembered.

Test your memory and your love of live music by listing 50 artists or bands you've seen in concert. An act you saw at a festival and opening acts count, but only if you can't think of 50 other artists. Oh, and list the first concert you ever saw (you can remember that, can't you)?

Should you choose to reply to this challenge, here's what you do: (Facebook info)
Copy my note. Click on "notes" under tabs on your profile page. Select "write a new note" in the top corner. Paste the copy in the body of the note. Make your list. Once you've saved, don't forget to tag friends (including me) on the right.

FYI, these are in roughly chronological order, as best as my brain recalls...

The Monkees (yep, my first concert was in 1970 for their original tour)
Ray Charles
Burton Cummings
The Police
The Fixx
James Brown
Luba
UB40
The Nylons
The Pursuit of Happiness
Parachute Club
Gowan
Tom Cochrane
Honeymoon Suite
Triumph
Van Halen (w Sammy Hagar)
Phil Collins
Kim Mitchell
Alannah Myles
Wham!
Pink Floyd
LA Guns
Slaughter
Vince Neil
Skid Row
The Spoons
U2
Eurhythmics
Howard Jones
Bryan Adams
Platinum Blonde
Huey Lewis and the News
Elton John
Barenaked Ladies
Treble Charger
Warrant
The Box
Lee Aaron
Steppenwolf
The Tragically Hip
Aerosmith
Spin Doctors
The Rolling Stones
Mobile
Default
Theory of a Dead Man
Colin James
Stabilo
Hedley
Great Big Sea

Home from WorldCon

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:46:01 GMT

I'm waiting for my kids to arrive, (I think I hear car doors slamming) and trying to get my pictures downloaded from WorldCon. Will post a summary of the con as time permits.

Launch party location

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:30:47 GMT

The launch party for Tesseracts 13 (On Friday from 3 to 5pm) is in the Delta Suites hotel ROOM 2815.

I can't believe WorldCon is only a couple of days away. I am SO NOT READY!

Tesseracts 13 Launch at Bakka Phoenix books

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:41:29 GMT

If you can't make WorldCon and you want to catch a more local launch of Tesseracts 13, put this date on your calendar:

Saturday, September 12
3pm until ??
BakkaPhoenix Books
697 Queen Street West
Toronto ON M6J1E6

All are welcome! Hope to see you then!

My WorldCon schedule

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:22:49 GMT

I'll be leaving for Montreal early Thursday morning. Here's how my con is shaping up:

Anticipation (WorldCon) in Montreal:

Thursday, August 6

7:00-8:00 PM Reading, with Bob Neilson, Ian Tregelis, and Suzanne Church - room: P512AE

Friday, August 7

1:00-2:30 PM Launch of Tesseracts 13 signings by Jean-Louis Trudel, David P. Nickle, Suzanne Church, Jill Snider Lum, BJ Galler-Smith - Edge Books booth

3:00-5:00 PM Launch of Tesseracts 13 readings by Jean-Louis Trudel, David P. Nickle, Suzanne Church, Jill Snider Lum, BJ Galler-Smith - Delta Suites Hotel

Saturday, August 8

2:00-3:30 PM Battlestar Galactica Postmortem David Clink(M), Amy Sisson, Eliza Baynes, Mathew Rotundo, Susan Forest, Suzanne Church - room: P518BC

5:00-5:30 PM Autograph session ... Suzanne will have books available for signing or bring your own - P-Autographs

I will bring treats to my reading, so if you're looking for some great fiction and yummy snacks, come on down.

Hey out there

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:18:30 GMT

It's been a while since I posted to my blog. I haven't used my computer much this summer ... been too busy with family type stuff.

For a while, the six of us (Michael and his girls, me and my boys) spent several days together. Remarkably, we all got along well. No big fights, no territorial stuff. A wonderful time was had by all.

We visited Niagara Falls with Michael and his girls last Friday. Did the hike down to the whirlpool rapids and even caught some fireworks by the falls.

I'm now home and should be preparing for WorldCon. Spent most of this evening downloading pictures from my camera to prepare for the con.

My cough is pretty much over, just some lingering spells from time to time. Yay!

The summer of bad luck continues

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:58:59 GMT

I'm feeling a bit pissy today, feeling like the summer is slipping away and I haven't done much of anything yet.

First, the tendinitis, then the nasty flu, and now I'm overwhelmed by all of the stuff I should have been doing weeks ago, but put off because I wasn't feeling up to it. Grrrr...

Ah well, I'm playing each day as it comes now. No plans for more than a couple of days ahead, no grandiose ideas about all that I will accomplish. Nope, I've thrown in the planning towel and have allowed the world to throw its worst at me. Even swimming has become iffy at best as the weather has really been rather crappy this summer.

Sounds depressing, but it's not that bad. Just frustrating and underproductive.

I finished reading "Second Glance" by Jodi Picoult today. Great book. I'd recommend it to ghost story readers, chick lit readers, and generally people who like complex stories that come together at the end.

Flu day 8

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:53:38 GMT

My flu has reduced itself to the nasty cough and a general fatigue. Not bad. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

My kids returned to my place today. Yay! And just in time to take them to see Harry Potter 6.

I will not spoil it, though, come on, you must've read the book by now! It was enjoyable, but kinda sad. Why? For a couple of reasons.

1. I can see the end of the series, and it will be sad to know that soon there won't be that opening night excitement for HP any more.

2. These last books are dark and filled more with nastiness than wonder. So to watch one leaves me feeling melancholy rather than exhilarated.

The kids have early camp tomorrow, so time to get some rest, cough willing.