Volcanoes

There is just something about volcanoes that inspire all but the hardiest spirits to run home to momma. Hell, even dormant volcanoes frighten me. Lately it seems that volcano activity is increasing. Reports from Washington and Hawaii indicate substantial eruptions are possible. Clearly, as a citizen of New Jersey these developments are troubling.

While New Jersey can survive almost anything Mt. St. Helen offers up, that doesn’t mean I’m a tourist to the struggle. For starters, I have a small jar in my dresser with some ash from the last fiesta out that way. Second, thanks to the web cam setup, I see what those on the scene see. At least until the lava melts the cameras. And lastly, prospective volcano victims and I agree that being in the way of hot and steamy magma sucks.

So to all prospective volcano victims here’s a suggestion: move to New Jersey. We don’t have volcanoes but after a few weeks of living here, you will wish we did. That’s a promise.

1 in 10

Browsing through two hundred and fifty pages of Velocity reveals that very little is usable and for that I’m thankful.

Why? Because reviewing the manuscript reminds me how crucial the revision component is. Until I have a few more books under my belt and refine my personal “formula” the one in ten rule applies. Basically, that rule states that for every ten pages of a manuscript – one page survives in the finished draft.

Example: of the three writing days this week so far, six out of thirty-five written or revised pages are solid. Do they tell you that in a writing course?

So this week I relearned that when in doubt about a writing impasse, write some more. Taking hostages, jumping off bridges or drinking like Hemingway will not solve writing problems. Although, of the three options, drinking has some merit.

The query process starts anew on Friday. And that’s all I have to say about that there writing stuff. 😉

Haul away peak!

I’m in the middle of an affair and The Wife knows about every last sundry detail. Rather than cast me to the wolves, The Wife basks in the glow of amour, because she shares my love.

Before you dial up divorce court and Jerry Springer, let me explain. On the 19th we fled New Jersey seeking excitement and relaxation. Two minutes past the New Hampshire border and Maine was all I could talk about. It was pure lust and every minute, magical.

Maine is a fantastic place oozing with friendly people, tasteful homes, pristine coastlines and marvelous sprawling woods. But wait, there’s more! Maine, unlike New Jersey, also believes there is a United States Constitution and Bill of Rights that applies to its citizens. Sweet.

The purpose of the excursion was three fold. First, to enjoy our annual vacation. Second, to sail the Penobscot bay aboard the Victory Chimes. And third, to see a good friend from the Old Country ( Syracuse, NY ) marry the love of his life. As good as they look together, being around them feels twice as good. They are a great couple – both from great families – and I’m proud to know them. Their wedding ( itself a study in perfection ) was the icing on the cake – a fantastic ending to a vacation.

Later this week I’ll post a play by play of the trip. In the meantime, enjoy the new gallery, poll and picture of the week. Have a comment? Use the brand new comments feature to sound off!

Vacation

The Wife’s long running campaign for a vacation is a success – tomorrow we depart for an excursion.

samhilliard.com returns on September 27th, 2004 with a slew of enhancements including:

1) Comments. Yes, let your voice ring! Think a blog rocks? Think it sucks? Now you can say so in your own words.
2) Gallery. Five albums worth! Pictures of the cast and a play by play of the secret vacation.
3) Poll. A new poll, courtesy of Pollster. Pollster, if you’re reading this can you send one along please? Thanks! You rule 😉
4) Picture of the week
5) Master Buddhapuss

In the meantime, if you haven’t subscribed to a mailing list, consider it. What’s in the subscription for you?
1) Good karma
2) Access to the comments feature
3) Access to download a short story ( coming soon! )
4) Notification when samhilliard.com returns and other announcements
5) A chance to win an Ask Master Buddhapuss t-shirt. What could be cooler?

Also side point – there’s an Ask Buddhapuss backlog and that’s a good thing. Have faith. The cat will get to your question.