I hope everyone had an amazing month and enjoyed the last month of Summer. Now we are well into October! A crisp, cool breeze is in the air and the first wisps of gold and red are tinting the edges of the maple trees. It should be quite the sight in a few weeks.
As you see from the badge, it is time for another SCBWI post. So don't forget to drop by Alex Cavanaugh's sight to sign up or to read the other posts...This month has been another crazy month. I managed to finish the rewrite of my first novel and did manage to send it off to Steven Mooser again (The president of the SCBWI). This time, his review wasn't as glorious as my second novel I had sent him, however he did say that my descriptive writing and the interesting, well written characters, were as good as the first novel I had sent him. Consistency of our voices, and styles is very important as a writer. We hone our craft for years, and if we can manage this, we are well on our way. My two styles are extremely different. My Y/A is edgy and real and my M/G is lyrical and poetic within my fairy world, so as we all say, good writing is good writing, no matter what the genre.
My anxieties this month really had nothing to do with writing... As most of you know I have bought a loft It needs a complete rehab. I had my contractor all lined up, and he became very ill and informed me he wouldn't be able to hand this big a job. For weeks I had quotes given from others and their outrageous quotes sent me into a frenzy. Now only five weeks until my lease is up, my contractor is well enough and started to demo yesterday. Even though I was beyond stressed, this six weeks ups and downs enabled me to create even a better design. I redesigned the kitchen, pulled out the second level to expose the original 1880's hardwood, saving myself like 6 grand on new flooring. Yes, you have read correctly, I pulled this out with a friend. I also managed to take out most of the kitchen. I couldn't let the time just fly by and do nothing.
My other anxiety this month was not acquiring my winter condo. Prices on Florida real estate has escalated to insane heights. I am almost priced out. But I am hopeful. I keep changing neighborhoods, hoping to find the right space in my price range...I had rushed down there last week, only to come back empty handed. As my blog name state... In Time...
I should have pics for you soon! Have a great week. Lots of you have been asking...
Well, maybe, I, can post a few pics on Friday .... It is going to be very cool....
Hope you all have a great day and don't forget to visit the others. I hope to see you all soon!
26 comments:
Glad you're starting to get it all sorted out :)
Yes, can't wait to see pics! I love seeing before, during and after pics of rehabs. Ever check out 'hooked on houses'? She has some fun before and after pics. Good luck condo hunting!
Sorry he didn't like the second one as much, but cool if you are consistent with voice.
Cutting it close on the renovations, but glad it all came together. Don't stress. It will all come together.
Sorry about your contractor, but great you were able to save money. Hope you find that condo in Florida for the winter.
It's hard not to stress when it comes to living situations. Fingers crossed it all works out.
Wonderful to hear the contractor is back on the job. I'm sure your loft will be beautiful when it's done.
Don't give up on Florida just yet.
Busy, busy, busy! Wow, I'm so glad things are moving in the right direction for you regarding the loft. I'm sure FL will provide you with just the right place in Time... Love that! Sounds like the writing is moving in the direction you want! Keep at it!
Can't wait to see your pictures. Remodeling is so stressful.
Susan Says
Remodeling is its own kind of monster. Need to do that on my front as well, but as you said, In Time. Wishing you the best in having the home of your dreams and you find what you're looking for in Florida. :)
Hi Michael - hope it all comes together for you ... and yes I can't wait to see the pics .. and that you get the Condo down in Florida .. cheers Hilary
Lots of ups and downs for you this month, Michael. Finding your voice is so important. But what attracts one person can turn off another. Find what's right for you. Good luck on the reno. Been there, done that. Rather Hubs did. Like we say about road construction, it'll be great when it's done.
Best wishes,
Diane
IWSG #94
Life sure does have a habit of getting in the way, doesn't it?
Hope everything works out with the apartment.
Sorry to hear about your contractor, but the bright side is that you saved a ton of cash! I'm looking forward to seeing the before and after pics.
Good luck with your Florida condo search. Hugs. Eva
Sounds like a big project! Hope it comes out better than you think!!!
I'm sorry you had a stressful time again but it sounds like everything is coming together now. Will keep my fingers crossed on the Florida condo - I hope you can find one you can afford. Good luck with the rest of the renovations!
Wow the original 1880's hardwood! That's cool - and the savings is fantastic.
You could always check out the Trinity area in Florida.
Hi Michael. So pleased you got Wyndy off to Steven Mooser during all your busyness. I haven't had time to read it yet, but I will soon. I have a line edit to do, more polishing for my vamps, then i should see some light! Can't wait to see those pics!
And I do hope you find your winter dream house in Florida!
Denise :-)
Yay pictures :) At least you are not bored, huh? I am hoping to have my IWSG anthology submission ready for crits this weekend. Popping around IWSG (not a complaint) and then traveling for my sales job has put a damper on writing lately.
I love the cool weather, and I'm looking forward to snuggling in this winter with some books to read and hopefully complete some writing projects.
Glad everything is essentially going well for you Dude.
Yay for saving six grand! Sometimes, it's also satisfying doing the work with your own hands. We complete renovated our house the same way. :)
Your loft sounds amazing!
Hope he likes the new version! Remember, everyone has differing opinions. What one person dislikes another might like. It's so hard sometimes...Wishing you like in your writing and in your renovations!!!
Can't wait to see pics! We're under contract for some land and are in the process of surveys and permits for a construction loan. Exciting and exhausting. We got a scheduling bombshell today that we're still trying to figure a way around. Sheesh. It will be worth it when it's done, right?
Hey Mr. Blurb King!
Everything seems to be falling into place... slowly, slowly, slowly... as you mentioned - In Time.
I suppose these things can't always be rushed, hey?
Smart move on the six grand savings... every bit counts.
Sending positive vibes your way. Hoping you find the right space (in Florida) in your price range - and soon!
Good luck with everything! I know how stressful things get when it comes to real estate AND writing. Hang in there. You'll find the perfect condo at the right price!
I think we can have the things we want with a little patience, and it's just a matter of waiting for synchronicity. Sounds like things are moving along nicely. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures!
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