May Day

Hasn’t been a terribly productive week as far as writing goes. I have a Cemetery Dance column due shortly, and that’s been taking up most of my writing time. Technically, the due date is tomorrow, but I got an extension because I expect to receive some advance materials this weekend that I’d like to write about for this issue. TNT asked for my address the other day, so I assume they’re sending me something concerning the Nightmares & Dreamscapes series, and Scribner is sending me a review copy of Lisey’s Story. I have most of the column written—I’ll just have to slot in the new material and read it over a few times to get the flow right.

I spent twenty minutes on the phone with my agent this afternoon talking about Missing Persons. He still has some suggestions to strengthen the final section of the book. It boils down to a few small changes and the addition of one or two scenes that give a more dramatic payoff to one character arc. When I first read his e-mail notes, I wasn’t sure where he was going with this, but after hashing it out with him, I see what he means. I can feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins in anticipation of getting back at the manuscript to work in what we talked about. I always feel pumped up after talking with him about the story.

Now reading: Just started volume 1 of the Blackwater series, The Flood, but I expect it will get pushed aside by Lisey’s Story when it arrives.

Now watching: Still keeping up with The Amazing Race (I’m rooting for the hippies) and Survivor (Terry). Taped CSI last night but haven’t had a chance to watch it yet.