Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Production Delays Suck...
Damn. I was this close, too...
I spent all of last week meditating on my query letter. It's daunting, you know, trying to condense two years of my work into a one-page sales pitch. I kicked the idea around all week, putting it together in my head. When I finally sat down to write it this past weekend the words did not come easily. But I did make progress. I found it funny that I could write 90,000 page books, but a measily 400 words was like authoring the US Constitution. Just when I started to feel okay about my query progress, my wife emerged from her months-long editing slumber to inform me that, "The new draft is just way too harsh."
"What?!" I thought. What did she mean, "harsh"? I mean, sure, I bash women and weddings and everything having to do with tying the knot, but that's not harsh. After pondering her comments, though, I began to ask myself who my audience was.
During, "The Plunge," often times the audience was myself. After pasting a love-themed heart stamp on the two-hundreth engagement party invitation, I'd just about had it. That moment made me angry and I wrote about it. But what my wife said I lost during the multiple rewrites was the light-heartedness that tied the whole thing together. Instead it was replaced by a hard-edged cynicism. Most times cynicism doesn't sell.
So what does that mean? Well, it means that I'm going to rewrite, "The Plunge," one more time. No really, this time I really mean it. This whole rewrite thing is really a bummer because I want to start on my novel. The novel is where I want to be mentally right now.
Looks like I'm about to fall asleep so I'm going to get started on another rewrite.
Until next time...
I spent all of last week meditating on my query letter. It's daunting, you know, trying to condense two years of my work into a one-page sales pitch. I kicked the idea around all week, putting it together in my head. When I finally sat down to write it this past weekend the words did not come easily. But I did make progress. I found it funny that I could write 90,000 page books, but a measily 400 words was like authoring the US Constitution. Just when I started to feel okay about my query progress, my wife emerged from her months-long editing slumber to inform me that, "The new draft is just way too harsh."
"What?!" I thought. What did she mean, "harsh"? I mean, sure, I bash women and weddings and everything having to do with tying the knot, but that's not harsh. After pondering her comments, though, I began to ask myself who my audience was.
During, "The Plunge," often times the audience was myself. After pasting a love-themed heart stamp on the two-hundreth engagement party invitation, I'd just about had it. That moment made me angry and I wrote about it. But what my wife said I lost during the multiple rewrites was the light-heartedness that tied the whole thing together. Instead it was replaced by a hard-edged cynicism. Most times cynicism doesn't sell.
So what does that mean? Well, it means that I'm going to rewrite, "The Plunge," one more time. No really, this time I really mean it. This whole rewrite thing is really a bummer because I want to start on my novel. The novel is where I want to be mentally right now.
Looks like I'm about to fall asleep so I'm going to get started on another rewrite.
Until next time...
Sunday, October 11, 2009
It is finished...
By Job, I've done it! I've actually done it! Six or seven rewrites, two years and lots and lots of coffee; it's done. The final-by-God-finished version of 'The Plunge' is finished. I don't know if there's anything else I can do to it to make it any better. From what I've gathered, that's when you're supposed to submit it to an agent for help. It's grammatically correct, and it transitions and flows just like any narrative should. The question remains; who the hell wants to read it?
Well, that's the real trick. I don't know who would want to read this book. I'm assuming that my friends would want to check it out, as would most of my family. But who else? The book is an insight into my head and thought processes while transitioning from a bachelor into a married man. Of course it's slathered with my cynicism and commentary on American culture, which adds a bit of comedy (or irritation, depending on your gender). I don't know, I guess I just think the idea has got some legs. I mean come on, we have an entire channel dedicated to weddings (WE). And have there ever been any books written from a guy's point of view?
So this week will be 'query letter' week. A query letter is a pretty big deal, as it's basically your personal ad saying 'please market/buy my book.' Even though the letter itself is going to be one page, I'm going to write and rewrite it a few times to make sure that's it's right. Then I'll start working my way down my list of agents. There are hundreds. Surely someone will take a chance on it.
Two weeks from now I'll begin rewriting my novel. I think it may be in line for a massive rewrite. I've got a decent story arc in mind, but the first book might be too plodding to snag the audience. I'll make-up my mind over the next two months.
Personally, my wife and I spent the weekend in San Antonio. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed getting the hell of Houston for a bit. Houston can suck the life out of you sometimes. The commuting and all that; it blows, hard. We've already been married a year, and we'll have a baby on the ground by the end of March. That's when the REAL plunge begins!
Not much on the horizon for me this weekend outside of my nephew's birthday party on Saturday. Other than that, the Cathey's will be chilling at the house and putting the finishing touches on decor before we start on the nursery in January.
Until next time...
Well, that's the real trick. I don't know who would want to read this book. I'm assuming that my friends would want to check it out, as would most of my family. But who else? The book is an insight into my head and thought processes while transitioning from a bachelor into a married man. Of course it's slathered with my cynicism and commentary on American culture, which adds a bit of comedy (or irritation, depending on your gender). I don't know, I guess I just think the idea has got some legs. I mean come on, we have an entire channel dedicated to weddings (WE). And have there ever been any books written from a guy's point of view?
So this week will be 'query letter' week. A query letter is a pretty big deal, as it's basically your personal ad saying 'please market/buy my book.' Even though the letter itself is going to be one page, I'm going to write and rewrite it a few times to make sure that's it's right. Then I'll start working my way down my list of agents. There are hundreds. Surely someone will take a chance on it.
Two weeks from now I'll begin rewriting my novel. I think it may be in line for a massive rewrite. I've got a decent story arc in mind, but the first book might be too plodding to snag the audience. I'll make-up my mind over the next two months.
Personally, my wife and I spent the weekend in San Antonio. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed getting the hell of Houston for a bit. Houston can suck the life out of you sometimes. The commuting and all that; it blows, hard. We've already been married a year, and we'll have a baby on the ground by the end of March. That's when the REAL plunge begins!
Not much on the horizon for me this weekend outside of my nephew's birthday party on Saturday. Other than that, the Cathey's will be chilling at the house and putting the finishing touches on decor before we start on the nursery in January.
Until next time...
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Nobody Likes You When You're.....28
It's the eve of my 28th birthday and honestly, I don't feel any different that I did 10 years ago.
It's been awhile, I know. I think I tried to post something on Wednesday of last week, but I fell asleep at the keyboard, a line of the letter 'j' the only work that I got through. My head was cocked against back of the couch in our sun room (now with furniture!), and my head hurt the entire next day from the enormous crick. That was the only earnest stab I took at writing on the blog. But here I am on October 3rd, watching college football. Amanda's sleeping on the couch next to me. Her tummy's getting pretty paunchy. If I didn't know any better I'd think she had a beer drinking habit.
This past week Amanda bought me an Iphone, which has been near the top of my 'wantlist' for months now. With my work schedule, I'm not able to keep up with my personal affairs. So when I finally do get home from work at 7:30 p.m., I have to spend an hour catching up on email and current events. Now I'll be able to communicate with everyone in a more timely fashion. I'm even kicking around the idea of creating a Facebook.com page. I always knew I'd put one up when the books were finished. If I can ever force myself to sit down and do it, I'll put myself out there. I've got to be honest, though, there're more than a few people that I don't want to be in contact with.
I'm still on a Beatles kick. Their stuff is just so damned good and influential. I'm looking to expand my musical interests a little bit. I'll start playing around a little more on Itunes to see if I can't pick anything out. Movie wise, I picked-up the new Wolverine film and I'm still working through season 2 of Dexter while keeping up with the new season of The Office.
So, back to my birthday. Tomorrow my in-laws are coming by to drop off a few things. I have to get a haircut, get the grocery shopping done and get back before kickoff of Week 4 of the NFL. I can't wait. Amanda's in a pick-em league (where she picks winners of games each week) and she's in second place. Both of my fantasy teams are in contention, and the Texans should right the ship this weekend. Plus it's going to rain. Rain makes me feel justified in my laziness.
My friend Martin and I caught the Blink-182 concert last week at the Woodlands Pavilion. For some reason, there are a lot of high school kids into Blink. I just don't get it. They were last truly relevant in 2002, and their 2003 album didn't do much commercially. So where's this cult Blink love coming from? If anyone knows, drop me a line at tomcathey2@gmail.com The concert was pretty damned fun, though. It was nice to spend some time with Martin, too.
So, an update on writing...
Well, it's going. I still try to write everyday, but I don't get very far. I fall asleep too easily. I do my best writing first thing in the morning after a few cups of coffee. But if I'm in the right mood, I can do good stuff with a shot of caffeine. But now I'm still on editing 'The Plunge." I'm nearly two-thirds finished with the final (and I really mean it this time) draft. I read a few paragraphs to my parents today (in town for a birthday lunch), and they thought it was hilarious. Amanda and I were talking today about just how bad planning that damned wedding sucked. And everything was a ball of contention. The good thing is, though, it makes for really interesting reading. So, I'm a little up on my writing right now. The book just feels good. I'll be sending out query letters pretty soon. I think I'll be ready by the end of November. There's a chance that if I meet that goal (I know, I said I wouldn't set goals), I can get my novel done by 2010. Then I'll start on my all-of-the-sudden project.
This coming Sunday Amanda and I are heading to San Antonio to celebrate our first anniversary. It's going to be so nice to get away. I can't believe I've already been married a year. Time flies...
Until next time...
It's been awhile, I know. I think I tried to post something on Wednesday of last week, but I fell asleep at the keyboard, a line of the letter 'j' the only work that I got through. My head was cocked against back of the couch in our sun room (now with furniture!), and my head hurt the entire next day from the enormous crick. That was the only earnest stab I took at writing on the blog. But here I am on October 3rd, watching college football. Amanda's sleeping on the couch next to me. Her tummy's getting pretty paunchy. If I didn't know any better I'd think she had a beer drinking habit.
This past week Amanda bought me an Iphone, which has been near the top of my 'wantlist' for months now. With my work schedule, I'm not able to keep up with my personal affairs. So when I finally do get home from work at 7:30 p.m., I have to spend an hour catching up on email and current events. Now I'll be able to communicate with everyone in a more timely fashion. I'm even kicking around the idea of creating a Facebook.com page. I always knew I'd put one up when the books were finished. If I can ever force myself to sit down and do it, I'll put myself out there. I've got to be honest, though, there're more than a few people that I don't want to be in contact with.
I'm still on a Beatles kick. Their stuff is just so damned good and influential. I'm looking to expand my musical interests a little bit. I'll start playing around a little more on Itunes to see if I can't pick anything out. Movie wise, I picked-up the new Wolverine film and I'm still working through season 2 of Dexter while keeping up with the new season of The Office.
So, back to my birthday. Tomorrow my in-laws are coming by to drop off a few things. I have to get a haircut, get the grocery shopping done and get back before kickoff of Week 4 of the NFL. I can't wait. Amanda's in a pick-em league (where she picks winners of games each week) and she's in second place. Both of my fantasy teams are in contention, and the Texans should right the ship this weekend. Plus it's going to rain. Rain makes me feel justified in my laziness.
My friend Martin and I caught the Blink-182 concert last week at the Woodlands Pavilion. For some reason, there are a lot of high school kids into Blink. I just don't get it. They were last truly relevant in 2002, and their 2003 album didn't do much commercially. So where's this cult Blink love coming from? If anyone knows, drop me a line at tomcathey2@gmail.com The concert was pretty damned fun, though. It was nice to spend some time with Martin, too.
So, an update on writing...
Well, it's going. I still try to write everyday, but I don't get very far. I fall asleep too easily. I do my best writing first thing in the morning after a few cups of coffee. But if I'm in the right mood, I can do good stuff with a shot of caffeine. But now I'm still on editing 'The Plunge." I'm nearly two-thirds finished with the final (and I really mean it this time) draft. I read a few paragraphs to my parents today (in town for a birthday lunch), and they thought it was hilarious. Amanda and I were talking today about just how bad planning that damned wedding sucked. And everything was a ball of contention. The good thing is, though, it makes for really interesting reading. So, I'm a little up on my writing right now. The book just feels good. I'll be sending out query letters pretty soon. I think I'll be ready by the end of November. There's a chance that if I meet that goal (I know, I said I wouldn't set goals), I can get my novel done by 2010. Then I'll start on my all-of-the-sudden project.
This coming Sunday Amanda and I are heading to San Antonio to celebrate our first anniversary. It's going to be so nice to get away. I can't believe I've already been married a year. Time flies...
Until next time...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Big Week
Greetings, True Believers!
I'm back with another delay and unanticipated blog concerning the life and times of one Tom Cathey. As I'm writing this, my wife and I are getting ready to watch the first hour of the Texas vs. Texas Tech game. We love football season here in the Cathey household. Then at 8:00 p.m. we'll begin watching the undercard to the huge Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Juan Manual Marquez bout on PPV. Amanda's a big Mayweather fan, and it's expected the be a hell of a bout. I don't care either way, as long it's fun to watch. So I've got Amanda into boxing, football and professional wrestling. I'm still working on Star Wars figures, but something tells me that's not going to stick. I'll keep trying, though.
Last week I was mired in a work training at hotel near the airport. It was relatively informative, but more importantly it was good that i didn't have to drive the full 45 miles to work this past week. It was tiring, though. Maybe it was because I was out of my routine. I managed to pick-up the recently released X-MEN ORIGINS film featuring Wolverine on my haul of media. I've also been on a big Beatles kick. Has anyone ever heard of these, Beatles? They made some pretty good music. Who'd have thought?
So, I got to write some this past week, but not as much as I'd have liked. If I could just manage to take a few more hours this week I'd get through a rewrite. But I will say that I began work on my third novel this week. Not too many details, but I'd been piecing it together for so long (5 years) that I'd put something down on notebook paper. It'll take at least through 2010 to finish (it's kind of epic), but I like the idea. "The Plunge" is what I'm currently on. My editor (wife) has fallen behind on editing, so I've pushed ahead. Speaking of my wife, she's getting really, really pregnant. Nausea is getting better, and we'll be finding out the sex of our baby at the end of the month.
So coming-up this week I have the Blink 182 concert on Thursday night, which I will be attending with my buddy Martin. On Saturday the 26th we're getting some furniture for our gameroom. Well, that's just about it. Getting ready for fight time!
Best to Ita....
I'll be back, soon! Best wishes to you and yours and good hunting!
Until next time...
I'm back with another delay and unanticipated blog concerning the life and times of one Tom Cathey. As I'm writing this, my wife and I are getting ready to watch the first hour of the Texas vs. Texas Tech game. We love football season here in the Cathey household. Then at 8:00 p.m. we'll begin watching the undercard to the huge Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Juan Manual Marquez bout on PPV. Amanda's a big Mayweather fan, and it's expected the be a hell of a bout. I don't care either way, as long it's fun to watch. So I've got Amanda into boxing, football and professional wrestling. I'm still working on Star Wars figures, but something tells me that's not going to stick. I'll keep trying, though.
Last week I was mired in a work training at hotel near the airport. It was relatively informative, but more importantly it was good that i didn't have to drive the full 45 miles to work this past week. It was tiring, though. Maybe it was because I was out of my routine. I managed to pick-up the recently released X-MEN ORIGINS film featuring Wolverine on my haul of media. I've also been on a big Beatles kick. Has anyone ever heard of these, Beatles? They made some pretty good music. Who'd have thought?
So, I got to write some this past week, but not as much as I'd have liked. If I could just manage to take a few more hours this week I'd get through a rewrite. But I will say that I began work on my third novel this week. Not too many details, but I'd been piecing it together for so long (5 years) that I'd put something down on notebook paper. It'll take at least through 2010 to finish (it's kind of epic), but I like the idea. "The Plunge" is what I'm currently on. My editor (wife) has fallen behind on editing, so I've pushed ahead. Speaking of my wife, she's getting really, really pregnant. Nausea is getting better, and we'll be finding out the sex of our baby at the end of the month.
So coming-up this week I have the Blink 182 concert on Thursday night, which I will be attending with my buddy Martin. On Saturday the 26th we're getting some furniture for our gameroom. Well, that's just about it. Getting ready for fight time!
Best to Ita....
I'll be back, soon! Best wishes to you and yours and good hunting!
Until next time...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Less than 24 Hours Away
We've been waiting all year and it's finally upon us. The kickoff to the 2009 NFL Season is here! Tomorrow night is just the appetizer, a Thursday night game (that I won't get to see until the second half because of work), but it's still football nonetheless. This Sunday my pregnant wife and I will pig out on tons of fast food, all while watching 12 hours of pro football. We can't wait.
As for Amanda, well, she's sick. She's sick a lot. Part of the problem is that she can't vomit, which blows when you're in the midst of any sort of baby sickness. But she's hanging in there. Hopefully at the end of the month we'll be able to determine the sick. Either way we have names picked-out, and in March we'll have the newest addition to the Cathey family.
Work has occupied a substantive amount of my time recently, which is frustrating, especially when you're putting in 11 hours per day. But I still write all of the time. Last night after getting home at 8:30 p.m. I fell asleep at the computer on the bedroom floor. I'd at least made it to page 50. But at least this is the LAST rewrite on 'Plunge.' We're getting close. And I'm done setting goals with rewrites. It's just pointless. This past weekend (at my parents) I planned on writing most of the time. What happened? I slept my ass off, that's what I did. And I think I deserved it. During the week I get on average 5.5 hours a night between writing, occasional gaming and waking-up to work out. There was a part of me awhile back that just wanted to work. I'd get home after a long work day and write. I'd fall asleep somewhere uncomfortable then get up and do it again. It's taxing. Now I'm taking a little more 'brainless' time. That 'brainless' time is consumed by movies, television and sometimes videogames. I'll go crazy if I don't take it.
Jesus...another vampire commercial. I'm so f'ing tired of vampires...
Until next time...
As for Amanda, well, she's sick. She's sick a lot. Part of the problem is that she can't vomit, which blows when you're in the midst of any sort of baby sickness. But she's hanging in there. Hopefully at the end of the month we'll be able to determine the sick. Either way we have names picked-out, and in March we'll have the newest addition to the Cathey family.
Work has occupied a substantive amount of my time recently, which is frustrating, especially when you're putting in 11 hours per day. But I still write all of the time. Last night after getting home at 8:30 p.m. I fell asleep at the computer on the bedroom floor. I'd at least made it to page 50. But at least this is the LAST rewrite on 'Plunge.' We're getting close. And I'm done setting goals with rewrites. It's just pointless. This past weekend (at my parents) I planned on writing most of the time. What happened? I slept my ass off, that's what I did. And I think I deserved it. During the week I get on average 5.5 hours a night between writing, occasional gaming and waking-up to work out. There was a part of me awhile back that just wanted to work. I'd get home after a long work day and write. I'd fall asleep somewhere uncomfortable then get up and do it again. It's taxing. Now I'm taking a little more 'brainless' time. That 'brainless' time is consumed by movies, television and sometimes videogames. I'll go crazy if I don't take it.
Jesus...another vampire commercial. I'm so f'ing tired of vampires...
Until next time...
Sunday, August 30, 2009
No One's Going to Do it For You; You've got to go for it and Take It...
It's Sunday Morning, and I'm feeling just fine despite the lack of sleep. Finally a quasi-cold front blew through, which makes it a hell of a lot more pleasant outside. It's a sleepy day here in the Cathey household. The freshly-shorn Simon (our dog), is laying beside my pregnant wife on the couch as she watches a random reality TV show and works on a Sudoku puzzle. I'm situated at the kitchen table with the remains of monthly bill statements and a bottle of 'Smart Water'.
We have our second appointment at the baby doctor this week. Amanda's tummy is getting pretty large. The fact that I'm going to be a father hasn't quite set-in. We do, however, have names for both sexes picked-out. There's nothing like the feeling of hearing the heartbeat of your baby. It's one of the few moments that I've ever really felt alive.
Last week was a good if not typical week aside for a small vehicular hiccup. I was really productive last week in regards to writing. Every night I worked for hours, and I'm two-thirds through with the second re-write of my novel. My wife is working through my final version of 'The Plunge,' basically to make sure there's nothing written that she doesn't know about. After all, it's a 313 page bashing of weddings, women and everything concerning tying the knot. She's really nauseated, so it's difficult for her to focus for two long on reading (oddly enough, Sudoku isn't an issue). Therefore, her progress has been delayed. She is through 50 pages, however, so I can take what she's gone through and re-write it for the final time. I've researched what agents are looking for, and unfortunately not many are looking for first-time fiction. Now, young adult literature is en vogue, which is good. But my plan has always been to get 'The Plunge' published and then use that as a segway to move into my novels. Humorous non-fiction is in high demand at the moment, so the sooner I can 'The Plunge' out the door, the better.
I'm ready for the rejection that comes with looking for an agent. I believe in my abilities and talents as a writer, but like anyone I have my doubts. Randomly I'll pick up one of my manuscripts and open it to just begin reading. More than often than not I like what I'm reading, but there are times when I'll get to something that just doesn't sound right. That's when I get depressed or upset. That's when I have to reassure myself and not get down on my writing, because I've read other people's stuff. Mine isn't that far off.
Aside from writing, Amanda and me have been knee-deep in football this year. Yesterday while I was out, she watched 10 hours of pre-season football and kept tabs on fantasy football possibilities. In a few short weeks we'll continue our annual tradition (it's only a year old, but we aren't stopping) of watching 12 hours of Sunday football and pigging out on fast food of our choice. It's our favorite time of year, especially when it gets cold out. This coming Saturday kicks off the college football season! We're heading to Tyler to see my parents for the weekend, and I'm looking forward to getting away. There are days when I absolutely hate Houston and it's commuter lifestyle. Getting some fresh air will do me good.
I suppose that's all. I'm more determined than ever to get these books out the door and start on my next project(s).
And where in the hell is our hurricane, El Nino?
Until next time...
We have our second appointment at the baby doctor this week. Amanda's tummy is getting pretty large. The fact that I'm going to be a father hasn't quite set-in. We do, however, have names for both sexes picked-out. There's nothing like the feeling of hearing the heartbeat of your baby. It's one of the few moments that I've ever really felt alive.
Last week was a good if not typical week aside for a small vehicular hiccup. I was really productive last week in regards to writing. Every night I worked for hours, and I'm two-thirds through with the second re-write of my novel. My wife is working through my final version of 'The Plunge,' basically to make sure there's nothing written that she doesn't know about. After all, it's a 313 page bashing of weddings, women and everything concerning tying the knot. She's really nauseated, so it's difficult for her to focus for two long on reading (oddly enough, Sudoku isn't an issue). Therefore, her progress has been delayed. She is through 50 pages, however, so I can take what she's gone through and re-write it for the final time. I've researched what agents are looking for, and unfortunately not many are looking for first-time fiction. Now, young adult literature is en vogue, which is good. But my plan has always been to get 'The Plunge' published and then use that as a segway to move into my novels. Humorous non-fiction is in high demand at the moment, so the sooner I can 'The Plunge' out the door, the better.
I'm ready for the rejection that comes with looking for an agent. I believe in my abilities and talents as a writer, but like anyone I have my doubts. Randomly I'll pick up one of my manuscripts and open it to just begin reading. More than often than not I like what I'm reading, but there are times when I'll get to something that just doesn't sound right. That's when I get depressed or upset. That's when I have to reassure myself and not get down on my writing, because I've read other people's stuff. Mine isn't that far off.
Aside from writing, Amanda and me have been knee-deep in football this year. Yesterday while I was out, she watched 10 hours of pre-season football and kept tabs on fantasy football possibilities. In a few short weeks we'll continue our annual tradition (it's only a year old, but we aren't stopping) of watching 12 hours of Sunday football and pigging out on fast food of our choice. It's our favorite time of year, especially when it gets cold out. This coming Saturday kicks off the college football season! We're heading to Tyler to see my parents for the weekend, and I'm looking forward to getting away. There are days when I absolutely hate Houston and it's commuter lifestyle. Getting some fresh air will do me good.
I suppose that's all. I'm more determined than ever to get these books out the door and start on my next project(s).
And where in the hell is our hurricane, El Nino?
Until next time...
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)