My flash in Dogzplot--141 words

Shit. Read it, tell me what you think.

Yes, you can be a writer and a mom

But you have to be a pretty relaxed person. She's been quite busy with the goldfish crackers for at least half an hour--while I drafted a chapter in my flash novel.

Updates

My compost bin moved overnight. I must have goblins. Thank you, thank you! I hope it hops to the curb on the collection day.

I got myself a really cool domain name. www.ania.me Dot me! After the initial panic over my impulsive purchase I realised I do like it very much. Right now it is filled with their free template stuff.

I'm 18K into the novel and it is going well.

Last night the fish did the tummy up thing again, and I just tilted the tank a little and he woke up. I think I'm getting used to the fish.

Spring should be coming soon.

In the midst of despair

J. from the city waste management told me today I was the only person whose organic waste bin froze to the ground. Her tone of voice said it all--I was stupid. Then she spelled it out for me too--and irresponsible. I should take an ice pick and hack it out, she said.

Instead I'm watching Russian game show Chto Gde Kogda on etvnet.ca., and waiting for spring.

Blog design

I'm getting a new template. Just like new stationary, it inspires me to blog more. It isn't even up yet, but I already have a mental list of topics ready. The first on the agenda--unfortunately, the fish. In the last ten days it did the tummy-up floating thing three times. Every time he perked up. But my hopes are low.

Friday morning decisions

I'm awake before my kids. It's so quiet. I should always do this, instead of staying up late. But then there's a risk of them waking up. But maybe that's a risk worth taking. I get up that early on Fridays only--garbage day. I can't afford to miss a garbage day. Also, my 6 year old takes an art class one hour away by bus. The art class starts insanely early, but as the teacher says, the best artistic energies run in the morning. She's probably right, but we're night owls. So I'm standing here trying to make a wise decision, and I don't feel wise. The wind is gusting to 70km/h. It is -2C. It is going to be -8C or lower in the afternoon, but the wind's going to calm down somewhat. Yesterday was +4C. The streets must be frozen. Yet today is also the last day to sub my short story to the Prism International Short Story Contest.

The house is still quiet. Decision made. I think we'll make sushi in the morning--everyone's favourite activity, and for once I have all the supplies. My friends who are coming over for lunch will have sushi, and then I'll need to convince them to mail my short story to Prism. Deal?

My flashes

Or, flashi, according to Kuzhali Manikavel. I have so many of them, and what are they good for? I don't know. I love flash fiction. I love the challenge, the precision, the intensity of both writing and reading flash.

As I was waiting for a bus today it occurred to me that I can probably make a novel out of them. Or, in other words, I think my flashes do comprise a novel. It isn't complete, but it is getting there. I just need to arrange them, fill in the gaps.

Maybe I'm delirious. Maybe it won't work. Maybe it should be a collection of poetry instead. But I'm going to try. It will be fun to try.

February!

February! I'm excited. I'm back on track with my novel--I finally figured out the structure. I have two flashes coming up--one in Dogzplot and one in SmokeLong Quarterly. My first publication, exactly two years ago, was in SLQ, so it is great to be there again. SLQ is classy and is always beautiful. This time this is the same flash that I wrote from my own prompt, the one with snowflakes like bugs. I blogged about the process of its creation here. I'll let you all know when it's up.

This month I'll post more updates about my novel, as well as more photos. Though my camera just black screened on me, so maybe no to more photos. The fish, on the other side, is doing much better. Cross your fingers for me, please!