Piper's News

News that everyone has already heard; probably from a piper going from place to place and still relating the same story till it be in everyone's mouth.

- John Jamieson's Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language, 1808

(Today is a holiday here in Canada, so I'm not anywhere near the computer. This is a pre-scheduled post.)

Ullage

The remainder in a cask or package which has leaked or been partially used.

- Admiral William Smyth's Sailor's Word Book, 1867

Ullage of a cask is what such a vessel wants of being full.

- Edward Phillips' New World of English Words, 1706

The quantity of liquor contained in a cask partially filled, and the cpacity of the portion which is empty, are termed respectively the wet and dry ullage.

- Encylopedia Britannica, 1883

To Calculate the amount of ullage in a cask. To fill up again an ullaged cask.

- Sir James Murray's New English Dictionary, 1926

The Final Bow... For a While, at Least

Soooo.... I managed to complete the Prologue yesterday, meaning that all I must write now is the Epilogue... and then I'm DONE the book.

Until it comes time to edit, of course.

I cannot tell you how happy I am to be finished with this book. And to think, I couldn't wait to get my teeth into when I started. As far as story goes, there are so many meaty moments... but they hurt like hell.

Of course, in order for me to finish the book, I must get writing. So, on that note - have a terrific weekend!

Wild Fowl Flavor

Tasty and appetizing food was said to have a real "wild fowl flavor." The dish in question might be a pie or any kind of food. Nantucket.

- William Macy's Nantucket Scrap Basket, 1930

Almost Done!

Well, yesterday I typed the final words of the body of Puppet Master.

Yippee!

I wrote almost 4 000 words yesterday. It should have tipped me well over the 100 000 word mark. As you can tell by the word meter on the right of your screen, however, it didn't happen. That's largely because there were 3 000 words of previously written scene that was just absolute rubbish and had to go.

It's gone now.

I appreciate that such culls make the book less rubbish, but it's still sad to see all that work go to waste.

Le sigh.

Quite normally, I have the Prologue written before I write the final lines of the body of a book. Not this time. Inspiration for the Prologue seems to be decidedly lacking. Still, I'll endeavour to slog it out. There should be a Prologue written by the end of today. If I manage it, I'll write the Epilogue tomorrow, and that'll be the book done.

And then I'll party like it's 1999. Seriously! I can finally put all this awful stuff behind me for a few months and work on something lighter for a while. That would be bliss.

Incidentally, I thought I had a killer closing for Puppet Master, but I find myself a little disappointed. Here it is:

The Son closed his eyes and took a deep breath. In his deep, silken voice, he softly said:

“I surrender.”

Tell me what you think.

I really should get started on the Prologue. No idea what it's going to be about yet. Slight lie - I have a vague idea. But only vague.

Celibatarian

Inclined to, or favouring, celibacy.

- Sir James Murray's New English Dictionary, 1893

A person who is unmarried; [a] celebatist.

- John Ogilvie's Comprehensive English Dictionary, 1865

How is that forgotten? I totally knew that and have heard and used it in conversation. Hmmm....

The End is Nigh!

Today, assuming all goes to plan, is the day that I reach the 100 000 word mark. That should finish the book. I say should because it clearly won't. I'll need more than 3 000 words to finish up. Also... I haven't written the prologue yet, so...

Yeah. Today was the target completion date and while I made my target, the book isn't complete. I'm not sure when it will be. Not long now, though. I'm almost there.

Except that I have to then write the Prologue and Epilogue. I'm guessing that this will be around the 110 000 word mark. Hopefully not longer. Though if it is longer, I won't feel nearly so terrible cutting the sections that are rubbish when it comes time to edit. There's a plus.

With luck, I'll be finished before the month is out. Then I can work on fixing up The Dying God, and then I can work on the super fun silly project I have in my head to take me away from all the death and despair of my current project.

Busy, busy!

Well, must fly. Have a lovely Wednesday all. I'll see you some time!

Eagle-Stone

This stone was formerly supposed to facilitate deliver, if bound on the thigh; and to prevent abortion, if bound on the arm.

- Robley Dunglison's Dictionary of Medical Science, 1844