JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Like Lucy's upcoming Key West mystery, the manuscript of AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY is also in the repair shop. (I love that metaphor and I'm going to use it for the rest of my life.) So how am I proceeding with the edits? Snuggling and listening to podcasts.
Wait - it's not quite what it sounds like. I kicked off the process at a mini-writing retreat with my friend Jessica Ellicott, who is a great person with whom to bounce questions and toss ideas back and forth. I came home with a good grasp of how I was going to address the trickier changes my editor had asked for in his letter. (Yes, I know they're all emails now, but I still call it a letter.)
I also came home with a post surgical cat with a plate in its femur. Not obtained at Jessica's place; I picked him up from the Portland Animal Hospital, where he'd been staying four the past four nights. And if you're thinking, Four nights in hospital and surgery... that sounds expensive! you have NO IDEA. (Not that the doctors and nurses don't deserve it. They're amazing.)
Dear readers, this isn't even my cat. You may recall my daughter Virginia, a/k/a Youngest, is off in the Netherlands getting a masters degree. Well, along with the entire contents of her apartment, she left me with her barely-two-year-old kitty, Walker.
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| Yes, those are the remains of my Post-its outline! |
For a month and a half, Walker was so awed by This Old House's 3,000 square feet, he didn't even look when the front or back doors were opened. Alas, as anyone who has had a cat knows, that didn't last. A tad over two weeks ago, he escaped while I was bringing the dogs in, and at some point, had a close encounter with a car. No, no one stopped. Ugh.
The good news is, after $10,000 skilled and attentive medical care, he's projected to make a full recovery... if he stays in the large dog crate I've erected next to the desk in my office for eight weeks. No jumping, climbing or excessive weight on that leg.
So, we're in this together, Walker and I. (The dogs are scornful lookers-on.) The cat is a very cuddly fellow, who formerly spent evenings resting against my head as I read or watched TV, and who used to sprawl out next to my laptop as I worked. He needs highly supervised time out of kitty jail, without the Collar of Shame. (He also gets his litter changed twice daily and special treats following his gabapentin. I feel like a Victorian nurse caring for an invalid baron.)
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| Hanging on to that collar just in case |
Which (finally!) leads to me snuggling and listening to podcasts. I try to sit with Walker on the loveseat in my office three times daily. The evening is easy - I'm often streaming a show. But morning and afternoon, I've taken to putting a writer-oriented podcast on my laptop or phone. Specifically, I'm listening to shows about editing, both to keep me in the groove and to give me ideas for making my stitched-together novel prettier.
Some of what I've found useful: Fiction Writing Made Easy, The Creative Writer's Toolbelt, The Creative Penn Podcast, DIY MFA and Writing Excuses. I love learning from other authors. And I love feeling inspired to get back to my computer after re-inserting Walker's head in the Cone of Shame and gently laying him in his fluffy bed. Yes, I bought it new just for the recovery kennel.
Dear readers, do you have podcasts you use for inspiration and education? Or, alternately, tell me tales of your pet's expensive medical treatment!
Oh, dear . . . poor kitty . . . cats are escape artists extraordinaire! Walker is so lucky to have you nursing him back to good health . . . .
ReplyDeleteI have to say, he's the sweetest tempered cat I've ever had. Despite his discomfort, he's never hissed, bitten or scratched. He's even easy to pill!
DeleteI'm glad Walker has you to take care of him.
ReplyDeleteMy code of conduct is: once I've accepted responsibility for a pet, I'm all in.
DeleteOh, Julia. I'm so sorry for Walter for his accident and for you for the vet bill! Last winter we took our big nine-year-old standard poodle in to the vet because he had diarrhea and was droopy and not eating. One afternoon of blood tests and IV hydration was $1200! The tests were all negative and they told me to bring him in again for more IV fluids the following day. "But he's still drinking plenty of water!" "IV hydration is more efficient." Our retirement income precluded that so I took him home A.M.A. I was dog nurse for two weeks, giving electrolytes, offering different foods every meal, forcing the vet's antibiotics down his throat 3x/day. He recovered and is fine and bouncy (it seems he has developed a violent allergy to most dog kibble so he now gets home-cooked meals, tra la). But I definitely worry about the future of pet-owning when so much is possible and the costs are so high. In the meantime I salute you for going the distance for Walker and Youngest.
ReplyDeleteI listen to Elizabeth George's books on writing and also to K.M. Weiland. I have never listened to podcasts but will try your list. Thank you!
Anon, I've done the home-cooked meals thing too, for my last elderly dog. Once you get in the groove, it's not too hard to knock them out - although I suspect it's different when feeding a large standard poodle instead of a 15 pound ShihTzu...
DeletePoor Walker! Hope he heals well. Our kitty Neko-chan was hit by a car many years ago and the first vet wanted to do something like a hip replacement. We had NO money at at the time. I asked another vet, who was also a local mom, for her opinion. She said there are cats who survive just fine with three legs. She put his hip back in place, we kept him in a crate like Walker's for two weeks, and he lived a long and active life after that.
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to many podcasts (which, appropriately, I typed podcats...), but Julie Hennrikus's Sisters in Crime series, where she interviews a different member every week, are great. I love hearing so many different journeys to publication and writing habits.
I didn't know about Julie's podcast, Edith, I'll have to give it a listen! And believe it or not, I also have a big plushie cat named Neko-chan. God bless her, in fourteen years she's never needed any other care than the usual vaccinations and the occasional nail trim for her polydactyl toes. Knock on wood for more of the same.
DeleteOur daughter has had two pets with cancer. The first was Barbie the hedgehog who got over $800 in care at the university vet med school while a poor college student . One of Barbie’s diagnoses was anorexia when she wouldn’t eat, which we all found humorous despite the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThe second one was a rescue rat terrier who was only a few years old. I don’t know how much money she spent on treatment for that dog and I don’t want to know. At least she was in a better position to pay for it than with Barbie.
Brenda, I'm sure it was very serious, but the idea of a hedgehog with anorexia made me laugh out loud. Like, were Barbie's parents too strict? Was she under too much pressure to bring home good grades?
DeletePoor Walker and poor you, Julia! I know of vet bills only too well. Our cat Holly ate something HUGE once that took a full weekend of vet supervision to pass through her system. Almost one thousand dollars later, she had recovered. Sheesh. If only the animals could talk... they'd give us their side of these expensive awful situations!
ReplyDeleteI've decided to go ahead and get pet insurance for the next one I adopt (hopefully not for many more years.) I estimate I've spent around $20,000 for accidents and illnesses since Ross and I got our first dog together in 1996. Maybe more.
DeleteSorry about Walker but it sounds like he will be getting plenty of enforced TLC from you!
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely getting the concierge medical/recovery package, Grace!
DeletePoor Walker! My biggest vet bill was when Kensi ate the lily from a flower arrangement and spent two days and nights in the hospital getting her kidneys flushed. Hubby and I have long had a deal between us: I am never to tell him how much I spend on my cat. I was very glad of that agreement after that incident.
ReplyDeleteAs for podcasts, I love Writers Detective Bureau for getting plot ideas. Right now, though, I'm listening to Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast hosted by Michael Weatherly and Cody DePablo who interview various cast members from the NCIS world. It's so much fun! Doesn't help my writing at all, but it keeps me entertained.
Annette, Virginia loves NCIS, I'll pass that podcast info on to her.
DeleteIt's funny; my sister and brother are both 100% dog people, while my family is evenly split between cats and dogs. When I told Barb about Walker's vet bill, she said, "For a CAT?!?" This from a woman who spent ridiculous sums on the world's most neurotic rat terrier when he got cancer...
I watch Tiffany Yates Martin's zooms, particularly the ones on point of view. She has a free one tomorrow, Sunday, on the demons writers face. I learned about it from Jane's FB post.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and Walker have a restful recovery.
Jane Friedman's FB post. Sigh.
DeleteMargaret, I just signed up for Jane Friedman's newsletter, so I guessed instantly who "Jane" was!
DeleteOh my! leg (limb?) trauma has come to Maine, between you and Walker. At least you didn't need a cone of shame, Julia. We have very understanding people at the Humane Shelter where we take our animals for treatment. Years ago, they arranged to have one cat treated out of a special fund. Jasmine fought the good fight, and died without deep suffering thanks to their compassion.
ReplyDeleteThe most useful podcasts for me are the author interviews while I am writing reviews of the ARC. I like having the creators POV included in the information I provide. Otherwise, when I was learning how to cook vegetarian, I watched a lot of podcasts from India and Mexico, both teaching me new ways to prepare vegetables. I also sooth by watching dance. How fun to be able to have such wonderful movement right before my eyes.
What a clever idea to listen to author's interviews, Coralee - I'm doing a live interview with another author in November; I'll look for previous examples online.
DeleteJulia, you are simply the best kitty grandma ever! Fortunately, I have never had to suffer with a pet, like you describe. It sounds daunting but I'm sure both the kitty and your daughter appreciate it all. Litter changed twice a day!?! Sainthood for Julia!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking in the mirror to see if my halo has formed daily, Judi!
DeletePets and Podcasts...man, I'm sure glad I don't have the former and as for the latter, well..we'll get to that.
ReplyDeleteI have no pets. I love dogs but the last two that we had in the house were my sister's dogs and when they had to be put down, my mom wanted to get another one. But she was getting less mobile so I had to figure out ways to skillfully change the subject whenever it came up. Because I knew if anything happened to her, I'd be the one taking care of the dog. So there never was another pet. And though my uncle said I should get a dog after my mom died, I knew I never would. I just don't have the desire, or frankly, the energy. And as Julia's financial details show, nor do I have the money.
As for podcasts, I don't really listen to any for education or inspiration. I pretty much just listen to one podcast regularly these days and that's Tuning into Sci-Fi TV. The three hosts talk about all the programs and news associated with the science fiction/fantasy and occasionally horror genres. Quick Reviews, spoiler conversations about some shows, talk about the news about shows and a weekly discussion topic too. It's been running for a long time and it's usually pretty entertaining.
As for other podcasts, I might listen to something here and there but it is usually music focused like The Pub Songs Podcast or the Irish and Celtic Music podcast. Or if an author I like is being interviewed on a podcast, I might tune in for that particular episode.
Smart move with gently guiding your mom away from getting a new dog, Jay. One of my sister's friends was left with a huge (literally) problem when her 86 year old great aunt had to move into a nursing home - two years after buying a GREAT PYRENEES puppy! Can you imagine? Evidently "she had always had Great Pyrenees dogs..."
DeleteOh poor Walker and poor you! It's a long sentence to kitty jail. My first golden retriever, Gloria, had an eating disorder (similar to Bob, the golden in Janet Evanovich's books), she ate everything. Hairbrushes, plastic toys, my asthma inhaler, a Pilates video, a paint roller, three bags of little Dove chocolates that were intended for my work Christmas cards. That chocolate incident involved a trip to the vet, where they induced vomiting and we got to see all the little foil wrappers come back. Another time, she ate the neighbor dog's plastic toy and had to have an endoscope pull the remnants from her stomach.Then there was a surgery, again for something plastic lodged in her gut. I didn't keep track of the costs (I was working unlimited OT at 9-1-1 then) but it was a pretty penny over years.
ReplyDeleteMy dog attacked a Halloween care package for my daughter and had no ill effects from his consumption of chocolate, pumpkin spice trail mix, etc.., other than sparkly poop from the Milky Way wrappers! What took him down (and cost us a trip to New Zealand) was a palm nut from our neighbor's tree. It hadn't even been a year since we adopted him, but ICU care for dogs even 11 years ago was a LOT. Thankfully he's just had regular vet visits since, so the amortization makes it somewhat better. My husband still reminds our dog about New Zealand, though.
DeleteI'm sure your dog is very ashamed, Mary. :-D
DeleteJust a couple of years after we were married, and living on the second floor of a 3 decker in Somerville, MA, my cat, Napoleon, slid (fell, jumped?) of the balcony wall onto a giant snow pile. Turned out he’d ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left rear knee. $600 at Angel Memorial hospital. They sent him home without a collar. He neatly picked out all his stitches while we were having dinner. Back to Angel Memorial for restricting and a collar. And more $$. (I was a buyer for a bookstore and not flush with cash) For the next 6 weeks, before I left for work, I wiped down the tub and walls, put in a disposable litter bag, water, and some food, lifted him in, and tied shut the shower doors. And ran off in tears as he piteously cried. He never had another problem and lived to be 16.
ReplyDeleteSuzette, I hope we can say the same about Walker! The tub/shower enclosure is a brilliant idea, btw.
DeleteThanks for the suggestions about writing/editing podcasts, Julia! I'll be checking those out. As for pets, we had a very young stray cat this time last year--just appeared in the garage, extremely friendly, probably a drop-off. She got pregnant before we could find her a home/get her fixed. This summer we had her four kittens (and her) for vet visits, neutering/spaying, etc. Just when we were down to one kitten, youngest nephew found a bonus kitten by the side of the road late one night. She was a tiny calico with a broken femur. Fortunately, a wonderful vet clinic stepped up to help her (the others said, we'll euthanize her for you). So, many vet bills this summer! But all found loving homes and two days ago the little mama went to a good home and we have the photos to prove she's being spoiled rotten!
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely story with a happy ending, Anon. As I said to friends, "It's just money. I can always get more of it."
DeleteGrateful that Walker survived the ordeal of getting hit by a car. And that Walker is recovering from the surgeries. Sending healthy vibes to you and Walker. May I ask how the dogs are getting along with the cat now?
ReplyDeleteDiana, they've always been neutral about Walker, the cat is fine with dogs and vice versa. I definitely notice some jealousy now - after I spend sofa time with the cat, the dogs want pets and for me to play fetch!
DeleteAw, my four send high fives to Walker. So glad she is recovering. Vet services are uber expensive, but there is so much more they can do today than they could in the past. It's gratifying that there are options for pets. One of my guys, Cub, has been a problem child almost since the day he walked into my house - he, his sister, and his mother were dumped in my yard Thanksgiving week in 2012. His first official act, after a week in solitary with his sister was to not act right. Nothing I could point a finger at, just not right. Well, off to the vet he went. Since it was a Saturday - his regular vet was closed, and out of town. We took him to another vet who said he needed exploratory surgery. Of course, we said yes. They cut the cat from breastbone to ahem and found...he had gas. Needless to say, this was 1) emergency surgery 2) an emergency visit 3) a five day stay for recovery. I'm not sure of the exact amount, but it was in the 5k neighborhood. This same cat, several years later, developed a completely blocked bladder. Yep, on a Saturday. This time our regular vet was in town and able to see him. No surgery involved, but another five day hospital stay. Thankfully, he's been fine since.
ReplyDeleteIf there's one thing I've learned in 28 years of pet ownership, Kait, is that it's ALWAYS on a Friday night after your vet's office has closed, or a Saturday. No animal ever has an emergency at 8am on Monday morning.
DeleteAin't that the truth!
DeletePoor kitty! And you are the person Kitty grandma. Podcasts? I know I should listen to them, and I know they’re fabulous, but I can’t figure out when I would do that. I’m rarely in the car by myself, and there’s just not a chunk of time in my day or night when I could listen to a podcast. I sometimes watch Masterclass on my computer, and that’s great, but I can never make it through a whole one before other responsibilities get in the way. I envy you — they sound so valuable.
ReplyDeleteI listen when I am walking indoors, Hank. How about on your treadmill?
DeleteYeah, I have to be doing something while I listen. I can't just sit and absorb. My best podcasting time is while making dinner or cleaning up the kitchen; I bring them up on Alexa and she'll save my place for me and resume at that spot the next time I ask for, say, Quitcast for Writers.
DeleteOh, Julia, so sorry for poor Walker--and you! Ouch on the vet bill!! I think our most memorable was also with a cat, our dear now departed Jolly. He was a beautiful tuxedo boy who unfortunately was prone to crystals in his urine and by the time he was about two he had recurring urinary tract blockages. Anyone who's dealt with this will know that it not only causes cats a lot of pain but also causes them to pee on everything! No changes in food or medications helped, so modern medicine to the rescue. They removed his little penis, poor boy. It sounds horrible, but after six weeks of jail time in the big dog crate and the collar of shame, he was good as new and lived a very long and happy life. I don't remember what the bill came to but I know it seems staggering at the time. We never regretted it, though.
ReplyDeleteI feel a bit like Hank about the podcasts. When would I listen? Being an audiobook addict, I'm usually listening to books when I'm doing things around the house. I don't like to listen to things when I'm out walking--I need that sensory awareness and I like to talk to my dog. Ditto driving. I don't often even listen to music. We live with a LOT of crazy traffic and crazy traffic and I feel like I need my wits about me! I"m sure if found the right podcast I'd be hooked, however.
P.S. We are all going to be using Lucy's Repair Shop analogy forever!!
DeleteLucy came up with the BEST definition ever for editing!
DeleteJulia, I have to say that you are a saint, helping with your children's furry ones. It also sounds like you are way more organized than you admit to being and make productive use of your time. And taking on the vet bills is above and beyond. I know when we were trying to find out what was wrong with our doggie Lulu''s leg, it was $400 every time we went in (and they took x-rays). I hope all is going well with both you and the cat in your recuperating conditions. And, I really want to start listening to podcasts, but, when? I'm so disorganized now that I can't figure that out.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted Lucy and Debs to know that I read your posts this past week and enjoyed them, too. Sometimes, other things get in the way of commenting, but I am here with you all. I especially enjoyed your all snippets from your books. How lucky we readers of the Jungle Red Writers are to know we have amazing books to read all year round.
Love the repair shop analogy. I just got back my fantasy and oof it's going to take some major tire rotations and whatnot. As for vet bills, I still have PTSD from the $7K I had to shell out when our Annie got sick (kidney failure) while we were traveling and they kept her comfortable just so we could share her final days with her. No regrets! (Mostly).
ReplyDeleteIt's almost midnight here, and I planned much too elaborate a meal for the dinner guests who recently went home, so I was cooking all day and only now have had a look at my emails! Sorry to report in so late. Julia, Walker is lucky to have you! As for podcasts, like Debs, when I can listen to something, it's usually an audiobook. My husband loves a forty-five-minute podcast about obscure but interesting historical events, however, so we listen to that in the car, and I enjoy it. I can't say it helps my writing, but it improves my German.
ReplyDeleteGilbo made me think of Bilbo from Lord of the Rings.
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ReplyDeleteLove the stories about pets with injuries. I have been a veterinary nurse for 35 years and see all kinds of trauma. Nothing is worse than seeing a wonderful pet euthanized because of money issues. And I have seen many 3 legged cats (and dogs) who do really well. That being said, the cost of veterinary care is equal to human medicine - I purchase the inventory for the clinic and the cost of meds have skyrocketed. And, are getting more difficult to get because of raw materials and shipping problems. Because of the recent hurricanes, there is a critical shortage of IV fluids. This will really affect vet hospitals too. Advice? Get pet insurance if you can. My wonderful dog is a rescue dog, now 16 yrs. old and deaf. Still active. Has one eye (came that way when I adopted him so don't know how it happened). He's a chihuahua/Jack Russell mix. Best dog ever! (And, I absolutely cannot wait to next Russ & Claire installment.)
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