I’d figured out a way to manage and even enjoy the quiet of the Covid 19 shutdown. My walking challenge carried me over 400 miles in four months. I discovered new trails, enjoyed beautiful oceanfront scenery, and did most of my errands around town on foot. I wore out one pair of shoes, and seriously broke in another. Life was working for me. I’d adapted.
But just when I thought I could see that circle of light at the end of the metaphor, life decided to seal off that promise and sent in her lightning brigade. There’s nothing like a 3 a.m. streak of fire across the sky followed by the sound of large colliding boulders overhead to pump up the old adrenaline. Then looking out the window to find columns of smoke across the canyon shifts you into Emergency mode like nothing else. Find the flashlight (obviously, there’s no power), get out the Must Take With Me list, open the gate and garage door for a quick getaway, turn on battery operated radio, then pace while listening to the emergency alert system. That sound alone can drive you mad.
I’ve been evacuated twice before, so I’m not a novice. Still when it’s dark, when the sky’s raining a billion volts of electrical power (did you know that?) all around you, and you’re thinking maybe Covid 19 isn’t that big a deal, it’s hard not to panic, and that doesn’t serve you well at all. When the sun came up (100+ degrees– thank you for that), I took advantage of natural light and loaded the car with important papers and some irreplaceables. I waited, keeping an eye on the ridge until the air became so thick I couldn’t breath–even inside–then I took off and headed south. Finally, the wind blew the fire and smoke away from my side of the canyon, and for the moment, I could return and stay sheltered in my place, like in the good old days when only a virus threatened my life.
I’m thinking of those who were caught in this maelstrom and hoping they can return to their abandoned homes, although I already know several friends who will be rebuilding or moving.
Life.
Unpredictable.
Challenging.
Fascinating.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
September 2 question – If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why?
The co-hosts for the September 2 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise – Fundy Blue!
Now that is a great question. And it’s so difficult to answer. If I choose one of those literary luminaries like Dos Passos or Faulkner (one of my favorite and most challenging authors) I know they’d chew up my prose and spit it out after the first paragraph. So how about Hemingway? I treasure his writing, but he shot animals to prove his manliness, not to mention his penchant for not being a very nice guy. So not him. Twain might work. Maybe he could teach me how to capture wit and humor in my writing, how to tweak noses without being pendantic. So moving on…Isabel Allende, Margaret Atwood, Barbara Kingsolver. I could learn so much from them, but, like the others, I would have absolutely nothing to suggest by way of improvement in return. A beta partnership has to be a two-way street.
I think I’ll have to set my sights on a writer who is still striving to improve their craft and who I see doing that each time they publish another book. I want to list my choices here, but sure as I do, I’ll leave out someone and regret this post, so I’ll just say there are a lot of writers I’m connected with who I admire for their diligence and determination. I’ll choose one of them.
I’m eager to see how others answer this question today.
The WEP had an awesome theme this month, so I entered because I love to do Flash Fiction once in a while. It gives me chance to “play” with characterization and dialogue in the short form. Here’s my contribution.
The entries for the IWSG Anthology Contest are coming in like crazy, and they’re good, so readers will be in for a treat when this one comes out.
Quote of the Month: “If you evade suffering you also evade the chance of joy.” Ursula K. Le Guin
Roland Yeomans says
Just wondering if you got my email. Hurricane Laura made me homeless. This is from the company computer which is why this comment is so short. This is 3rd time homeless for me. It doesn’t get any easier. Midnight is in the winds.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, Roland I’m so sorry. No I haven’t seen your email, but I’ve been fighting off hackers all week, so I’ve been buried. I can’t imagine what you’re dealing with. This has been one dreadful summer for a lot of people. We’re still under fire watch here and that makes for a lot angst. Thinking of you and hoping we’re all back to some degree of safety and sanity soon.
Deniz says
Ooh, great choices for beta readers! Love the idea of a walking challenge, that is the one thing we didn’t get to do enough of during the lockdown. Hopefully we’ll do more this year!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Denise. I kind of miss the challenge, but I’m still walking. It seems like the best thing to do when everything’s in lockdown.
Jeff says
I hope you’re staying safe and the fires are keeping their distance. This sounds like a terrible year in the West. Blessings.
C. Lee McKenzie says
What a year this has been, heh? I can manage one catastrophe, maybe two, but I’m on number three and waiting for number four! Thanks for the good wishes. California really needs them right now.
Toi Thomas says
Sorry for my late visit. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
I’m sorry to hear you had such a fright, but glad to know you made it out okay and managed better than many others. I like your choice for a beta partner.
Beth Camp says
We once drove through such an electrical storm (fire on both sides of the road, with crews working madly) and another time took shelter during a hurricane that lifted our car several inches off the road. Unforgettable. I’m glad you are safe at home. And we all remain vulnerable to more than political machinations, virus, and Nature itself. PS I love Hemingway’s style but did not choose him for the very same reason . . . too much darkness. Thank you for a lovely, nurturing post and for visiting me!
Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy says
Life is definitely unpredictable, but every experience we have is fodder for our stories 😉 Glad to hear you are safe.
Pat Hatt says
Great that you were able to avoid having to stay away and nothing happened t o your place. Awful for all those who have though. I’m no stranger to fire, so know exactly what to grab and get out too.
Sandra Cox says
I take it you’re from CA. I’m sorry that you and others are having to deal with this. Very scary.
You are the second person I’ve seen mention Kingsolver. I’m going to have to try her.
Stay safe.
Kim Lajevardi says
What a scary experience. Stay safe.
H A Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – fire has always terrified me, and I suspect lightning and thunder (bolts too) … fortunately not had too many near misses: though yours is one I could definitely do without ever finding. I experienced ’emergency packs’ – on Vancouver Island … but for tsunamis … I would have been ok – up one of the highest points – makes you think though. So pleased you and your home are safe.
Wasn’t Hemingway the chap who wrote nude, and his wife cleaned the house in the same state – I’ve never quite got over that …!
Stay safe and look after yourself – the walks by the ocean waves sound lovely when things are calm … all the best Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
I can’t remember if Hemingway and his wife cavorted in the nude, but it’s certainly a spicy story–one that would be in keeping with his lifestyle. Thanks for the good wishes and happy end of summer to you.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
I have watched the fire situation in California with horror and sadness. I’m so glad that you came through okay, Lee. I’ve been frightened of fire ever since the house next door burned down when I was in Grade 1. I can’t even imagine how devastating it would be to lose everything, So much natural devastation afflicting the US right now. Kudos to you for passing the 400 mile mark!
C. Lee McKenzie says
This is indeed the year of chaos for all of us. Nothing like living in a dystopian novel, is there? Thanks Lousise.
Denise Covey says
I toyed with the idea of Hemingway too, but decided he’d be a right pain. But I do follow some of his writing guidelines – write from 5 – 12 every day (ha ha – might be okay if you’re not a mum) – know what you’re going to write next day before you lay down your pencil (so cute). Lovely if I could do that. I’d never keep up with a chapter swop with him.
Hope those fires are a thing of the past, Lee. Australia is hoping we are spared this year.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hemingway would be a challenge. And, of course, he’d be more than tipsy a lot of the time.
Here’s to your continent staying fire free this year.
Carrie-Anne says
I’m glad you were able to evacuate safely and return home. I’ve had pyrophobia my entire life, so that would be my greatest fear come to life.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Fear of fire is right up there for me, too. I was lucky this time.
Liz A. says
Yikes, that’s scary. Glad your house survived. Sorry you had to go through that.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Safe yet again, Liz. Hope I have more good luck in my future.
Lee Lowery says
I know these challenges are supposed to make us stronger, better people, but good grief – do we have to be Hercules? I am so glad you could return home. I have family in Texas and Florida – both having to deal with Covid and the hurricanes. It’s exhausting.
I certainly have nothing to offer my beta choice – George Orwell. But I’d still love to pick his brain!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love that idea of brain-picking. Then perhaps I could be a number one best seller? The thing about Orwell is his brilliance at nailing the future, isn’t it? I’m waiting for the pigs to take over. I’m convinced they’ll do so much better than we humans. Thanks for stopping in.
Olga Godim says
What a frightening experience you have had with that fire. I guess, everything looks different from a proper perspective. Even COVID doesn’t seem so terrifying compared to the possibility of losing your home to fire. Glad you’re OK.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It is interesting how priorities shift so suddenly. Thanks, Olga.
Elephants Child says
You might get two comments from me. Delete away if you do.
Fire terrifies me. I so understand you keeping the essentials in the car – and hope that it continues to be a totally unnecessary precaution.
Love your list of authors – and agree though I would add Neil Gaiman to the list. And I applaud (loudly) your recognition that it needs to be a two way street.
Stay safe.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It seems commenting today has been “interesting” for both of us. I’ve struggled all day trying to leave comments only to be shut out, and then when I do succeed, I sometimes find I have a duplicate comment. Good grief!
Neil Gaiman, yes. And maybe Terry Pratchett, too. I just read Good Omens and rolled around on the floor a lot holding my stomach, laughing.
Here’s to a healthy fear of fire and may we never have to experience it up too close unless it’s a safe camp fire with marshmallows.
Elephants Child says
Terry Pratchett most definitely. Good Omens is a book I reread most years. And yes I laugh, but I also wince.
Neil Gaiman is an author I admire but he is also from all I have read a man to admire as well…
C. Lee McKenzie says
Interesting. I don’t know much about Gaiman personally. However, you can tell about a person from reading their books, can’t you? Fiction has a large percentage of non-fiction.
Elephants Child says
Indeed it does. And this quote from the man says a lot.
‘Fiction is the lie that tells the truth, after all. We have an obligation not to bore our readers, but to make them need to turn the pages. One of the best cures for a reluctant reader, after all, is a tale they cannot stop themselves from reading.’
Sorry to keep cluttering your comment thread. Back in my box now.
Elephants Child says
Fire terrifies me. We already at the start of Spring have had some burning out of control. I am dreading a return to the conditions we experienced at the start of this year. I so understand you keeping essentials in the car and hope you can continue to carry them round for nothing.
LOVE your list of authors, and agree with them though I would add Neil Gaiman – and applaud your decision that beta reading has to be a two way street.
Chrys Fey says
A walking challenge now sounds perfect.
“A beta partnership has to be a two-way street.” <— I couldn't agree more.
I love your decision to pick a writer striving to improve their craft. <3
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Chrys. Beta partnerships are so important and when you have a good one, they are invaluable.
Loni Townsend says
Jeez Louise, that’s terrifying. I’m glad you’re safe and your home wasn’t damaged.
There are so many great writers out there. It’s tough to pick only one for the question.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Loni. I’m breathing much more easily now on two levels.
I could have listed a dozen more author that I admire and crave to talk to about writing.
Michelle Wallace says
Scary. I’m so glad that you are safe, Lee.
I had quite a few candidates in mind as potential beta readers.
Steinbeck would add a classic perspective. Sidney Sheldon ranks as one of my favourite crime fiction/thriller authors. But then there are many “newer” authors whose work I admire. Mmm. Not easy to give a straightforward answer.
Very interesting question this month.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re right, Michelle. Choosing one is really impossible.
Carol Kilgore says
I thought about you when I heard about the fires out there and hoped you were safe. Glad you are. We lived in fire country for a few years. Fire season is scary. Hugs.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Then you understand. Summer used to be my favorite season, but I’m re-thinking that these days.
Sherry Ellis says
Kudos to you for your walking challenge! But boy, that had to be scary with that lightning. Glad you made it home safely!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Sherry. Yes. I’m not as tense today I can tell you.
PJ Colando says
Life.
Unpredictable.
Challenging.
Fascinating.
Your prose snap-crackles like the storm outside. Stay safe – and sane – in this extraordinary climate.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank for your visit here today. And thanks so much reading and commenting. Really appreciate it.
Natalie Aguirre says
So glad you are back home and safe. It must have been really scary to have to evacuate.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I had warning this time, so for that I was grateful. I’m called this my dress rehearsal.
Jacqui Murray says
I hope it all worked out, Lee. How awful. My thoughts are with you.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks Jacqui. I’ll bet your heroine had a lot of lightning in those early days of our planet. And without an understanding of what caused it. Doubly scary.
Patricia Josephine says
I’m glad to hear you are safe and were able to return home.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank, Patricia. I am very lucky this time.
Anna says
I didn’t think of it as a two-way street, now I regret my choices. We’ll maybe if I serve cake they’ll forgive me. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
Funny. Cake should do it!
L. Diane Wolfe says
Oh my goodness! You dodged a bullet. That is scary.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It’s the unpacking that’s miserable. To do or not to do. That is the question.
Jeff says
That is very scary scene you describe. I’m glad you were able to make it out safely and so sorry for your neighbors who lost homes. Twain, although he had a good wit, was often depressed, as was Hemingway and others… Not sure who I’d choose as a writing partner. Maybe Robert Caro, but I want him to finish his work on LBJ, so I wouldn’t want to bother him!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I didn’t know that about Twain. Hemingway had so many demons that I can’t imagine working with him. I’d be interested in reading about LBJ in depth. I visited his library in Texas and it held a ton of information about him that I didn’t have a clue about.
joylene says
We’ve been experiencing lightening storms every night. It’s exhilarting and a little intimidating. But I really enjoy breathing, so I’m okay. Yeah, good answer to this month’s question.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The sky puts on quite a show, but it’s so dangerous.
Patricia Anne Pierce-garcia Schaack says
Hi Lee,
I am so sorry about the life challenges that you are going through. I can only say that I relate to them heavily. Three weeks ago we had a sudden Thunderstorm at 3:07 in the morning. I will never forget it because I awoke because the rain was beating down on my house. I could only pray that my office wouldn’t flood for the fourth time in almost two years. When I finally got up, it had flooded but not as bad as I thought. I still had to shovel out water but this time I didn’t have to call the fire department.
Take care of yourself and I’m thinking of you.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s terrible, Pat. Between flooding and fires we’ve had quite a summer, haven’t we?
Thomas E Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
2020 has been a year filled with tough challenges, taxing to the body, mind and spirit. I am very sorry to learn that you needed to flee your home to escape the threat of fire and smoke. I have another California based friend who reported on fires in her area and how difficult it was for her to breathe. I’m relieved to know that you were able to return to a home undamaged during the crisis and get back to “normal” sheltering in place to avoid the virus. I admire you for logging all those miles on foot, something few people would be able or willing to do, many choosing instead to make the much shorter trek to the fridge for comfort food.
Stay well and have a safe and happy September, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Shady and thanks for the visit. I’m pretty sure anyone here in my area will be faced with the same fire danger each year. Some are giving up and leaving, and I can’t blame them.
Safety message back to you, and keep that music playing.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Wow, that was close! Glad you got out safely and had a home to return to.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m still carrying my essential papers with me in the car. It’s now my moveable office!
Jemi Fraser says
Wow – that sounds all shades of terrifying! I’m so very glad you were able to return. Wishing you continued safety!
Love your answer – and I totally agree with it!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Jemi,
Thanks. Looking forward to reading what you wrote in reply to this month’s question. It’s going to be interesting to see how others in our group responded, too.