August Scene Break
August 30, 2023
UPDATE ON MY NOVEL
Edits are finished for that round, and the novel is sitting, waiting for me to return. I had a sensitivity reader read a few sections, and I'm so glad I did. Most of the time, since I'm not working on the MS, I'm thinking about ways to improve it. I've been too busy packing for my move, then unpacking and organizing to actually do any writing.
UPDATE ON POETRY
I've written a few poems here and there since I updated Scene Break, including one while taking a hiatus from my novel. Other than that, there's not much to talk about.
WHAT I'M READING
I'm not one to read memoirs, but I'm reading one now that has me enthralled. The Butterfly Cage by Rachel Zemach is an excellent book. Rachel is Deaf and wrote about her experiences teaching Deaf students in California. Not deaf myself, I am amazed at the intricacies of Deaf culture but also at the stupidity and rudeness of the hearing people Rachel dealt with on a daily basis. Knowing my temperament when I was younger, I would not have lasted long in that environment. I admire Rachel for not knocking someone's head off. I highly recommend this book.
PUBLICATIONS SINCE LAST SCENE BREAK
Untitled Clarity Pyramid August 16. https://subliminal.surgery/
Three poems about home in Indiana. The INverse Poetry Archive. (Online Indiana State Museum) https://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16066coll82/search/searchterm/mona%20mehas
MEANDERINGS
I've made a couple of additions to Meanderings this month. The latest, of course, is about my move. If you haven't read them yet, please do. I apologize for making you tired with my words of exhaustion.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED SO FAR
Last month, I talked about my submission spreadsheet. Readers told me it would have been nice to see an example. I tried to include a picture for this post of a section of my spreadsheet but when I emailed this newsletter to myself as a test it came out as a bunch of gobblety gook. Unfortunately, you will just have to use your imagination.
I keep the same type of spreadsheet listing acceptances. It has the name of the poem or story, journal name, and publication date. I always post on (the X formerly known as) Twitter when something is accepted and again when it's published. I share my publications on Facebook as well.
STAR TREK
Strange New Worlds is over for the season and year. Unfortunately, it ended on a cliffhanger. Those in the know say we will wait at least 18 months for the second half because of the director and writer strikes. Lower Decks is due to come back in early September. By the way, I loved the musical even though I didn't think I would—there are many good singers on Strange New Worlds. OMG Ethan Peck!
In preparation for Starbase Indy the weekend after Thanksgiving, we have an info table at different cons in Indy. I was supposed to go to all of them, but I underestimated how worn out I'd be with my move. I sat at our table Friday for PopCon, but others took my place Saturday and Sunday. I missed GenCon completely. There's one more, VoltCon, in October. I believe we are supposed to have a table there, and I'm signed up for that.
OTHER TV
I finished watching Manifest. At least it didn't end like Lost or Dallas. That's all I'll say. I think there is another season of Black Mirror I haven't seen. That's next on my agenda.
TODAY'S CARDS
The Guardian of the Night Tarot - MJ Cullinane
Wise Dog Tarot - MJ Cullinane
Savran Forest Tarot - Dark Synevyr
Original Rider - Waite - Smith Tarot
Kim posted a query in the Tarot Writing Facebook group, wondering about the relationship between these two cards: The Lovers and the Two of Cups. That inspired me to make this spread, which led to a poem. Hopefully, a journal will pick it up soon!