Worldcup thanks and a mini Min note

[blamebrampton]

I have discovered that I can write 15K words in a bit over 24 hours. I shouldn't, but if the fate of the world ever hangs on 15K of H/D being produced in a day, call me.

And if you ever want to shriek: "Oh fuck oh fuck my life has imploded in every direction and I have only half-written this fic with 24 hours to go on a rigid deadline!!!" call me, too.

I'll tell you that you can do it, and then bind you to the gang who swears never again for a rigid deadline.

The only reason I was able to get this story done was because I had a lot of help, so I would like to stand here in public and testify that the following people are bloody marvellous. Normally I have one lovely beta, but she and I see pretty much eye-to-eye on everything, and I needed a different view on parts of this tale, so in the end there were five people who helped me get over the line.

jadzialove is so calm, competent and supportive that I wish she was actually the US Secretary of State since there might be some hope for the Mid-East Peace Process if she were. Thank you so much for your many hours of fine-toothing and gentle poking.

pushdragon is like one of those paladins in a medieval tale who rides in at the crucial moment to say "Yes, no, are you aware that you actually forgot a word in this sentence without which it can mean three different things, and you made a joke about X, hurrah for jokes about X!" That supportiveness came on a really shitty day and I am grateful for it.

bryoneybrynn is a champion, not just for being the only one among us to spot one particular typo (out of many), but also for her sensible suggestions on when occasionally more is more. Not to mention the cheeriness of demands for more. On that topic, oh animagi fest girl ...

oceaxe was wonderful help on the first section, which I had overwritten because I wanted to show everything that happened, except that a lot of that belonged in another story. Not to mention her delicate hint that I can be culturally untranslateable on occasion. Guilty as charged! and, I hope, sorted.

and who_la_hoop was another wonderful pair of eyes to remind me that young people today are young, and also that they teach people to spell like Americans far too much these days. Jail was bad enough, but fetus? What is the world coming to?

Anyway, you all led to a tighter, and more cohesive story which was actually achievable, rather than the epic novel I seemed to be headed towards for a while there! Many many thanks to you all, and let me know when I can return the favour.

In sad news, Min is enjoying her last day as a garden ornament. Her breathing has started to grow laboured at night and she threw up her breakfast today. She is back out guarding the bags of compost from the compost thieves, and Carmen the lovely vet will come over this afternoon at five. I have given myself a mental health day and will spend it housecleaning and regularly popping out to take cat photos. She is blissfully unconcerned and has just nibbled a pelargonium. Typical.

Comments

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

Oh, poor honey - last days are so hard. My thoughts are with you and your Min. There's so much I want to say, but there's no words that can make this easier. You're doing the right thing, giving love and kindness and peace to one who has given you so much joy.

My heart goes out to you both.

*hugs*

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

I hope Min has a lovely day in the sun, and slips away easily.

[vaysh11.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I am thinking more than usual about your Min as my dad called today to tell me that they had to put "my" cat Louie down on Saturday. He was really old and deserved a peaceful death, still - I am not sure yet how it feel to visit my parents and not have that thick grey head greet me at the door. I saved that kitty from the hard Berlin streets, named him after none other than Lou Diamond Philipps, and he got to live a full life in cat paradise at my parents.

You know, of course, that there certainly will come the day when the fate of the world will depend on those crucial 15000 words of H/D. Congrats!

Give my best to the Min. She will meet Louie in cat heaven (or perhaps King's Cross), I am sure.

[el-princess.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about your Min, she sounds like a lovely little cat, at least she'll pass with a less suffering as possible.

I can't wait to read your world cup fic (I won't know it's you of course but still...), 15k is hardcore...I failed at 500 words for my as/s fic, you should be mega proud!

[yodels.livejournal.com]

It's been such a treat to be on Team EWE with you, and get to know you a little bit.

I'm so sorry about your kitty, I think it's amazing that you've been dealing with such sorrow at the same time cranking out a work of fanfiction.

♥

[bryoneybrynn.livejournal.com]

First, my BB, working on your story was no hardship, trust me.

Second, and far more importantly, I'm sorry about Min. I'm glad that you're able to make the hard decision for her though and you'll be there. I wish I could be there for you, though I'm sure you have lots of good support. Sometimes the internet sucks - virtual hugs are no substitute for the real thing. But I'm thinking of you and sending virtual hugs anyway. *hugs*

[joanwilder.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry about Min. Being a cat person, I know how this feels. You've been in my thoughts every day.

[norton-gale.livejournal.com]

*gives Min last virtual pat to send her on her way* She was fortunate to have you and J to care for her, and it sounds like she lived a very full life indeed. ♥

Your Worldcup fic will rock the world and steal its heart. Just watch.

[romaine24.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry about your kitty, but thankful that she won't have to suffer. She'll be in good company when her little kitty spirit moves on.

I'm sure your fic is fab and I'm so looking forward to reading all of them when posted. I have no idea what to expect but I have my voting quill ready ;)

[empress-jae.livejournal.com]

oh sweetie...my heart goes out to you for min.

*hugs tight*

[meishali.livejournal.com]

Um...you don't know me, but I've been reading your stories for some time.

I'm really sorry to hear about Min. I can't even imagine how horrible it must be for you. Fortunately she's not aware of it and got to spend her last days eating expansive salmon and running around in the garden.

*hugs to you and Min*

[lisbet.livejournal.com]

*hugs* to you and yours, from one kitty lover to another.

Go well, Min

[no-mad-skillz.livejournal.com]

The animals
were imperfect,
long-tailed, dismal
in the head.
Little by little
they composed themselves,
becoming a landscape,
gaining spots, grace, flight.
The cat,
only the cat,
appeared complete
and proud:
born completely finished,
it walks alone and knows what it wants…

…O little
emperor without globe,
conqueror without country,
tiny tiger of the living room, sultan
groom of a sky
of erotic tiles,
the wind of love
in the open air
you demand
when you pass
and pose, placing
four delicate feet
on the floor,
sniffing,
doubting
every earthly thing,
since everything
is filthy
for the cat’s immaculate feet…

from Ode to the Cat (Oda al Gato) by Pablo Neruda
translation by Linh Dinh

[mahaliem.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry about Min, but glad she's having a day in the sun. *hugs*

[bryoneybrynn.livejournal.com]

Oh and also, I've been not harassing you with my ani fic because you've had enough on your plate. You let me know when you want it. If you just want to shut out the world for a while, that's totally cool. But if you need a distraction, I can provide a rather lengthy one.

*more hugs*

Min

[miriravan.livejournal.com]

Oh, I am so sorry about your Min, and I'm glad you got to have a few last consciously-good days with her before she goes. They are such strange and wonderful creatures, and they bring so much into our lives that mightn't get there any other way.

I'm not really an after-life-believing sort of person, but I'd *like* to believe it, and one of the things that makes me want to believe it most is the idea of the Rainbow Bridge, of which there are many versions, but here is a link http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html to one that I think is quite beautifully done, and maybe will be a comfort.

Take care.

[sarcasticpixie.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry about Mincat. *hugs* (And in awe of your productivity in the face of all this, too!)

[frayach-nicuill.livejournal.com]

I can relate. I scrapped my zillion-paged Worldcup fic on Tuesday and started writing the fic I ultimately submitted. Four and half days and 23,000 words later, I'm . . . well, a bit knackered.

I cannot wait to read your story, btw!!

And a huge **hug** re: little Min. I'm so sorry :( But I am glad she's having a lovely garden day. My love to you both.

[enchanted-jae.livejournal.com]

Oh, honey.

*cries for Min*

[i-autumnheart.livejournal.com]

I hope it's all over as peacefully as these things can go. My sorrow for your loss :(

[catsintheattic.livejournal.com]

*hugs you and Min*

[seshat1.livejournal.com]

Oh honey, I am so sorry to hear about Min. *hugs*

Hope you have a good last day.

[snottygrrl.livejournal.com]

[*weeps a bit for min*]

i'm glad you were able to keep her around for a bit, and yet end it before it got to hard for her as well. i hope it went smoothly and easily and that she no longer has to worry about where her next breath will come from.

on a less solemn note. congrats on finishing the fic. i hope no one ever does such a harsh dealine fest again. it was much too hard on my collective flist, and though i understand the logic behind it, i find it uncalled for. it's not world peace for heaven's sake.

give yourself a little time sweets, you deserve a rest and some tender care.

[tsosh.livejournal.com]

*hugs*
You've done the right thing. I'm sure that wherever she is, she's thankful for the happy life you gave her.

an Honour

[absynthedrinker.livejournal.com]

Just a note to say that your letter of thanks to all your betas was truly well done. You are every inch the lady I thought you were. What an honour to know you. Thanks Bubba

[lackofmendacity.livejournal.com]

Oh... Min's going to be sorely missed, and I've never even seen the wee little soul. :/

The, err, compost heap needs much guarding indeed (like Homer's sugar ^_^). *nods firmly*

And good work on finishing your fic. :)

[gabe-speaks.livejournal.com]

foetus is a stupid way to spell it.




;)

I hope Mins didn't suffer much. :(