Truly, Truly, Truly, Ohhhhhhh . . . .

"See these lines? Truly disappointed.
Truly, truly, truly, oh....."



So this part of the week has been a wreck. Thank goodness it hasn't been an actual crash-bang collision, but man, the goals have stalled and bitten the dust. That life thing again, it happens, right?

We have had Flea-Maggeddon, and the Revenge of the Fleas, and with three hairy kids (the smallest of which is 70 lbs) the dog washing has been interminable. The Newf and the smallest lab are horribly allergic to the buggers, and they are in so much distress. I've dumped Borax in the kid's (the actual two-legged ones) rooms, and vacuumed until the bloody machine is about to cough up it's last clump of dog hair. Then done it the next day, spraying a concoction of Dr. Bronner's Eucalyptus soap and water to repel the fleas as well. I didn't want to use "poison" i.e. a Raid-like product, but what the hell. Finally sprayed the carpet and box-springs. The mattresses got Dr. Bronner's, which was so strong it made all of us sneeze.

Poor dogs, they have been washed in flea shampoo twice, and finally in Dawn dish-washing soap! It's good enough for all the poor oil-coated birds and otters, right? The Newf actually seemed to like it. Maybe she was actually glad to be squeaky-clean for once? And after I had been debating changing her name to Pig Pen. . . .They have been flea combed, smothered with anti-flea and aloe spray, and all this after my first cunning ploy: the generic Frontline.

I have one word for the generic Frontline and it's maker: Utter Suckage. Okay, two words: Utter Bloody Suckage. Three. Three words: Utter Bleeding Bloody Suckage. Four, my four words are: Utter Bleeding Bloody Suckety Suckage. On wheels. With pasties.

Hey, I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition. . . .

So even with the insanity, I haven't completely lost my sense of humor, so I guess I should be grateful, but crapsticks, it's hard to not be disappointed in such a lackluster couple of days. The one day I got some writing in, I was down to 762 words, and S.T.R.U.G.G.L.I.N.G.  But I made myself do it, and beat myself up about it later. First draft, so I can revise and slice through the crap later.

So tonight, on this side of the ocean, I'll stay up and work through this, because there will always be "life" going on outside of this writing gig. Always fleas to stomp and kids to bathe, and some other chaos and bliss all wrapped up in a tasty exploding cupcake.  Bon Appetit!

"This is the last song I will ever sing (yeah!)
No; I've changed my mind again (awww...)
Goodnight,
And thank you."
~Morrissey, "Disappointed"

Find a Diamond at the Bottom of the Drain

"Take your own advice
cause thunder and lightning gets you rain
run an airtight mission, a Cousteau expedition
find a diamond at the bottom of the drain
a diamond at the bottom of the drain

here I go"  ~~Neko Case "Magpie to the Morning"



In case it's not apparent, music has a special place in my heart. Most artists  I like paint very vivid pictures in my mind, or evoke visceral responses through their lyrics or music. Every time I write, I have particular music that sets the emotional pace for what I'm aiming for. I have songs for loss, happiness, lust, growth, just about everything under the sun. 

Bubbly synthpop or ambient noise, each song creates a mood, a feeling. Sometimes it's one line, in or out of context, a refrain in my mind throughout the day, juggled like marbles in my mouth. Sometimes it's the whole song, the entire melody wrapping me up and taking me along.

Thank God for the music, sometimes on repeat, a hundred times over, a prayer of sorts, a mantra to further the words, and make the scene come alive inside my head and on paper.

ROW80: I thought 800 words would be good, and if I average it out, with the holiday and family things, I can say I pulled an average of 800 words per day. Counting the day I did squat (Hello, 4th of July!), and the night I stayed up past 3 and did more than double. Gah.

But it's a work in progress, this writing thing. Forward, inch by inch, plugging in those headphones. Time to wrap myself in the music, and dive into it, searching for the right words, the ones that make the movies in my head come to life. Time to seek and find that treasure. So I'll turn up the volume, run my fingers along the keys and "find a diamond at the bottom of the drain."

Here I go.

Big Time Sensuality

"I can sense it . . . 

Something important 

is about to happen

It's coming up

It takes courage to enjoy it

The hardcore and the gentle

BIG TIME SENSUALITY!"

I was listening to Bjork, and felt that this summed up the momentum I feel building. In spite of my hiccuping start July 1st, I feel a sense of change as I continue to write and work toward a goal. 

The hiccup was of course, writing up a stream on the eve of the Round start, and due to LIFE, waking to a sleepy toddler 4 hours later. By the time I got to 5pm I was zombified. (Maybe that would have been a better song?) But Then the next day, a little better, and tonight, even with prep for 4th of July Madness, I'm still feeling productive with the ROW80 gig.

But deep inside, there's that little burble of something, an effervescence that's starting to make its way up.  The middle slump is rising, the feeling of "damn I could just work on the other book" is going away. Not that the ideas are not still storming the bastions of my mind, but they are relegated to second string. Right now, SOD is coming together, and meshing. "The hardcore with the gentle," the feeling of tying loose ends and making it all work is kindled.

So, I'm going to enjoy it, and ride the rush, or as Invader Zim would say: "Ride the PIG!" And I'm going to embrace the Big Time Sensuality, because "I don't know my future after this weekend . . . And I don't want to!"   Carpe diem!

Stand and Deliver!

We're the dandy highwaymen so tired of excuses
Of deep-meaning philosophies where only showbiz loses
We're the dandy highwaymen and here's our invitation:
"Throw your safety overboard and join our insect nation!"

So, here's the skinny: Round of Words in 80 Days. 

http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com

I decided that small measurable goals would help motivate me, and since I'm so horribly out of sync time-wise with my usual writing dervishes (The Dandy Highwaywomen, actually) that I wanted a way to connect with them (possibly, if I can motivate them to take a bite of this lovely apple) and/or other authors. It's been motivating getting in touch via Twitter and Facebook, but some actual dialogue or inspiration is still necessary for me. I'm a carrot, more than a stick, girl.

Okay. Chocolate-girl.

 Anyway, It's been invigorating to see others hyped up and meeting the MEASURABLE goals. No high-in-the-sky goals. Those are my Big Project goals, my Beginning with the End in Mind Goals. (Yes, how very 7 Habits, right?) Something I can pat myself on the back, and actually feel like I can get done in tandem with this raising kids, dogs, fish and God-Knows-What-Else! 

With that in mind here are my measurable, attainable goals for #ROW80, starting July 1st.

1) I will write 800 words per day. Unflaggingly. Even if it's word-barf-minestrone-insanity by the end of the night.

B) Yes. B, thank you very much. I will read at least 2 pages of Non-Fiction research  a day.

4.3) I will do my ROW80 check-ins.

c) I will limit my FB/Twitter activity to 1 hour in the morning, and any additional time after the 800 words per day are done. There will be WORD SALAD!!

Lastly) I haven't figured out if there is a lastly yet. TBD

Yep. There you have it.  It's time to get on top of this, and move my craft forward. Like the great philosopher and  fashonista Adam Ant once said: "We're the dandy highwaymen so tired of excuses!"

No more procrastination! WIP: "STAND AND DELIVER!!!!"

Six Different Ways

So,  New City, New House, New Everything just about. And now one of my all time favorite bands is coming to town. The Cure. *shivershakedogshake* All signs point to having landed in the right place, on this spectacular island. Ahhhh! Now if I can score some tickets, life will be amazing! Just in time for my birthday in July! Woot!

So, on the writerly side of things, The Cure reminds me the emotions and ideas that Robert Smith's music and lyrics inspire. I've had a couple of stories rattling in my head, and now as I get my ass in gear again and write, I am looking forward to actually doing more than jotting down little blurbs and ideas on scraps of paper. The titles, instrumental parts, and the words are so evocative. Makes me get excited again. Proper inspiration. Walls of sound surrounding me, and making my imagination soar.

Several years ago, I remember reading in RT Book Reviews that author Bridget Midway felt similarly inspired. It struck a chord, and I can't help thinking if anyone else has a "special" band or artist that makes it all come together in their writing?

Just to give you a delicious taste of mine, and how it sends ripples of scandalous thoughts, here are the lyrics for "Six Different Ways."

"This is stranger than I thought
Six different ways inside my heart
And everyone I'll keep tonight
Six different ways go deep inside"

You'll have to wait and see the naughty things I've thought up for this one. 

You're Lucky, I'm Lucky . . . The Bannister's Lucky!

I am very lucky to have friends who have supported me throughout the years in this crazy writing endeavor. One of those amazing women has set about creating a crochet doll (2 I should say -- one for the live character and one for the dead one). She is amazingly gifted, and especially so with her hands. (Down, perverts!) The link below takes you to her progress as she crochets. Eva here.

The dolly will be doing some fascinating trips around L.A. and other parts. If you can suggest a place she can go, send me a line to: ilyanaknight@gmail.com I'd love to hear where you might see Ivy, Eva, Ahx or Aiden wandering!

We've Got My Precious!

And we loves it! Golum, Golum! Thank you HoneyandOllie for the gorgeous earrings! Spooky and wonderful! Now to take a pic and show what they look like, and eagerly await the Pretty Death  -inspired ones! Getting giveaway stuff ready!

Also got my first review off Amazon! LoveAndBooks  liked it! Go check it out!

Had lots of great feedback both from Facebook and from Amazon comments and reviews. I'm so glad that the Mayan Myths are new and interesting. I've had a cool mix of readers like it so far! Here are the links to both pages:

I'm so excited and happy that it's out! Keep reading, I promise more will come . . . .SOON!

Flying Away On a Wing and a Prayer...

"Pretty Death" is winging its way across computers, Kindles, Nooks and assorted other e-readers. Thanks to everyone who has purchased a copy, recommended one, written a review, told a friend or even said: "That crazy girl from  ( fill in blank here ) finally did it."

My forthcoming short story will be part of an anthology with Bonaparte Press, coming out Fall 2011. It is not an urban fantasy, but a contemporary erotic romance, replete with a hot Scot, corsets and steamy outdoor scenes. Can't reveal much just yet, but I hope readers will enjoy it!

Now back to work, and compulsively, erratically and hopefully checking Amazon!

Also, don't forget to like my Ilyana Knight page on Facebook, http://www.ilyanaknight/facebook.com





Yes, I used to watch "The Greatest American Hero."

Gonna Get Me Some Book Club . . .

Having some wine, cheese, fruit and raunchy talk with some fabulous ladies this evening. The book this month was "Witch Fire" by Anya Bast.  Any suggestions for the next month? Print books or eBooks would work! Feel free to suggest your own work as well!

Nefarious Plans, Dirty Deeds . . .

So, some nefarious planning is underway at www.ilyanaknight.com ! Always with an eye out for "pretties" (both of the male persuasion and sparkly baubles) I have scoured and found the perfect item for the first "Pretty Death" Giveaway. Let me tell you . . . They are GORGEOUS! Many thanks to the artist in question, who can be found at honey&ollie. More info and pics in the coming days!

And as if Ms. Honey&Ollie were not amazing enough for her art, here's a little bit of inspiration from her own blog that made my mind blossom: Clearance Buddha & The Eightfold Rabbits.  In particular, one phrase resonated, in her explanation of The Eightfold Rabbits: "[T]hose little ideas for stories or projects or paintings or shawls, the ones that proliferate and breed in the dark corners of the imagination."

I'm off to chase my eightfold rabbits, as I raise my sparkling lime water to you, Ms. Honey&Ollie!