ksmith | Wiscon Saturday

Busy. Awoke to a fairly hard rain--ran into folks who had braved the weather to visit the Farmers Market, and saw many instances of wet hair and soaked clothes. Apparently there were many good price breaks to be had because of the weather-related reduction in customers.

Two panels today--the Whither the Female Hero panel with Syne Mitchell and the Characters Are People Too panel with Patricia McKillip, Susan Palwick, and John M Ford. Lots of good discussion about reader expectations versus the need for the writer to push boundaries, the developing archetype of the female hero, and how characters can hijack storylines no matter how hard you try to keep them under control. Lots of folks in the audiences as well, which was gratifying.

Tonight is the Tiptree auction, followed by my reading. I was able to finish the scene that I want to read--this is the first time in months that I stayed up until after 1am *writing*. I'm not sure if it's keeper material--first chapters are the most difficult for me--but I can live with it for now and I'll take it.

Committed jewelry today--argh. A ring courtesy of Darlene Coltrain, green moldavite in gold with sterling silver accents. It's a lovely piece.

Dinner was committed as well, grilled elk loin with seasoned mashed potatoes and spaghetti squash. Tiramisu for dessert, with a nice merlot. Not to tempt fate, but at the moment Life is Good.