devin_chain

I've stayed away from fandom so long I suspect few of you will remember me. *waves* Are you even still here? Did you move to Tumblr?

Of the embarrassing: Fanfic addiction is a thing. After my husband died and my daughter left home I went total immersion. I read fic around the clock when I wasn't at work. Once I stopped I started travelling, started focusing more on my art (ceramics), and started writing more. This is NOT a twelve-step "you, too, could live fanfic free" rant. Obviously, I love reading fic. Wish I could do so without losing control. Alas, I can't.

Of the good: As to travel, I've indulged my obsession with certain celebrities which means I now have a photo of Tom Hiddleston with his arm around me at stage door for Coriolanus, and I've seen Jude Law, David Tennant, Hugh Jackman, Indira Varma, and Benedict Cumberbatch perform live, though obviously not all in the same show. Loved the Batch Hamlet, btw.

I get to Europe at least once a year, and London now feels essential to my wellbeing. If I could afford to live in London I would, but who can afford the rents? Not me. Instead, I'll express gratitude I've reached a point in my life I can afford plane tickets and hotel rooms, and I don't need permission from anyone to leave the country as needed.

So why am I here? I'm desperate for a beta. I've written an original novel, and I'd like to send it to an agent. It needs a reader first, though. I'm too close to the manuscript to figure out what needs changing. It could also use a Britpic, if possible. I'll list some specifics below:

Genre: Fantasy
Mild slash, het
Fannish at all? Yes. Definite nod to The Scarlet Pimpernel, but later in the draft
Rating: R
Trigger warning for sexual assault
Motivation: A bnf once suggested we write what we most loved to read when we were teens. Challenge accepted. I loved fantasy and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Hello, mashup.

If none of you have time or interest, no worries; however, I'd appreciate a signal boost for the beta. Do you know a great, dedicated reader/editor to whom something like this project would appeal? Please ask them to email me at chainlghtnng@gmail.com.

(((hugs))) to you all. I'm sorry I've been away so long.

Is Dreamwidth bogging down for anyone else? I'd swear it's also under DDoS attack today. Slow, slow, slow.

Rest in peace Eartha Kitt.

President Obama.

*hugs the whole world*

Democrats Cry Foul Over Suspicious Email

To add to the confusion, The Dallas Morning News just endorsed McCain.

But of the happy-making? I see plenty of Obama ads every night on tv. Thank you so much, Democratic Party, for not giving up on Texas this year.

Obama '08

okhsteacher posting again:

Snarky posts for alarming times

Read a few. See if you like. Won't hurtcha none.

Some images I've seen, many I haven't

That cemetary in Orange - yeah. I've wondered about those along the coast.

-Cadaver dogs go to certain areas for the first time today. Maybe in Chambers County, but I'm not sure. The story only received a mention on the news, and they haven't come back to it.
-Chambers County received as much damage as Galveston County, but didn't receive FEMA aid until yesterday, despite FEMA's claim to the contrary.
-Many communities still without power.
-Residents not allowed to return to Galveston yet, but the mayor of Jamaica Beach - a town on the west end - lets his residents "look and leave" this morning. Big story because he does this "against the wishes of Galveston officials."

ETA: Just announced - Citizens of Galveston may return to the island beginning Wednesday at 6:00 a.m. The west end must look and leave, but the area behind the seawall may stay. Curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. will be strictly enforced.

First detailed shots of the city being broadcast beside press conference on Channel 13. Closeups by helicopter. Why such a long wait for these images?

-Electricity restored last night at 10:00. We lost it a little before 5:00 Saturday morning.
-Much of town still going without power. This includes the grocery store where I just bought cat food and chocolate in the dark. It had limited generator power, so the only light came from refrigerators and perimeter aisles.
-Every time I read the word "podfic," I remind myself it doesn't mean FEMA Point-of-Distribution fic. BUT, I'm so glad to catch up on reading my flist.
-Note to both local and national reporters: Bolivar Peninsula is not an island. See name.
-Mom left yesterday. At the first sign of frailty I will box her up with a packing slip to my sister in California. Please don't tell me I'm caring for this woman in old age. My daughter danced after she left. What kind of grandmother inspires that response in a grandchild?
-Missed my hairdryer. *clings* Never do that to me again. Husband to me this morning: "Go get a shower. Your hair is just..." *makes sour face* No worries about the criticism. You haven't seen his hurricane beard. Heh.

ETA: Dramady ftw for updating my lj. Thank you! :)