I think "lay" is a verb. I think it's something fowl do when reproducing, and I think it's a jolly bit of slang for mad funky sex, preferably dirty and quick.

I must bury the memory of those copy editors.

And here is where Beverly reveals the gaps in her eddication, because she knows what it is and how it works but can't remember what to call it.

"Lay" is a verb, but it's used differently than lie.

"You can lay that object on the table. You can lay yourself on that table, too, but you'd probably be more comfortable if you laid in bed. Just lie down."

stupid double post.

Bev! Hi darlin'.

If you've got gaps in your eddicayshun, then the jinglebrains paid by the likes of Bantam have crevasses.

Hallo, my Deb. Bedgoing almost instantly, but I loved the Darla, and wanted to say so.

Heh. You go get some sleep - it's nearly half past one, for you.

' Night. Sweet ease, good dreams all 'round.

Victor, why is it gathering dust? Is it done? If so, why not submit, and get it off your plate and let your agent worry about it?

I actually have a couple agents who are reading it/want to read it, so maybe I'm overstating, but I just don't have the ability to shop it anywhere near as aggressively as I have past projects.

Oi, lack of energy R us. I know this feeling. I find for myself that a genuine attitude of "I don't give a rat's ass, whatever" was a godsend. Ruth wanted to read it, I had no agent (hadn't for years; a whole nother tale), she said send it anyway, I did, so when it came to getting an agent, I sent out a note. It was basically hi, here's who I am, here's what I've published in the past, this is the new one, I don't need an agent to submit squat on this, the publisher's got it and we're kinda writing it together, you wanna play?

I honestly didn't care. Result? Coolest agent ever, and a total Buffy freak.

edit: although one agent actually declined, because she thought it was going to be a mystery novel. She liked it, mind you, but she thought it would be a mystery, despite the words GHOST STORY on everything from the original phone call to the synopsis to the cover letter. Easiest 15% she would likely ever have earned (accepting the offer on the client's behalf) and she opted out.

Hey Deb, just wanted to let you know that your storyma vibes worked. Thank you. I just wrote one, beginning to end, 3 pages. It's the first thing I've finished in at least 3 years. Also thanks to Am and Ple for encouragement.

Now I want someone to say, "I want to read it!"