I Need Your Help

I need your help. But a little background:

In my initial draft (and sometimes outline) I’ll use “placeholder” names which are exactly what you’d think they are. Half the time I forget them, and end up using whatever I chose to call my character (or place or thing) that first day. But ARPIP will be going through its final edits soon which means I need to be a *billion percent* sure on my names. And I’m not.

I need your help to change one.

Somehow, the really annoying, office brown-noser appeared as “Patricia,” which means I must’ve watched or read something with a similar character and she manifested herself in my world. Typical Patricia. BUT I had a lovely aunt with that name—though she went by Patty—and I’m not comfortable throwing some home-made art into the world with a negative connotation on Patricia’s. It’s just not sitting right with me, so now I call on all of you for suggestions on the PERFECT OFFICE BROWN-NOSER NAME. Maybe someone you know personally? Maybe someone you actually worked with? Well, I’m here to immortalize that poor soul forever as a Karen douche-canoe in my next novel, so I’m taking all suggestions.

What have you got? Let’s hear those names. I’ll also be posting something in my FB group—because I do that now (hair flip)—so you can comment here or there and then next week, I’ll put a poll up with the best nominees, and we’ll really settle this thing.

I’m so excited. Are you? Come on, guys. Need your help. Who did you hate, or seriously dislike, that I can forever immortalize as a Karen? Let’s find that douche-canoe and prop him or her up for the world (or my small group of readers) to see.

Let’s MF go.

~ Lady Caitlin

I Re-Joined Instagram

I joined Instagram. Or, I re-joined Instagram with an author account even though I already did that a few years ago, but I couldn’t access it, because you know, technology. So, when I went to “add” a new username, the one that I wanted authorcgcoppola (which makes the most sense) was already taken…by me…from a few years ago. Just can’t get to it on my phone. So, I created authorcgcoppolawrites as my NEW author Instagram, except, when I accessed it on my PC to change the profile picture, it logs me into authorcgcoppola.

*throws arms up in tantrum*

*drinks boxed wine*

Sooooooo now I have my personal account, which I rarely use, and TWO author accounts depending on which device I log into. I’m not even kidding, guys. I have no clue what I did or how to fix it, and when I tried to report a problem, it told me my “reporting a problem” button wasn’t working. So, I gave up, drank more boxed wine, and watched tiktock.

I mean…I guess two accounts is better than none? Right? Any Instagram wizards out there want to take me under their wing and help e’splain me, Lucy? Otherwise, this author is going to be the cool kid with two accounts and there’s nothing you (or I, apparently) can do about it.

How was your January? Did you get a lot accomplished? A little? Anything? Are you aware January is now over, and we’re doomed to live this day over and over again? (Thanks, Mr. Murray). Hopefully it’s doesn’t get to that because I don’t think I could repeat a Wednesday for the rest of my life without losing my mind. Plus, it would definitely slow the progress I’m making on redoing my home office.

Since we moved in, the “office” has been the junk room in the house, where all the “not sure where to put it” things end up living. It’s basically been a clutter box of randomness, with a little corner for my desk and chair to write. NO MORE. It’s nowhere near being finished but we’re getting closer:

Before, that corner held a table filled with wedding items, old cell phones and tablets, cords that went to something, mail, donation clothes (donation everything), coasters, recycled Christmas gifts, and so, so much more. It was literally a place to put the household misfits, and definitely not a space to encourage creativity. I’ve only been glaring at it for around five years but NO MORE. I’m still in the process of fully revamping the office, but we’re off to a good start. What do you think?

What about you? Any new projects? Any issues with technology and somehow (unknowingly) creating two accounts for one service because you’re that stellar with technology? No judgement here.

I’ve got some other stuff to share, but we’ll get to it next week. I have to have something for that post too, right?

Until our next date…

~ Lady Caitlin