[Caitlin]

I've just returned from an idyllic few days in the country, at a place I call "Rivendell." A gorgeous, 50-acre sprawl complete with woods, meadow, pond (avec great blue heron! which I scared away), and enormous, beautiful house wherein dwell two of my oldest, dearest friends. They lure me away from my family, ply me with martinis, and make me read what I've written, whilst in meadow and on front porch. The point being...I've written something!! Something Prologue-ish. A beginning to The Next One. (Oh yes, and I actually did start a short story; got about 2000 words in before I became all impassioned about writing the much longer story.)

I have absolutely no idea how Chapter 1 will go. None. But I'm in a total, silly tizzy over this prologue. I'll allow this state to continue until sometime next week, at which point Chapter 1 really should make itself known to me.

Hurray for short-lived tizzies!

[Miriamele]

"Rivendell" sounds absolutely wonderful, Caitlin...where can I get myself some friends like that?! ;)

I'm very happy that you've found the prologue to The Next One--partly because it's put you into a tizzy but mostly because I'm eagerly awaiting The Next One myself, as silly as that is at this stage...but anyway congratulations! :)

[Caitlin]

There's an interesting context to the "oldest, dearest" friends situation: one of them was my English and classics teacher in grade 11. While I was in his classes, I also started playing trombone in a community orchestra he was in - playing trombone! It was odd: I'd be sitting beside him at a rehearsal and he'd be marking papers (never mine, though - or he never mentioned it, anyway!). I met his then-girlfriend after one of our concerts and we bonded instantly. She was (and is) a fiery redhead with a passion for fantasy, Celtic music and making her own art. My husband and I got married in their backyard when they lived in the city; since they moved to the country we've each been up to stay several times, both together and separately. It's truly an inspiring place. They never ever fail to make me feel taken care of - a big change from my usual care-giving role.

If you're ever in this part of Ontario, let me know. Rivendell's always open to pilgrims! :)