Writer's Update

Oops--I missed Monday's post! I'd like to claim it's because I was honoring the holiday, but the truth is, I'm out of the habit of writing regular posts. Given my schedule for the next few months, I may stay that way.

My big writer news for the week: the draft of Seffi's story (title still in the works) is um, complete? It never feels like the glorious moment of triumph that it sounds--my first drafts tend to kind of drift off to the ending, maybe without even attempting the final resolution. I'm still not sure I've even got the right solution to the murder. 

So yeah, the draft is done. I'll be back at it in December. In the mean time, I'm doing a beta read or two, applying to artist's residencies, trying to write some blog posts ahead, and ready to once again get serious about the shift to my new blog/author page. That's almost ready and waiting, I think?

Oh, and when I finish all that, plus editing all those photos from the last trip, I can start thinking about more flash fiction collections--and about submitting stories for publication.

Look for more exciting updates once I've caught my breath! Meanwhile, watch for photos from the August Sierra expeditions!

I could post for a year and not run out of pictures of cool trees, alive and dead!

 ©Rebecca M. Douglass, 2021

 As always, please ask permission to use any photos or text. Link-backs appreciated.

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Photo Friday! Sierra Lakes

After three weeks of teasers, it's time I got started on the real photo posts. Since those three weeks were absolutely jammed with hikes, I have about... 2500 images to sort and edit (the goal is to delete 1/3 to 1/2. A real photographer would make that about 3/4, but I'm not that tough-minded). Then I pick a few from each hike to share with you. For that reason, this is just the first couple of hikes.

Our first effort at hiking was a quickly-aborted outing from Wright's Lake, across the mountains from Tahoe (this was before the current fire threatening South Lake Tahoe; there was another fire just south of the lake, as well as the Dixie fire to the north).

There was a pretty bridge with reflection near the start of the hike.

Within a mile, we could see that this was a bad idea.

We had intended to spend several days in that area, where we could hike at moderate elevations, but instead, we moved on to the eastern Sierra, driving south until we got to some clear air. That put us up Rock Creek, ready to hike the Little Lakes Valley.

Our first hike was a little lower and easier, up a side canyon to Dorothy Lake.

At Rock Lake, looking up to the higher peaks. Still plenty of smoke around, but our air was okay.

Kenneth Lake was pretty much dry. And we could see how narrowly we were escaping the smoke.

Indian Paintbrush

Lake Dorothy wasn't exactly brimming. This was a worrisome sign, though it turned out we didn't need to be too concerned.

The next day we did a much longer--just under 8 miles--and topped out not that far below 11,000'. Not quite the easy acclimatization we'd planned!

Just getting well going. Photo by Tom Dempsey on my cell phone.

The Little Lakes Valley is well named. The trail passes at least 7 lakes en route to Gem Lake. The first couple of them gave us reflections, before the breeze picked up.

Reflections at Marsh Lake

Passing Box Lake

The originally-named Long Lake, where we had Second Breakfast--and second lunch, on the way down.

It was very late for flowers, but we did find some, including these yellow columbines.

We reached Gem Lake in time for an early lunch (our favorite kind; especially when breakfast is at 5:30 or 6).

Letting the feet enjoy the view too.

More takes on Gem Lake

On the way back, we swung by Chickenfoot Lake. The lake itself was windblown, but the inlet stream offered some classic Sierra reflections.

And that afternoon, like all of them on this trip when we were at the cars (not backpacking), I pulled out the laptop and wrote.

Hope you enjoyed the photos! There are plenty more to come, as I work my way through the edits.

 ©Rebecca M. Douglass, 2021

 As always, please ask permission to use any photos or text. Link-backs appreciated.

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#IWSG: Success! Success?

 It's time once again for the Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly post! 

 

The IWSG is a fantastic group of writers and bloggers who share posts the first Wednesday of each  month.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the September 1 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass (me!), T. Powell Coltrin @Journaling Woman, Natalie Aguirre, Karen Lynn, and C. Lee McKenzie!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

September 1 question - How do you define success as a writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published? Making a certain amount of income from your writing?

 

Before I get to the question, let me say that I'm excited to be a co-host again! I'm a little disoriented, because I've just gotten back from a month in the mountains, but I'm also excited that I managed to add about 20,000 words to my novel between hikes, and am closing in on the finish!

 

So what about it? How do I define success? I think that changes from day to day. On some days, success is simply sitting down and writing. More often, it's about the finished work, whether it's a short story accepted somewhere or opening the box with copies of my latest novel. Seeing a polished and completed work out there for others to read and enjoy feels like an accomplishment, at the least.

 

Was it Stephen King who defined a writer's success as paying the power bill? Someone did, anyway--and this month, thanks to lots of solar power and not being home to use much energy, I earned more than twice the cost of my power. Success!

 

Finally, though, I think the sweetest sign of success is a note from a reader who loved my book. There really isn't much that can top someone telling you they couldn't put it down.

 

How about you? What's your favorite sign of success?

 

 ©Rebecca M. Douglass, 2021

 As always, please ask permission to use any photos or text. Link-backs appreciated.

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