Just to let you know, the blathering on about the dog and all that was PMS, and I'm now at 30,000 words. The dog's going to the neighbour's place, my main character and her daughter on on their way out of town, and the death count sits at 2. Thought for a bit it was going to be higher, but held myself back. However, I did manage to burn down a hotel, and I feel a whole bunch better. A little violence does wonders for PMS. Or maybe it's the other way around. Whatever. It works for me. (And yes, burning down the hotel is actually important to the plot!)

I got a little nervous when I realized how close the 3 day novel competition is. It is on the long weekend in September -- and I don't know if the first draft of this novel is going to be done before it gets here. The family drama idea I had for the contest is still gestating -- not many words down in outline form yet, but I don't want to mess with the flow (or trickle) of creativity I've got going for the one I'm working on by looking at another idea, just yet. Found out my husband's out of town for at least three more days, though, so I have the house to myself, and if I apply myself, I COULD get a lot done. However, that means -- you guessed it -- applying myself. Sigh.

I would like to send out a thank you to my critiquing group at this time. I have been blessed with a wonderful bunch of like minded women, who stepped up when I sent out a distress call at the beginning of this weekend. I was reading over the first two chapters of this novel and felt I had too many coincidences happening too quickly -- that a reader would probably roll his or her eyes, call BS and toss the book to the side. I flailed and flailed, then asked my good friends to read over the first two chapters and help me out. And they did -- all of them either calling or emailing me that very afternoon, because they knew I was writing, and needed to get on with things. Gave me some excellent pointers (and it was just fine tuning not gutting and rewriting, thank the gods for that) and now I'm on my merry way again. Encryptors rule!

My next big hurdle -- avoidance wise -- is the Fringe. The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival (I think that's the name, anyhow) happens every year in late August -- and I never miss an opportunity to go. It's a heck of a lot of fun -- If you're in Edmonton, come on down. The website is: http://www.fringetheatreadventures.ca (sorry, still don't have the linking thing worked out yet. Cut and paste) and it starts August 17th. I better show some self control (ha!) because I have a long way to go to reach the end of this novel.