I'm up to fixing chapter 15 on the novel formerly known as The Rake. Mostly, I've been deleting bits and pieces. Once I've fixed these things, I have to fill in the many gaping holes. I got important stuff done today, but it was rocky going mostly. It went like this: Stare at screen thinking, Whoa. This isn't connected to anything. Plus it mentions characters I deleted ages ago! Stare at the screen some more. Jump up and wander through kitchen looking for parts of the paper I missed this morning. Go back and stare at computer. Delete a bunch of stuff. Write some OK stuff that I really hope works. Stare at the next chapter thiking, Whoa. This isn't connected to anything. Plus it mentions plot points I deleted ages ago! Jump up and tour the kitchen. Watch the puppy play. Have good idea, go back to computer and type madly. Pull up the next chapter and think.... Well, I bet you can guess.

So that was pretty much my day. In between all the other stuff. It was raining today. My son had a friend over and they went down to the creek to play. Luckily, I told his mom to have him bring along a change of clothes. Good thing, too, because they came back to the house covered in mud. My son's friend agreed he should take a quick shower... Eight minutes later, he emerges from the bathrooom in his change of clothes. There is mud all over his face. No adult is surprised because boys do this all the time. Here's a typical reconstruction:

Parent of young boy: Did you actually get in the shower?

Boy: Yes!

Parent: Did you turn on the water?

Boy: Yes!

Parent: And you used soap and shampoo?

Boy: Yes!

Parent: Why is your hair bone dry?

At least it was good for distraction from my mess. Still, I got a lot done so my day was OK.