Change is Good (a.k.a. Everything Happens for a Reason)

Change is good. And, holy COW, do I have a lot of it going on right now.

One of the biggest changes for me is that, as of May 31st, I will no longer be working at the tattoo shop where I've been for thirteen years, the entire span of my tattoo career. It is sad, but necessary. The time has come to move on. I will be working by appointment only, which will be great because...

I have another huge change coming where my writing is concerned and I'll need more flexibility in my tattoo schedule to accommodate that. Nothing crazy (yet), but I know I'm going to need a lot more time to dedicate to writing. *grinning from ear to ear*

The second part of this post's title, Everything Happens for a Reason, is something I'm living right now. I get this philosophy. I've experienced it in the past. But, in the last couple of weeks, I've had so many small, coincidental things happen that I cannot deny the serendipitous nature of these events. And these happenings have confirmed for me that I am on the right path. And being on the right path links back to the importance of change, which links back to everything happening for a reason, and back and forth in an encompassing circle of awesomeness.

I am typically of the "Change is Bad/Terrifying" mindset, so I've had to make some mental adjustments to compensate. Am I freaked out? YES! I'd be lying if I denied it. Is there a possibility that it will all blow up in my face? Yes. I try not to linger on that question though--too much negativity down that road. Do I have to talk myself out of a panic attack sometimes (like when I think about the last question)? Yes, but I'm getting better at it. A little better every day.

The Importance of Conferences. And Lists.

First, I can't believe I haven't posted here since January. Perhaps that is an indication of just how busy I've been. The tattoo shop has been swamped and my appointments have consistently been booked three weeks out since my last post. I love and hate this time of year.

Second, I just got back from the Romantic Times Booklover's Convention in Chicago. Great times with amazing people--fellow authors AND friends. Networking, socializing, reconnecting, and laughing. Even worked in drinks, deep dish pizza, a trip to the top floor of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the tallest building in the western hemisphere, and many rounds of dirty mad libs. Also, some more education about the craft of writing. Whew.

And it reminded me of how important it is for me to attend writer's conferences. Not only does it allow me to connect with people I might not see otherwise, it also renews my determination to become a published writer. And not merely published, but also a better writer and a successful one.

I finished my horror manuscript and am currently in the editing process. I'm still madly in love with the story and my protagonist. Hopefully, the edits won't be a dream crusher.

I return to tattooing tomorrow and my time/life becomes divided again. But I'm making an Every Day List for myself to insure that I squeeze every last drop of juice out of my days.

It's the only way I'll persevere. Plus, sticking to the list will keep me focused and fuel my determination on a daily basis.

Included on the Every Day List:
Blog more often
Allow down time
Don't skip the gym

I'll try to stick to it.

Still Here, More Divided

For those of you following the link from my updated tattoo website (www.tattoosbyceleste.com), welcome! And I just provided a handy little link for those from the other half of my life--the writing half--so that the rest of you can check out the website too. Yay!

I'm sure some of you (Anybody out there? No, probably not.) may notice I haven't posted here for a bit. Call me a slacker if you will, but please know that I'm busy writing things other than blog posts and tattooing until my eyes cross.

It's the beginning of my busy season at the tattoo shop. I go from working eight hours to nine or ten hours (or more) on the days I work. Plus, I juggle drawing up tattoos for my scheduled appointments and handling walk-in clients too. In addition, I have to clean, return calls, answer emails, and shovel snow. All of which makes for mentally exhausting days and nights.

So, I have to stay very focused if I plan to meet my personal deadline for finishing the first draft of my current work in progress. Which is January 31st, by the way. My writing time gets cut in half. Sometimes, it's whittled down to a mere hour per day. The writing is going well and the project is...exhilarating? No, that sounds too, I don't know, joyful. A more apt description would be consuming. The project is consuming and I'm happy to let it eat me alive.

But how to stay on track? How to keep some small kernel of creativity in reserve for those precious writing minutes left to me at the end of the day?

Eliminate any possible distractions.

I've removed every app from my phone which could tempt me into wasting time. Well, not facebook or twitter, but c'mon, those are necessary. Right? Yeah, maybe I should hide those from myself too. Especially twitter. Total time suck. I do, however, make sure to sign out each time I use either one.

My critique partner, Kimberly Meyer, had the brilliant idea to change her passwords on time-sucking sites to things which would prompt her to get back to writing. She's so smart.

I also set a start time for myself. I get an hour to unwind after work. No more, no less. Then, I turn off the television, put on some music, and open the laptop.

The husband is loving enough to allow me the space (and time) I need. He's so smart.

So, I've spent my hour composing this post.

Time to go to work.

Disappointment Can Be Fun

Okay. Confession.

*sigh*

I did not complete NaNoWriMo.

At first, I was upset. Disappointed. Melancholy. Now...not so much.

When I started, I had some grand illusions.

1. This story will be fun.
2. This story will be easy to write. (should have been a pretty clear sign right there)
3. This story will fall in line exactly the way I want it to. (another terrible omen)

Well, since I didn't have an outline to work from or any real clue as to which direction the story was headed, I just let my lead show me his life and, in the process, I saw the hidden strings behind those illusions. Actually, my CHARACTER showed me the strings. He's shown me a lot of things about pantsing too. And thank cheese and rice he did because I am so in love with the story now. Even though it's taken me to some VERY dark and uncomfortable places. *shivers*

So, I guess my point for this post is to not set boundaries on yourself. Or, rather, I won't set limits on myself. (Not that I won't have a daily writing goal. I think those are essential.) I'm just not going to sell my characters, myself, or possible future readers short by leaving stones unturned. There's a dark corner in that basement, and damn it, I'm going to go look and see what atrocities might lurk there...maybe not. Some dark corners are better left in the dark.

And if it takes me more than a month to write it, who cares?

I'm having fun.

Make Words, Don't Label

I have OCD. Well, I've never had a medical professional tell me for certain, but I'm pretty sure the tendencies are there. I use exactly three pumps of soap to wash my hands. Every time. Three. And I count them. Same with swipes of deodorant (twelve), locking the door (two), and handwashing gets a thirty count. I plan. I make lists. I count. I follow routines.
So, naturally, the title, "Plotter," fits me.

At least it did in the beginning.

I'd been stuck trying over and over to write a full-length fiction novel and I couldn't make it happen. Then, in 2010, I had the amazing opportunity to meet one of my favorite authors. I had just learned the terms "Plotter" and "Pantser,"and I asked her which title she claimed. She got a terrible look on her face and said, "Plotter through and through. I lean toward OCD."

And I knew, right then and there, that I was one too.

Yippee! Hooray! I'd found my people.

I embraced my new philosophy and managed to make it through the first manuscript in six months after three years of unsuccessful attempts.
Yes!

But when it came time to write another manuscript, my pantsing critique partners said, "Just try it. You might like it."
And since I consider myself an open minded individual, I did.

*gasp* It worked. I made it through the second MS in under 90 days. Huh.

It was a fluke. Had to be. I COUNT things. I'm a PLOTTER.

Then, I sat down to plot the next project and ran into a wall. I spent three months (I counted) plotting a novel, but when it came time for me to begin, I was blank. I had invented a whole culture of people with a religion, their own language, and a written history. Seriously, I have two binders full of notes. But in the end, the story wouldn't come out.

Why? Because I had wrung the neck of my story, choking and choking it with details until it expired. However, I had to keep writing and forced myself to move on to something else.

Once again I took the advice of my critique partners and, with only a speck of concept in mind, I ran with it. Now, I'm almost 14,000 words in after less than a week and it's amazing. Will I plot in the future? Yes. Some stories have to be handled that way. Will I obsess over the minutia? More than likely, but I will try anything as long as I get it written.

The lesson here, for me at least, is to not put a label on yourself or your technique. Hell, don't even claim one camp or the other. Screw the debates, the theories, the tips, tricks, and utensils. Eat with your fingers. Allow your characters to move and breathe and live without your direction. Let boxes arrive at their doorsteps from unknown senders. Push them off of cliffs and into battles. Give them voices and flaws and annoying quirks like counting how many strokes of deodorant they use. *grin*
Plot it, pants it, do both. Just WRITE.

Follow your characters into the darkness and throw monsters at them.

Among those monsters, you might find a home.

Pay Up, Mothertrucker

First, let me say that I'm only 4000 words behind on my NaNoWriMo schedule. Woo! Not bad considering I only started YESTERDAY. But, the new project is fun--very dark and extra creeptacular. The Story Masters workshop was AH-mazing, insightful, and brain-exploding good fun.

Second, a lesson about paying for a tattoo.

WARNING:
RANT AHEAD
PROCEED WITH CAUTION

My tattoo work is expensive.

Not because I think I'm superior, it's expensive because I'm good at what I do. You aren't just paying for supplies, nitwit. You're also paying for 12+ years of experience, education regarding the prevention of disease transmission, the apprenticeship I bothered to undergo because I refused to be a scum of the earth scratcher, cleaniness, expertise, professionalism, and talent. Not to mention the time I spend on your piece (no matter how big or small) because I actually CARE about my work and the HEART I put into every single tattoo.

I work at a shop that has been in business for 20 years. We've lasted because we have respect for the tradition of tattooing, spend time with you and your design, and generally give a f**k about you and what you are putting on your body FOREVER.

I realize that there are many, MANY shops who would do your tattoo cheaper. Hell, they might even do a decent job.

But DO NOT disrespect me, my passion, my shop, or my integrity by trying to pull off some cheap, flea-market haggle over the price. It makes you look stupid.

And it makes me want to stab you in the face.

Do your g*ddamn research. Look at my work, talk to people I've tattooed, and keep in mind this simple rule that has been around western tattooing since...well, it's been around for a very long time--

CHEAP TATTOOS AREN'T GOOD AND GOOD TATTOOS AREN'T CHEAP.

And you always get what you pay for.

Never Enough Time

I'm headed to Houston on Wednesday for the Story Master's Weekend with the legendary Christopher Vogler, Donald Maass, and James Scott Bell.

So I have a billion and two things to get done before I go. Boring stuff like laundry and packing, but also my prep for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month for those who don't know). And I have tattoos to do tomorrow. Five appointments, back to back, and whatever time left over I have to use to make sure everything at the shop is taken care of for my absence.

Cheese and effing rice, that's not enough time.

I never have enough time.

Managing a busy tattoo shop, balancing quality time with my awesome husband (it's our anniversary today, by the way), trying (and mostly failing) to see my family, and portioning away what little left over time I have for writing?

*sigh* I'm exhausted just typing that.

But there are so many writers in the world who juggle most of that and MORE. Some of them have children too. How do they do it? How can they possibly make all of it happen?

Mad skills.
And a whole lot of discipline.

Skills I got.
Discipline?
Meh, not so much.

I think participating in NaNoWriMo will really help. To save face among my fellow writer buddies and make my goal of 50,000 words by November 30th, I HAVE to stay disciplined. I have to put at least 1700 words on the page every day, which means writing through every available second.

And I will.
Why?

Eyes on the prize, my friends. Eyes on the prize.

Stay tuned this month to see if I'm a good juggler.