Such busy times but of course, I say that every time I blog. And it's true. What a horror it would be if I were not busy!
So it looks like I'll be going to Burbank to the Stokers after all! Film director and author, Greg Lamberson pulled a stunt right out of "It's a Wonderful Life" and took up a collection for me by my horror writer friends to send me to Burbank to accept my Silver Hammer Award. This was after I told him that the Canadian government wouldn't sponsor my measly request for a travel grant. Since my award isn't for writing but for PROMOTING Canadian authors for over ten years through the Horror Writers Association by writing the monthly newsletter (Canadian Content Corner), running a booth at Word on the Street for seven years for horror authors, and running booths at various conventions as well as holding monthly/bi/tri monthly networking meetings at various restaurants for about four years or more (can't remember)... no that's not good enough for the Canadian Government to spit up a measly $1000 grant.
I was told that a) the award isn't for my writing so it doesn't count and b) horror isn't "literary" so it doesn't count.
Of course, why would should the government support and promote mass market authors (I've had over 15 books published) who keep the economy going and who have children to raise as productive citizens of the world? It's better support authors who have audiences of less than 100 readers because of course they are more valuable somehow...
Why should the government be proud that a Canadian has been recognized by an international writers organization that is mostly known for recognizing Americans?
At any rate, at the last Horror Writers Association and Friends dinner, I was presented with a wad of cash that can go towards my trip to Burbank. I've not bought my plane ticket yet, waiting for another seat sale. There was a great one about two weeks ago but I didn't have two dimes to rub together. I still don't, but I have enough money for a plane ticket if that seat sale comes back!!
I'll be rooming with Monica Kuebler from Rue Morgue Magazine. Two married ladies on the loose in LA will be fun!
I'm editing Beach Boys anthology which will come out in June, I imagine.
I'm still working hard at the editorial day job.
Dorian is dancing in the Miss Canada pageant on Thursday and Saturday nights. I have mixed feelings about it. I'm thrilled as hell he's dancing on TV, but I've never really believed in Beauty Pageants. So there it is....
Next week, the excitement continues. I'm driving to Buffalo for a read through of Slime City Massacre since Kealan Patrick Burke is flying in for a face mold and other cast members will be in town. Then I drive back in time for the Evita/Joseph reunion party on Saturday.
On Monday May 25, I go in for surgery to get my gall bladder out. Oh, the joy!
But hopefully after that, my life will be back to normal again. I've not had a coffee in well over a month and it shows! I've not had booze either but somehow I don't miss it like I miss my java...whaaahhhh!!! I've been a pretty good girl keeping to a low fat diet. I have cheated a bit, with some candy, and I had cheese things on Saturday night at the HWA dinner, which isn't bad considering how much beer I usually drink at those functions!
After my surgery, I hope to resume working on Lord of the Thighs. I've been too distracted to work on the book. Too worried about the surgery to think.
Time to get back to work.


