The Kids Are Alright
Written by Deb Dorchak - May 13, 2010 4 Comments
You know how the saying goes if the kids are too quiet, they’re up to something?
I’m not going to say “we’re busy”. Ever since Friar posted about the Busy Bus I refuse to think of this thing I do as work. It’s not. It’s actually fun and as far as I’m concerned I’ve started retirement early doing what I’ve always wanted to do. That’s just the way it is.
So, instead, I will say that we’ve been quiet and intensely focused.
Las Vegas Invasion
So, yeah, we’ve been up to a lot of somethings.
Part of the reason you haven’t seen us around much this week is the Team and I have stepped away from the computers. After all, why should we be at the computers when each of us were not only on the same continent and neighboring time zones, but actually in the same state/city/house at the same time?
We took time out to solidify ourselves and met right here in Vegas. On Monday we had the honor and privilege of Allison cooking for us the best sushi dinner I have ever had. Over several platters of beautifully presented foodstuffs and a few glasses of wine, we discussed our plans for the future and toasted the milestones achieved so far and the ones we’ve set for the future.
Chief among them a massive first draft manuscript well on its way through second draft rewrites.
For the last several days we’ve gotten our inspiration from the desert (even if it was a tad windy and dusty) and connected with real people instead of IMs on a monitor.
Busman’s (Or Woman’s) Holiday
As I sat in the Fiesta Hotel/Casino’s Starbucks with Wendi yesterday we did a complete deconstruction of our manuscript. Don’t know what a deconstruction is? Then I highly recommend visiting storyfix.com and learning what one is.
Larry Brooks has one of the most useful tools for structuring your novel we’ve ever seen called Story Structure Demystified.
People, I’m telling you, if you’re serious about getting on the NY Times Best Seller List, this is one wise investment.
I have been enlightened and I want to share this wisdom with you. Get it, read it, and above all USE it. Don’t just let it collect dust on your desktop.
Despite the fact we were technically working, it sure as hell didn’t feel that way. And you know what? We’re looking forward to doing it again today.
Rumor also has it that our Allison is considering speaking at a Word Press Blog Camp and at Blog World Expo. If there was one topic about working with code on your site that you would like to know, what would it be? Ask us here in the comments, or send us an email.
I also had a guest post on Shades of Crimson, contributing to Davina’s lovely series on The Muse. At first I thought she was doing a series about me (that used to be my nickname and probably still is in some obscure corner of the world). Alas, it was not about me as I expected.
Davina’s series takes a fresh look at our processes for inspiration. Forget the usual posts about how to overcome writer’s block. This stuff is truly original thinking. You’ll love it. Go have a read.
The Dodgy Yam
No, The Dodgy Yam is not a bar. Apparently yams are considered dangerous and airline security will confiscate one should they find it in your carry on.
*shakes head*
Things the media conveniently leaves out; go figure. Next thing you know they’ll be doing pat-downs for bacon rolls, or bagels with cream cheese and lox smuggled across state and international borders.
Back to Business
Next week things will return to normal. Or as close to normal as normal is for us. Only minus a Rose and an Allison. One is going to Alaska and the other to Vietnam.
Ahhh, such world travelers we are!
But, the good thing is that our brains never stop. Even when we go away, or just pretend to take a vacation, we’re still jotting down ideas, helping people achieve their dreams and in general, making a difference in the world one project at a time.
Read the Comments
4 Outstanding Responses to "The Kids Are Alright"
Davina on May 13, 2010 at 9:18 am | Permalink
Sounds like you ladies had a blast! I’m still chuckling about Allison and the Yam at the airport
They still allow cell phones on planes, right? That’ll be next. Can’t wait till we learn to teleport. No more passports, heh, heh.
Thanks for the resources re deconstruction; I’m intrigued and will check them out. When it doesn’t feel like work, you’ve clearly found your calling. Things have a funny way of working out. And it was a fortunate accident that you, the Muse, were the first guest poster of the Muse in May series on my blog. Thanks again for being a part of that Deb. Lots more fun to come.
Allison Day on May 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm | Permalink
Hey. The yam was allowed through… but only once they realized it was a yam, and not something actually dangerous.
Yes, we had a blast! It was so much fun meeting Deb and Wendi (and everyone else!) I almost wish you guys had made me miss my flight (I got there just as they started boarding)… except that Son wouldn’t have been very happy with any of us.
And what are these rumors you’re spreading about me? Public speaking? At multiple conferences? Me???
Maybe… if we’re lucky and they like my proposals…
Karen Swim on May 16, 2010 at 2:15 pm | Permalink
Ha! Good info on the yams! They’re my favorites and I’ve been known to travel everywhere with things I really like.
I am pretty sure that big fabulous things came out of a fun time together. With all of you in one state, in one room I can only imagine the big ideas that got activated. Thanks too for the story resources, knee deep in editing my own novel and am using every resource I can get my hands on!
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