Playing Hooky Again

Day 2 of not going to work.

Yesterday was a bit crazy, but Nikki’s mom got here just fine…with the dog.  /o\  Despite the fact that I don’t like dogs it’s not a problem.  I can cope with her little silver pig-body traipsing around my house for a few days.  I have to admit, she’s kinda cute.  Really, for all you dog lovers out there, I don’t think it’s that I truly dislike dogs, it’s just that I dread the responsibilities of actually owning a pet.

Today is surgery day so we’re leaving here in about an hour and a half.  After that, I’m sure my wife will milk the situation for all its worth for as long as she can.  I don’t really blame her.

This means less free time for me.  Fortunately, I’ve finished all feedback integration on Black Bottle from my test read group.  They did a fantastic job.  The book would literally not be what it is without their diligence, detailed comments, and willingness to talk about what was great and what needed attention.  Even better, it all came together just in time.  My editor finished with another book and asked me to send in the manuscript.  I was banging out the last modifications to a troublesome chapter when he asked.  Now that that’s done, I’ve just barely sent it off to him.  \o/

Nail biting time.

So what’s next?  Well, I wait for Paul to tell me if “Black Bottle” is worth reading.  After he tells me yes, which I hope he does, I’ll do another pass on the book based on his feedback.  After that, I am mulling some ideas for novel #3…though it will be with all new characters, and a totally different story.

In the meantime, I’ve spent the morning composing a Big Idea piece for Scalzi’s blog, in the event that I can convince him to let me talk about “The Last Page” on his site.  It’s a bit early to worry about it, but with work at the office ramping up, I might as well get it done now.

That’s it for today.  Wish me luck with not passing out at the surgery and with the silver pig running around my house.

Peace.