Panic

It was horrible.

My fingers began to shake. My heart began to thunder. I couldn't breathe. I panicked.

My internet wasn't working.

I was gone the majority of yesterday* and, upon returning home in the evening, discovered our internet service was down. I tried the whole rigamarole: Resetting the modem. Shutting down and restarting the computer. Launching a sharp pen at the monitor. Nothing worked. NOTHING WORKED.

I was frustrated, as I always am when I can't get online the instant I want to. But I took it as a sign that I didn't need to be occupying myself in such a way, and moved on to other things. And I figured my computer-genius husband could make it all better when he got home.

Not quite. So much for his genius.

The same happened this morning, and it took a call to our internet service provider (which I really, really dislike) to sort it out. After confirming my phone number eight times (Yes! That's my number!) and being told our access password was "Q... U... A...--" (Yes. That's my name, and I do know how to spell it. Thankyouverymuch.), the problem was targeted.

I followed their directions, and now we're back up! Whew. I couldn't have gone all day without internet.

Well, maybe if I chose to do so. Really. I could have.

But it wasn't my choice today.

***

I hope everyone has a warm and blessed Thanksgiving. May you feel the love of your family and friends, even if you're far from home, and be aware of all for which you can give thanks.



*Some friends lost their son last week, and yesterday was the funeral. I will remain steadfast in my prayers for his family as they continue on after this tragedy. In his honor...

precious FLETCHER

born 8-9-2008 ... entered into rest 11-20-2008

Chris and Laura, we love you.

Janna: Unplugged

I did it. I actually made it through the weekend without getting online. And I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms! Oh, I could have logged on; two brothers-in-law had laptops (with wireless internet), and a sister-in-law had her does-it-all cell phone. But I rather enjoyed being "unplugged." And though I took Sally, my AlphaSmart, I didn't use her either. I did a lot of reading, a lot of eating, and spent quality time with my husband's family. It was a grand weekend, full of fodder for my writing. (Don't ask what I did that my sisters-in-law dared me to do...) How can one go wrong with any of that?

I didn't have anything pertinent waiting in my inbox when I returned, rejection or otherwise. What I want to know is, when days pass with no reply, does it mean A) they've not had the time to look at my query yet, period B) they didn't like it and have moved on to other stuff, without letting me know or C) they think they kinda like my storyline and they're stewing over whether or not to request more from me? Yeah, I know it could be any of these things. But it's the not knowing that's toughest.

I do feel a renewed surge over Novel 2. I haven't touched it in a few weeks, but at last sit-down I'd made my way through part of the second chapter. I need to revisit it and get to work, so as not to fritter any time away. I think it would work to my advantage if, once an agent expresses interest in working with me, I can say I've conceptualized and begun work on a second book.

What about you? What's big for you? What are you working on right now?

I'm Leavin' On A Jetplane

Well, not quite a jetplane, but I've had the song stuck in my head all morning...

We're off for a weekend with Hubby's siblings and their families. This time I'll likely not have internet access at all, so I'm taking an official break from all things cyberspace. I'll return Tuesday, hopefully to something other than rejection waiting in my inbox.

Have a great weekend! And good luck with all your endeavors, writing and otherwise.