tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045 Writing, musing and speculation jolantru 2023-06-19T09:24:25Z tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:327662 2023-06-19T09:24:25Z 2023-06-19T09:24:25Z public 5 *dusting off account*<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=327662" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:327197 2022-11-22T03:54:30Z 2022-11-22T03:54:30Z public 1 Oh look, this still works.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=327197" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:327043 2022-05-04T05:59:37Z 2022-05-04T05:59:37Z public 0 Three months since you passed. I miss you. :(<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=327043" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:326816 2022-04-26T03:29:29Z 2022-04-26T03:29:29Z awake public 2 Just to say that I am still alive. Arting, illustrating and finding a new path in the world of full-time illustration. <br /><br />Recovering from covid.<br /><br />Singapore has - of today - lifted all restrictions (except for mask-wearing). Let's see how this goes.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=326816" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:326635 2022-04-03T11:12:28Z 2022-04-03T11:12:28Z tired public 4 I got covid.<br /><br />Strangely enough, my ART test was negative. Spouse's ART was negative, but his PCR was positive. <br /><br />I had symptoms.<br /><br />Now I have a lingering sore throat, chest weirdness, and fatigue.<br /><br />Please stay safe all and wear your masks.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=326635" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:326362 2022-02-16T10:43:15Z 2022-02-16T10:43:15Z public 0 I miss you, Sarah. <br /><br />And you left. <br /><br />Please don't go.<br /><br />:(<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=326362" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:326016 2022-02-04T12:50:15Z 2022-02-04T12:50:15Z calm public 2 May your year be one of joy, peace and good health!<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=326016" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:325789 2022-01-02T08:48:59Z 2022-01-02T08:48:59Z public 3 ... But I am backish.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=325789" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:325481 2021-03-01T11:23:54Z 2021-03-01T11:23:54Z public 0 1st March. <br /><br />Happy Birthday me.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=325481" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:325262 2020-08-27T03:14:25Z 2020-08-27T03:14:25Z public 1 I haven't updated my DW for a while now.<br /><br />Guess real life (covid 19!) took over. <br /><br />We are now in the midst of Ghost Month. I have books coming out - indie, not trad. Still waiting for Fire Heart's pub date and cover. <br /><br />So, how are you?<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=325262" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:324784 2020-05-19T08:41:09Z 2020-05-19T08:41:09Z artistic public 0 The MG (middle-grade) book that inspired the graphic novel is released today on Gumroad:<br /><br /><a href="https://gumroad.com/l/mXbvE">https://gumroad.com/l/mXbvE</a><br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=324784" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:324358 2020-05-01T09:58:00Z 2020-05-01T09:58:00Z public 0 Happy Beltane (And Samhain to Southern Hemisphere)!<br /><br />And Happy May Day! Rights for workers!<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=324358" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:324237 2020-03-24T10:27:22Z 2020-03-24T10:32:03Z annoyed public 10 I don't know what's worse: the fear-mongering by the media or the fear-mongering by well-intentioned people eager to help/give advice during this uncertain period. <br /><br />Covid-19 has well and truly dominated everything. The media is non-stop talking about it. The economy is dying because of it. Governments are weaponising it for their own selfish purposes. Don't know who and what to trust? Yep. Social media has made it 1,000 times worse, because "everything said is valid and how dare you criticise me!". <br /><br />Basically everyone is running in circles. <br /><br />Geez. Can we even live past March without killing one another online, in FB or in real life?<br /><br />EDIT:<br /><br />Didn't attend ICFA, because it was cancelled.<br />I made the decision not to attend before they cancelled it.<br />Now Florida has confirmed cases and the US is a mess.<br />Actually the world is a mess now.<br /><br />Swancon is cancelled too. Many cons are cancelled.<br />So... yes, I am actually quite furious with the virus.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=324237" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:323904 2020-03-04T08:38:15Z 2020-03-04T08:38:15Z public 0 Celebrated 1st March.<br /><br />Am a young 45!<br /><br />:D<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=323904" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:323659 2020-01-31T13:51:18Z 2020-01-31T13:51:18Z thoughtful public 1 So...<br /><br />Happy (belated) Lunar New Year! Today is the 7th day: so we all turn a year older. (I am 45, gosh).<br /><br />Merry Imbolc too!<br /><br />The coronavirus thing is fucked up. I blame the media for causing panic and paranoia. And also the rank assholes who have been spreading falsehoods. I have seen and heard the spike of racism in many countries. Doesn't take a lot to bring out the racists, eh?<br /><br />I am anxious. Singapore have 13 cases and the cases are bound to go up. We are getting on with our lives, but now with extra precautions (washing of hands, wearing of masks etc). <br /><br />But... there are THINGS.<br /><br />First of - Fire Heart is being released in MAY.<br /><br />Second - ICFA.<br /><br />Third - Local kidlit folk getting together. <br /><br />So, I have good things to focus on.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=323659" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:323547 2020-01-21T11:17:09Z 2020-01-21T11:17:09Z angry public 0 So far, 2020 has been quite shitty. Coronavirus (like SARS), BEFORE Lunar New Year. Hey, I still have books coming out and stuff. Looks like travelling to ICFA and Worldcon might be difficult after all.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=323547" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:323302 2019-12-31T04:20:08Z 2019-12-31T04:20:08Z public 2 This decade: 1. I wrote books. 2. Spearheaded werewolf in Singapore urban fantasy. 3. Wrote YA. 4. Fire Heart. 5. Taught students (and might go back to teaching again). Yeah, I survived. 😀<br /><br />And I wrote werewolf in space space opera too! Take that, sff snobs! (that’s no. 6) 7. I lived through medical scares, ops and stuff. I am tenacious!<br /><br />Adding on: my writery trajectory is different from others. The key thing to note is that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others. Paths are often determined by privilege (or lack of it), opportunity (or lack of it), access (tied to the first two factors) (or lack of it).<br /><br />I don’t fit “normal” norms of writery “success”. It’s time we relook at how we define success. At the beginning, I thought getting a lit agent and big book deal was the Thing. At the end, all changed. I couldn’t afford to sacrifice my health to a false life.<br /><br />A false life composed of fawning, back-scratching, ladderism and throwing people under the bus. That’s just NOT me. 45 means living life honestly and truthfully. Not lying, not throwing people under just to achieve that seat at that table.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=323302" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:323014 2019-12-27T08:31:55Z 2019-12-27T08:31:55Z sleepy public 0 Merry (Belated) Christmas/Yule! Looks like I haven't updated for a while. <br /><br />Dong Zhi/Winter Solstice was lovely, spent with family making jiao zi (dumplings). Christmas was also good, but I was in some pain (thanks, period) and didn't enjoy it as much as I should. Then I fell sick with the ick that has been going around the family, thanks to brother-in-law. So now I am doped up on antibiotics and painkillers. <br /><br />But otherwise, ok. Will be packing for a short trip later. A good way to end the year and the decade.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=323014" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:322704 2019-11-10T12:54:14Z 2019-11-10T12:54:14Z public 1 I am taking November and December off – as in I am going on a writing hiatus. Will still work on necessary things (editorial, contract), but otherwise, will be resting more.<br /><br />Possible burnout: I am experiencing lapses. The medical issues and anxiety meds have done a number.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=322704" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:322313 2019-10-30T09:09:16Z 2019-10-30T09:09:16Z contemplative public 0 Report came back (actually doctor called, because she was so surprised): I AM OK. <br /><br />Benign polyp. <br /><br />BENIGN.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=322313" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:322131 2019-10-30T09:07:54Z 2019-10-30T09:07:54Z contemplative public 0 Altar cleaned.<br />Candles lit.<br /><br />Now it feels like Samhain.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=322131" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:321984 2019-10-15T02:25:49Z 2019-10-15T02:25:49Z sleepy public 5 Surgery went fine! I came out of GA feeling as if I had slept the best sleep in years. I was anxious though before I went into the OT, and the hospital staff were all so kind and efficient. And compassionate, offering me reassurances and keeping an eye on me all the time. The best thing was that bestie dropped by to visit and spouse was such a rock of Gibraltar.<br /><br />I am probably going to take a couple of days to rest. I am starting to feel sore now, since the GA is wearing off and my body is having a “oh wait, what?!” moment.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your support and – best of all – purchases of my books!<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=321984" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:321586 2019-10-13T12:29:45Z 2019-10-13T12:29:45Z determined public 0 Tomorrow, I go in for surgery (14 Oct).<br /><br />Wish me all the luck.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=321586" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:321281 2019-09-28T14:58:22Z 2019-09-28T14:58:22Z tired public 2 Celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival.<br /><br />Wrote a history book (assessment book!) for local market.<br /><br />Saw my ob-gyn. Scheduled for surgery (biopsy) on Oct 14th. Wish me luck and healing.<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=321281" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments tag:dreamwidth.org,2009-05-01:164045:320690 2019-07-13T01:17:34Z 2019-07-13T01:17:34Z cheerful public 2 I am excited and happy to get the news that Dragon Dancer is on Bank Street's List of Children's Books in 2019, for ages 5-9. Thank you Lantana Publishing!<br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=jolantru&ditemid=320690" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments