CRIME ON MY MIND

One of those days...

Well, maybe it's been one of those weeks so TGIF!

I'm seriously considering having a computer-free weekend. I would have made it today, Friday but realized I have this blog plus another commitment that requires the computer. My reason -- I'd really love to have a stress-free day in my life.

I know I've ranted (very recently, too) about my electronics woes. Well, they have continued. I've just bailed two computers out of the service centre which leaves me wondering, what did we spend our money on in those days when we didn't have computers, iPads, iPhones, iWhatevers?

Ah, but the tale continues. Time to whip up a new bookmark and also update Erika's website. Bad move, trying to do them both at the same time. Added stress.

Question -- what sound does a writer make when nothing uploads to a site? You don't want to know. Bad enough I was having trouble with one site but to have the second one be uncooperative at the same time -- total, major stress.

And, having both computers in the shop meant, what to write on? Ok, I could do it the old longhand way and I do know writers who do their, or her in this case, first draft in longhand. But I have this problem of not being able to read my writing after the first two paragraphs or so. May this added a bit of stress, too.

My computer also let me know that Douglas & McIntyre has thrown in the towel. That's another very savvy, very respected Canadian publisher that's out of the picture. However, I refuse to take the gloom & doom road. It's not a bleak picture, it's just in transition. I'm hoping with all fingers and toes crossed that publishers and booksellers are adjusting to the changing market and by doing so, will eventually (note this word!) result in a stronger platform for the writers!

Time will tell and I'm sure I'll find out on the internet. Because although I need a break from this stressful world, it does have it's benefits. I did receive a very nice email from a reader today!

Maybe, it's time for a holiday!!

Linda Wiken/Erika Chase

A KILLER READ
Berkley Prime Crime, now available
READ and BURIED, coming Dec., 2012, available for pre-order
www.erikachase.com

WICKED WEDNESDAYS

Time for a rant!

Sorry, but it's time for another rant. And it's about electronics, once again. I'm feeling jinxed, or maybe it's just dumb, when it comes to these sanity-destroying necessities. I do admit it, I'd be lost without them. Frustrated with them. What's a gal to do!

Today (and yesterday, Monday, too)my computer has been giving me grief. I choose to write on my Toshiba Notebook for this very reason. When on my desk-top, I find that other powers have taken over the insides of this instrument. OK, I know I've done something wrong in the first place, but why can't I ever figure out how to remedy the matter?

This time, I tried to open a flyer (our joint launch announcement, as mentioned on Monday's blog) and thought, Print Shop would be a good choice. Not so. It wouldn't open it. And now, everything attachment that comes in automatically wants to be opened by Print Shop. I have no choice in the matter any more. And, it (P.S.) refuses to open any and everything.

I have figured out how to get around it, in the case of the flyer, but I'm totally frustrated at having to do that every time.

I think this harks back to when I downloaded a program (free) that a friend said would convert formats. I think (being in a hurry), I clicked the part that said, use this as your whatever...so it's doing that. Everything is being saved in Notepad, which totally skews the format of previously saved items. Am I as confused as I sound?

And don't get me started on my DVD player! It's hooked up but I can't get it programmed. That's several tries later.

I'm jinxed...or as I said, dumb. Oh, well...I guess it's over to the experts. Again. Hopefully, this won't be too costly. On the upside...my Notebook and I get along fabulously. (Touch wood!)

Linda Wiken/Erika Chase

A KILLER READ
Berkley Prime Crime, now available
READ and BURIED, coming Dec., 2012, available for pre-order
www.erikachase.com