Howard Hughes and the Sinister Assemblage of Dissimilar Objects

[greygirlbeast]

Today we will begin proofreading Silk, and it's going to weird as hell. Like going back to a town where you lived most of your life after being away for ages, only to discover that you're the only thing that's changed. I have said this before, but there was a time when this novel was almost all the world to me. Anyway, I'm going to track our progress through the photostat (which seems, oddly enough, to be taken from the 1998 mmp, not the 2002 tpb) with one of those goofy-ass Zokutou word-meter thingies. Just keep in mind I'm counting off pages, not words. Here is where we begin, grey on grey:

0 / 354 (0.0%)

Ideally, this needs to be done by Friday. We shall see.

Let the tyranny of commas and hyphens begin.

Some preparatory work on The Dinosaurs of Mars yesterday. Reading mostly. I fear I have so much material for this novel, so much background, so much I want to put in, that the "story" will be entirely overwhelmed. This is why, usually, I try never to begin a story with plot, but with simple mental images or with characters. Plot, more often than not, is the enemy. Give it as little "screen time" as you can get away with.

The sun is bright this morning. The trees are going green.

Last night, Spooky and I began reading Steinbeck's Cannery Row (1945). It's one of my very favourite books, and at the moment I am more in need of old comforts than new discoveries. I think we read the first six chapters.

If you've not yet picked up a copy of Daughter of Hounds, today would suit the occasion, says Herr Platypus.

Comments

[sharonafyre.livejournal.com]

I finished Daughter of Hounds yesterday.

My one complaint about this book is that it ended.

Vastly compelling reading. Thanks for the brilliant entertainment.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

My one complaint about this book is that it ended.

That's the sort of complaint I like to hear.

[jomacmouse.livejournal.com]

Some books finish like Arthur Dent getting an airborne party in the small of the back while he's flying. It sounds like Daughter of Hounds is going to be one of those books.

(Yes, I've been remiss in not having a copy before now, but I'm making up for it next week.)

[sharonafyre.livejournal.com]

You know about the mirror world. (DOH page 55). I thought that was my secret.

Have you written any shorts about it?

[sovay]

Last night, Spooky and I began reading Steinbeck's Cannery Row (1945). It's one of my very favourite books, and at the moment I am more in need of old comforts than new discoveries.

My great-grandfather who was a pharmacist once decided to make himself a beer milkshake, although in his case I think he added chocolate syrup, on the principle of two great tastes that taste great together. It was not, or so the story has been handed down to me, a raving success.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

My great-grandfather who was a pharmacist once decided to make himself a beer milkshake, although in his case I think he added chocolate syrup, on the principle of two great tastes that taste great together. It was not, or so the story has been handed down to me, a raving success.

Many times, especially in my beer-swilling college days, was I tempted to repeat Doc's experiment. Calmer heads always prevailed.

[tinkbell.livejournal.com]

I did, just now. And Alabaster. I'm excited.

Now, outside into the slush fields of Providence.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I did, just now. And Alabaster.

Thank you!

[corucia.livejournal.com]

'Cannery Row' is my favorite Steinbeck, and near the top of the list of favorite classics. I re-read it every few years. Only some Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens, plus a few of Shakespeare's comedies, have been revisited more times.

I first read it after watching the movie version, with Nick Nolte and Debra Winger, and wondering if the book expanded on some of the interesting seeds that the movie contained.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I first read it after watching the movie version, with Nick Nolte and Debra Winger, and wondering if the book expanded on some of the interesting seeds that the movie contained.

I'm extremely fond of the film, though, of course is nowhere near as fine as Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday.

[corucia.livejournal.com]

'Cannery Row' is one of the films I wish would finally make the transition to DVD. I've wanted to re-watch it a number of times. I remember enjoying Nolte's performance, but it's been at least 15 years since I saw the movie and I would like a chance to find out if it still holds up.

[jtglover.livejournal.com]

I've read so much here about Herr Platypus and his woes that yesterday I finally decided it was time to get the straight dope, and so ordered a copy of his Tales. Looking forward to reading them!

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

and so ordered a copy of his Tales.

You are wise, and the platypus approves!

[jacobluest.livejournal.com]

Did you hear about the caves they recently discovered on Mars? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6461201.stm)