Posted and Dubai Bound

This has been one amazing week and much of it I couldn't post about until now. First August Rock has been sent guaranteed post (because of the strike on Friday) to the Daily Mail First Novel Competition. I am pleased that I met my target. I know in my heart that it's not the standard of a winner because I didn't have the time to do the fine tuning but I did rewrite it in time so I'm pleased especially when you read what I have to say below.

If you remember my dd made her first Communion just over two weeks ago. Her God mother came. Her husband used to be my dh's boss a number of years ago. Well he left the company my dh works for four years ago. He has just been appointed Chairman of the Board of a new start up company based in Dubai. You can see where this is leading I'm sure........sleepless nights, huge heart wrenching decisions...........

Yesterday dh handed in his resignation. He has been with his current company for almost 27 years. It was a decision that was not taken lightly. It will affect so much in our lives. Yes, mine too for I was the global coordinator for their Spouses Association and feel so tied to the organization. My friends will remain but that sense of belonging to something will be lost. So there is much sadness in the joy and excitement.

The kids are thrilled as Dubai is still close in their minds. I'm happy as I still have friends their. I'm sad that the kids will not rediscover their American halves. That will have to wait for another time. My Dh is happy to have an exciting new opportunity but this time unlike past moves he too will be the new kid on the block!

So now to redirect the movers and everything else as we head east instead of west.

My poor little chick is exhausted and is still tucked up in bed at 9:50 this morning as I write. When I went to wake her at 7:00, this little voice said to me, 'Mummy I am so tired.' I made a quick decision and told her to go back to sleep. Don't you wish someone else would give you a day off and permission to sleep as long as you like? I know I do.

Well, its just 14 days left to kick August Rock into shape and send it off. Am I going to do it? Yes. I am at 64k and I feel that this rewrite will end up at 95k. That's just over 30k which as I am not writing all the words from scratch just might be doable........at least I am telling myself so. I do know that this will not be the best the book can be but I will have fulfilled a promise to myself amidst the chaos. It will also make the next rewrite easier. Thus far I have dealt with the ghost aspect and his story by changing the structure of the work and reducing his 'real time' appearances. I have beefed up my secondary characters. Given Judith a bit of a temper, made the other woman likable and given Judith a viable choice between three men. I still don't know yet which one she will go for???? Risky strategy? Probably but hopefully it will keep the suspense doing until the end.

What is not being accomplished is the fine tuning in the Sol Stein method. I will not have time to go page by page and tweak words - I have added lots. Nor will I have time to check to make sure everything is as active as it should and carries its weigh and moves the story forward. These and others will wait for the next rewrite. I am just hoping I am giving one dear friend enough time to read through and clear up all my many dyslexic mistakes!!!