Dirty Laundry

Beyond Busy

I won’t go into just how busy things are these days (moving, renovating, writing a new book, preparing for the first book to come out, flying to visit family, taxes) but suffice it to say my calendar is pretty full.  I should probably be trying to blog more often but when the traffic jam of life gets this backed up you have to learn to prioritize.  And compromise.  And get over your “I can’ts” 

I’m thinking specifically of one of mine.  The “I can’t write on planes” mantra I have told myself for who-knows-how long now.  The seats are too cramped.  People push their chairs back and you’re all scrunched up.  Too much noise.  And on and on.

Well, guess what.  I can write on planes.  I had no choice this past weekend.  And when you have no choice, things that were once hard get easier.  Was it loads of fun? No.  Did I get some pages done?  Yes. Was the girl in front of me leaning her seat back so my computer screen could barely open?  You bet.  Are the pages any good?  I can’t tell you right now but I’m pretty sure they are workable.  At the very least, I kept my head in my story which is of utmost importance when you are far out at sea in your book with no land in sight.

Anyway, that’s the lesson here.  For me at least.  Sometimes out of difficult times you learn you are more resilient, more adaptable than you had realized. 

Posted by Don Calame on 3.18.09 at 07:36 pm in Prattlings. (0) Comments

By Special Request

I had a special request for more dog pictures.  We’re nothing if not accommodating here at doncalame.com.

Scooter chillin’

Dressed up for a shameless book plug

Using his favorite log as a pillow?

Daring someone to take his log.

Posted by Don Calame on 3.9.09 at 05:58 pm in Prattlings. (3) Comments

What A Geek Am I

Okay, well, it’s been a few days now and I am still not over the excitement of getting the first hardcover copy of my new book.  And so, in a truly dorky move, I’ve taken a picture of it and am posting it here.  Simply for posterity reasons, nothing more.  I am marking the time for myself with a photo. 

Posted by Don Calame on 3.6.09 at 08:56 am in Prattlings. (0) Comments

A Surprise At My Door

And so, if the NHL Trade Deadline was a disappointment (see my last post) the day on the whole has turned out better than I could have ever expected.  First, I found myself being featured on a fellow writer’s blog:  kc dyer

If you haven’t read kc’s books, do yourself a favor and get out there and buy one.  Not only is she one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, one of the kindest souls you could encounter, but she’s a damn fine writer to boot.  Her new novel A WALK THROUGH A WINDOW arrives today in bookstores. 

And then, much to my surprise, a courier arrives at my door bearing gifts.  A hard cover copy of my new book SWIM THE FLY along with a cute T-shirt (a gift from my brilliant editor, Kaylan Adair).  As a writer, I ought to be able to explain to you the thrill of seeing that hard cover book for the first time.  But I’m not going to even try.  It’s much too exciting to be able to put into words.  Suffice it to say, I’m beyond thrilled and I’ve got a giant smile on my face as I write this (okay, so I tried and didn’t even come close to getting it right).

Sorry if I don’t go on too long.  I’ve spend far too much time today checking hockey trades and fondling my brand new novel.  It’s back to the writing trenches and the next book.

Posted by Don Calame on 3.4.09 at 01:43 pm in Prattlings. (0) Comments