A new journal

rsc recently commented, "Sometimes a story writes the author."

That happened to me. I worked on a novel periodically since the age of 11 or 12 and the characters evolved with me. Through my teens it felt like a huge part of me.

I altered it drastically during my religious 20s. For example, one day someone told me it was idolatry to attribute power to an object. I promptly started rewriting, removing all the useful magic items. Only deities and bad people were allowed to use supernatural powers.

I finally ended that folly, but since then I have had trouble resuscitating my poor, eviscerated novel. Besides a dozen futile stabs at chapter one, I have hardly touched it. Meanwhile the characters and their world still clamoured for attention.

Since joining LJ I wanted to create a separate journal for this project. It needs a space of its own. I recently received a paid membership, so one of the invitation codes has allowed me to get started. I initiated the journal today by outlining new themes that will help me tackle the plot changes. Also included is a cast of characters, most of whom have been around the block with me, but need a new makeover. I'm preparing to write a new story outline (all plot spoilers will be protected behind cuts with appropriate warnings).

The journal will be friends only. All my friends here are welcome, nay encouraged, to read and critique it. Just friend blind_king and I will friend you back.

The rescued bench

A couple weeks ago djjo and I found that someone had rolled my favourite park bench into the river. We managed to haul it out of the water, but it was too heavy to lift up the steep bank. Recently, someone brought it to this shady place by the bicycle path. Unfortunately it doesn't overlook the water anymore, but vandals will be less tempted to do the same thing again. It's still a nice place for a good book, a picnic lunch or a morning coffee. Thank you, Danny.

Kingsmill Avenue this frosty morning

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Mystery plant

Can anyone identify ghostsandrobots' houseplant now that it's blooming?