in the eating

[realthog]

Proofs (in the form of PDFs ready for me to print out and read) will be arriving tomorrow for Bogus Science.

This is always a nerve-racking time with a new book, I find, because it's really the first opportunity I get to look at the text objectively. In theory that opportunity came earlier, when I was polishing the text preparatory to delivering it to the publisher, but of course that was soon after I'd written it: it was all too easy to read not so much the words that were actually there in front of me but the thoughts I'd been intending to express when I set those words down. Now I'll be seeing everything cold, and it'll be revealed to me in a stark, icy light quite how ghastly it all is.

Whatever, since my first warning of the proofs' arrival came this afternoon, and since the corrections are wanted a bit quickish, there's a certain level of ungentlemanly panic going on at Snarl Towers right at the moment.

To add to the sense of rabbits staring into headlights, I've also said that, before the end of what was already looking to be a busy month, I'll write 1500 hellishly witty words -- or at least words filled with a witlike substitute -- about pal Ian Watson for a convention program book. Plus there's a huge ghosting/editing job to finish off, and stuff to get ready for BookExpo America in a fortnight's time. And, oh yes, a couple of anthology editors have very flatteringly asked if . . .

This might be about the right moment for y'all to express sympathies to Pam for everything she's going to have to put up with over the next few weeks. I'm sure she'd be touchingly grateful for this small gesture.

Comments

[txtriffidranch.livejournal.com]

I just went through that, so you have nothing but my sympathies. In fact, I'll buy Pam the drinks.

[charlesatan.livejournal.com]

Good luck!

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

Since I'm going through a process called marking finals, let me share with you the following: 'Don Imus whom plays the character “Kramer” from the hit television show “Senfield” is also known for his statement regarding the black women whom play professional basketball, where he referred to them as “Nappy head Hoes” are current visible examples of racism.'

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Good luck to you both! Big hugs, Jean Marie

[sarcobatus.livejournal.com]

I'll wager Pam has already started knitting your straight jacket.

Now I'll be seeing everything cold, and it'll be revealed to me in a stark, icy light quite how ghastly it all is.

Tetley's, dude . . . Tetley's. Grab 'em and sally forth with your shillelagh.

[avengangle.livejournal.com]

Virtual drinks for Pam!

[melindadansky.livejournal.com]

Proof-time always makes me feel as if I'm constantly on the verge of throwing up. It's not so bad once I have them in-hand, but before that...

Sympathies to Pam. In addition to being a writer, I am a writer's wife. I find the best thing is to purchase some nice, unbreakable scotch glasses. Every few hours, put some good-but-not-decadent scotch into one and quietly slip it into the office.