Try on some Fiery Horseshoes!

Ovidia--every other Tuesday

By the Chinese zodiac, we're now moving into the Year of the Fire Horse.

Fire Horse years are said to bring dramatic, intense, fast-paced upheavals. The last fire horse year was 1966--the year that marked the start of China’s Cultural Revolution and Singapore's first full year of Independence from British rule.

It was also the year of the University of Texas Tower shooting, America's first modern mass shooting.

I won't name the perpetrator who killed seventeen people and wounded at least thirty-one others, including his mother and wife who were stabbed in their respective homes before he went up to the tower. Ironically, some of the earliest shooting victims were thought to be anti-Vietnam war protestors and told to 'stop acting' by passers-by.

Hippies were in, so were mini skirts and Singapore's shortlived ban on 'long haired males'.

It was also the year of 'Batman' and 'Star Trek', the year the Beatles released 'Revolver' and John Lennon claimed they were 'more popular than Jesus'.

In short, it was a year charged full of crazy, chaotic fire horse energy. And now the fire horse is back.

I was born in the Year of the Ox and my 'ox' nature makes me inclined to keep my head down and wait out all the swirling fiery energies. But then I recently read about the Odyssey Plan--how visualising different possible futures can make us aware we have more options and decided to attempt a Fire Horse variation... Odyssey meets Fire Horse. What might my life be like if I choose to live this year as:

Fire Horse 1: A Safe, steady horse. Living as this horse I would continue working hard on the track I'm currently on, like a racehorse running round the track. Even if I 'win' a race I'll still be running in circles. But it's what I've trained myself to do and I know the track and how to run it.
If I live this year in safe horse mode, on a Tuesday in February 2027 I will have finished writing Bonsai Lives (working title), my attempt to step slightly sideways from my previous series. With luck I'll have got a contract for it or figured out how to self-publish it. I'll maintain my health and stamina by keeping to my yoga practice.
It would be a good place to end up in. But it looks kind of circular, not so different from where I am now.

Fire Horse 2: A paddock horse. I'm the same steady horse here, but in a different setting. Like the beloved horse a friend of mine recently sent to 'retirement' in a paddock in Australia. That's kind of me too--what if I continue working hard on my writing but look to figuring out and exploring the changes in the publishing and storytelling business? If I allow myself to play and try things out and not worry about getting published?
If I were to live this year in paddock horse style, next February I would have learned a lot more about self-publishing and may have published some stories set in the Singapore of Aunty Lee and the Tree Mysteries, but between the books. And I've been toying with the idea of creating a reading blog written “with” my dog, selecting mysteries featuring animals, preferably dogs (though we might occasionally allow a cat).
And yes, in this future Sophia is very very happy because less deadline stress means more time with her!

And then there's
Fire Horse 3: The Wild Horse:

Not all wild horses are truly wild, of course. I couldn't be truly wild (I'm Singaporean after all) like the Przewalski’s horses in Mongolia and the Kazazkhs. I see myself more as a feral horse, recently escaped from domesticity.

If I were to live as a wild horse I might not even create writing projects and set deadlines or source publishing possibilities. I might just read and listen and read and watch and read and daydream until I encounter the book or books that make me think, 'if only I'd written this, I could die happy in a year'.

But then instead of dying (I hope) I would try to figure out what in that book spoke to me so deep and loud and I would dissect it and myself to find the connection.
And if I don't manage to find even one such book then I'll attempt to write it myself--even if I can't sell it. Just for the satisfaction of having tried.
That would be my Wildly Flaming Fire Horse Year, running where I please without guarantees or contracts.

I don't know if I can do that though--I've already made some committments that I'll keep--but it's a nice dream.

Fire Horse years, historically, are charged with enormous energy. But energy doesn't necessarily mean chaos.

As a writer, as a person, which fire horse calls to you most?
The Safe Horse, steadily circling the track in good and improving form.
The Wandering Horse, exploring new (safe) paddocks.
Or the Wild Horse, adventuring into the wild unknown?

It's just for one year--choose to be a horse that scares you just a little!

Writing at the SpaceBar and Old Chang Kee

Ovidia--every other Tuesday

Happy Chinese/ Lunar New Year Everybody!

This is going to be a quick, short post because of all the Chinese New Year prep (cleaning/ visiting/ coordinating) going on right now, but I really liked the tongue in cheek (I think) slant the Central Library took on this--recommending reading based on your zodiac signs!

I was at the library for the first Space Bar Write In last Sunday.

The library heard that writers were looking for writing spaces so, in a year long experiment that kicked off last Sunday, the Space Bar will be open to writers and wannabe writers from noon till 5pm the last Sunday of every month.

The Space Bar (known the rest of the month as Programme Room 1 in Basement 1 of the Victoria Street Central Library) provides an air conditioned space with tables, power supply, canned drinks (limited, Singapore style, to one each!) and of course access to the drinking fountains and toilets of the library.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I thought, why not try it?

This is my table set up.

Instead of working on an ongoing project (of which there are three at the moment) which would entail notes and coordinating and the risk of losing material, I decided to use the time to brainstorm a new idea for a fantasy middle grade book that's been floating around in my head for a while.

One thing I Really liked about the writing session was the organiser Christabelle (not sure of the spelling but that's what it sounded like) suggested we start by writing down on post-its (which she provided) what we hoped to do in this session; then at the end, write down what we'd actually done.

Usually when I sit down at the computer I'm shuffling notes I need to process, looking at word count targets etc. But that post-it made me think about what I would be happy with--

I decided just to do a brain dump/ vomit draft and targeted 2000 words...
...and ended up getting almost 3000!

Even though I didn't stay the full 5 hours.

What I really liked was getting to share space, for a while, with all these other people who were also trying to write. Some were collaborating in groups, but I had a table to myself--totally my comfort zone of being able to work alone without feeling isolated.

It also felt really good to be located inside the library, because when I got up to walk around and stretch I was walking around bookshelves, and it felt like being surrounded by encouragement.

And it also helps that there's an Old Chang Kee just outside--

Old Chang Kee curry puffs are (I've been told) the sign you've reached a stable relationship. When you're first trying to impress someone, you share fancy meals and fine wines and worry about the impression you're making. But when you're comfortable enough to buy each other an old Chang Kee curry puff, like the one your mum bought your dad after hearing he didn't get that promotion or that your big brother brought home for you the night before your big exam, you know that you're sharing a safe space.

And no, I'm not doing a curry puff promotion here, but I must say it makes a good reward for an afternoon's writing.

Happy Lunar New Year everyone!
May you be blessed with Health, Happiness and Hope in this coming year!

The Year of the Wood Snake is Coming...

Ovidia--every other Tuesday

Is anyone else finding it difficult to look forward to this new year?

This is normally my favourite time of year--cool rainy weather with occasional thunderstorms (rain is predicted for the whole of next week here in Singapore) and I really love the rain.

People are back at work and children back in school and the island is gearing up for the Chinese New Year.
This is a much bigger event (‘bigger’ as in more offices, stores and restaurants close for the duration) than Christmas or New Year, and there are decorations, special offers and sweet treats everywhere.

But this year it feels like there’s more apprehension than anticipation in the air.

‘Next year is going to be terrible. So terrible,’ one of my neighbours told me the other day.

‘What’s going to be terrible?’ I asked.

‘Everything!’ He said. ‘Look at America! Look at Israel! Look at Russia! Just looking for things to attack! And you know what? It’s just going to get worse! You know what year it's going to be, right? So wait and see!’

I kind of know what he means.

The coming year, according to the Chinese zodiac, will be the Year of the Wood Snake.

The year of the Wood Snake has traditionally been marked by warlords assessing their weapons caches.

The last time the Wood Snake appeared in the zodiac cycle was in 1965—the year American soldiers landed in Vietnam to start the Vietnam War.

Right now I’m almost afraid to plan or hope for anything beyond good health and survival in the coming year!

But thinking like my neighbour doesn’t do any good, does it? I guess at least he can say, ‘See? I told you!’ if things go badly.

But I would still rather hope and be disappointed than not hope at all!

On the bright side, snakes symbolise unostentatious wisdom, transformation and healing, meaning the snake year is a good time for growth and reinvention, just as a snake sheds its old skin and emerges anew.

Combined with the Wood element of assessing, calculating and building, embracing the Wood Snake Year might mean remembering that in times of uncertainty, just sustaining and focusing on recovery and renewal might be counted a victory.

And on the bright side, in 1965 The Sound of Music premiered and Richard Feynman won the Nobel Prize for Physics, so things weren't all bad!

I’m reading Salman Rushdie’s Knife right now, and the courage in his decision to live fully after that horrific attack is a lesson I hope to remember; resilience isn’t just about surviving, we have to evolve into our new selves and bodies.

I realise that for me, it all comes down to not knowing what to expect in our near future.

Was it Einstein who said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"?

And also,

"Naïveté is doing the same thing over and over, and always expecting the same result"

The problem it seems, is in the expectations. So maybe not knowing what to expect is a good thing.

I guess all this is to explain why I don't have any great plans or resolutions for the coming year. I'll try to write three hours a day and work out three hours a week and see how things go.

But also, I want to remember Tahar Djaout, who said, “Silence is death, and you, if you talk, you die, and if you remain silent, you die. So, speak out and die.”

Tahar Djaout was an Algerian journalist, poet, and fiction writer who was born 11th January 1954. He would have turned 71 years old this year, had he not been assassinated in 1993.

Part of me feels that just because I'm still alive, the least I can do is say this small thing: remember this man who cried out for human rights in his novels and is no longer here to do so.

And if you're reading this, may you have a good, strong, safe year. May we all hold on to hope and support each other.

Writing and Other Progress

 Ovidia--every other Tuesday

First, let me show off a little. This was supposed to be my December project, but I've only just finished it--handing it over tonight to family visiting from the UK where hopefully the weather will remain chilly for a little while longer so they get to wear it!

And I've started on the next non-writing project--something in cotton I hope to wear to Crimefest this year then leave as a warm wear donation...

Yes, I'm still writing. At the moment I'm trying to wrap up/ wrestle one project (due April) into shape while starting on notes for the next (contract says due August but they'll probably let me get away with Sept though I'm hoping to finish by July) while batting off seductive ideas that are coming at me full force from all directions, all incredibly seductive and tantalising...

It's a difficult yet wonderful state to be in, when everything you see/ hear/ read sparks off new ideas. Like I passed an accident on the road yesterday morning. Luckily there didn't seem to be anyone on the ground, just three women standing together and talking--not looking very happy. 

But what if there had been a dead body on the road and--

A: It's an act of God. We must all make the most of our time because we never know when someone's going to die. Let me just text my daughters to remind them I won't be around forever and they better come home for dinner.

B: Who's to blame for this? It must be somebody's fault! If there had been more/fewer traffic signs or a better road surface this wouldn't have happened. The government is useless! I'm going to call my MP now!

C: Okay the plan worked. Now I just need to get rid of these two idiots before they mess things up.

And yes, my protagonist is probably going to be C. Except I won't have time to write it for a long time yet!

We're still in the festival season here. The Christmas tree (green and 'snowy') at One Holland Village has transformed into a Chinese New Year tree (not quite there yet. The red and gold lights still have to go up)

Complete with cherry blossoms. Though the management seem to have left out Thaipusam, which was last week.

Thaispusam is marked by the ceremonial act of carrying a physical weight representing their spiritual burden. 

I remember going to watch the kavadi carriers when I was still in school (which was near the route). 

Traffic would be blocked off as the devotees walked from Serangoon Road to Tank Road, carrying the kavadis to offer thanks or atone for misdeeds. Often their bodies are pierced with sharp skewers in self-mortification--and in their devotion they don't feel the pain.

I didn't want to invade anyone's privacy by posting photos of the devotees, but it's a joyous procession, with chanting and drums, lots of flowers and peacock feathers and there is free food for the poor at the temples over the three days of the festival.

These are some images from the temples---

The spear they're holding is 'Vel', the invincible spear that Lord Murugan used to overcome demons overrunning the earth.

And yes, there's a story I want to write around that too--a YA where the sword Vel of Hindu mythology is confused with the Green Dragon Crescent Sword of Chinese mythology and the kids trying to restore them come to realise the two mythic weapons are one and the same.

It sounds fun, right? Someday, I will write this!

But life is good. And I Will finish the current project and not start anything else until I do!

I hope you're all well and full of joy in your reading and writing and in your lives too!

Birthday of the Rock (& starting my new mystery snail style)

 Ovidia--every other Tuesday

Yes, it's still Chinese New Year. The whole festival lasts 15 days and today (Jan 31st) is the 10th day or the Birthday of the Rock.

That probably came about because the Chinese words for '10' and 'stone' share the homonym 'shí'.

As kids we were told that if we could carry a small stone around all day without losing it, we would have a fruitful year (ie good results in our exams). I know some girls were given a piece of jade or a tiger eye stone on a chain to wear, but most of us just had a smooth pebble in our pocket.

The Rock's Birthday was also a day when the stone pestle and mortar (like this one below) couldn't be used in the kitchen,

and when snails shouldn't be crushed. Maybe because of the shape of their shells? We also had a few stone snails in my grandfather's garden.

I don't kill snails at all if I can help it, I'm very fond of snails. They're small, have pretty poor eyesight but are sensitive to their surroundings, and protect themselves from the outside world with hard (but fragile) shells. 

Which is kind of how I feel when I'm starting on a new book, like now.

It's a terrifying time with so many ideas and options and possibilities that I could go on forever trying to decide. But snail style, I just start where I am. 

My next book will be another history mystery, set here in Singapore after the Japanese Occupation.

But in what kind of surroundings? Snail style, my characters will need somewhere to eat--the kopitiam or sidewalk coffee shop (precursors of the one I lunched at today) were just appearing then--

 --and they haven't changed all that much!

It's nice to be around friendly people who aren't friends, who'll nod and say 'hello' but won't start a conversation so you can study them and decide which of them you want to add to your collection. 

Like people, snails are very sociable creatures. Patricia Highsmith (who wrote “Man has no more soul than a garden snail. The point is, the garden snail has a soul, too.”) is said to started collecting snails after seeing two of them being companionable in a pet shop window.

I imagine they were like a couple I saw at the kopitiam today, in office wear. The man looked in his forties and was focused on his curry rice and hardly said a word. The woman, who looked much younger, talked non-stop. She had a bowl of seafood noodles in front of her but hardly swallowed more than a few mouthfuls of soup. 

I wonder if the two are colleagues or relatives or some permutation of friends. And if I were to write them in, would I kill him off and point suspicion to her or vice versa? Or would the spectator (poor me in this case) be unceremoniously bumped off for seeing them together?

Here are a couple of snails being companionable. It's easier for snails. because their close encounters with other snails generally lead to either sex or cannibalism. But when it comes to people there's such a wealth of other options... though sex and cannibalism remain interesting options!

I want to look more into the habitat too. Nowadays food supplies are transported in from centralised distributors, but back in the post war days the coffee shop owners would wok-roast their own coffee beans with sugar and butter and sometimes sweet corn stalks and pineapple skins to the requisite dark brown colour and fragrance. 

A kopitiam's reputation was based as much on the strength of its kopi (coffee) and sweetness of its homemade kaya (coconut jam) as the rice and noodle dishes it might serve.

Which opens up possibilities of pointing out the last meal a victim ate contained kaya or kopi was Not prepared in the kopitiam (s)he was found dead in, or that the stone mortar used to bash someone's head in couldn't have been wielded by a superstitious person... unless he or she's the one now making panicky offerings to the Rock to atone...

I won't share any of the photos I took (without permission while pretending to be taking selfies) of all the people in the koptiam. I know the stories I make up about their lives and how/ why they chose what they're wearing/ eating/ carrying/ complaining about/ watching/ texting comes more from me than from them, but until I've settled on the general outline of my next book I'm 'auditioning' characters for major and minor roles and this is probably the second most exciting part of the writing process. 

And it's a lot more pleasant and less painful than the actual writing! 

But I'll leave you with one more snail picture:

I like this one because you can see the snail eyes on stalks that extend and turn to take in everything around it. 

Happy Rock Birthday, everyone! (And please tell me, would you read a book with snails in it? Or would you find them taboo as clues?)

 

What's Coming for Who with the Water Rabbit!

 Ovidia--every other Tuesday

Singapore's coming up to the first Chinese New Year since the lifting of Covid restrictions and everyone here's getting caught up in it--like it or not. 

We all know about staying up all night on the Eve of Chinese New Year (January 21st, 2023) and making sure that the first words you say to your loved ones in the new year are good ones... as we'd like them to be every day.

But specifically, we're approaching the Year of the Water Rabbit--which happens once every 60 years in the Chinese zodiac.

The Rabbit is the fourth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Known as skilful, patient and alert, it is a symbol of vigilance and cautiousness. Sometimes shy of revealing their true self, the rabbit is faithful to those around them.

And Water in Chinese astrology means life, longevity and peace. So there's a chance this may be an easier year than the last!

But that's in general--

Just for fun, I'm sharing a quick summary of all the fortunes put up outside the temples. Look up the year you were born in to see what the Year of the Water Rabbit might have in store for you!

Rabbit (those born in 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927)

This is your year! But there could be twists and turns this year for those born in the year of the rabbit because they're 'in competition' with the year's guardian deity. But they're also divinely protected by divine forces so it's a case of 'much might be expected of you' but if you measure up, potential rewards are great.

Put yourself in the way to receive luck by starting new ventures and exploring new relationships.

Tiger (those born in 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938)

Tigers will be over a challenging year as they enter the new zodiac cycle with plenty of gui ren or helpers.

But though it seems a 'lucky' year for wealth which might lead some to invest aggressively, it's also potentially a 'foolish' year, for those born under the Tiger sign, meaning it's easy to lose or overlook things, opportunities and people.

Remember to feel and express gratitude.

Ox (those born in 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937)

This will be a year of prospering for the Ox, so it's a time to work hard and make the most of it.

The rise in good fortune might come in love or finances, any projects you are are working on, or all these areas. 

However health might be an issue. Take care of your physical and mental health and consider making changes in your home or lifestyle--you need to have space to welcome new good into your life.

Rat (those born in 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936)

Rats are “destroyed” by the Tai Sui this year, which could mean relationship problems. But since this is a year of romance for Rats, it might also mean better things are coming and it's otherwise a strong year.

Focus on your on work and effort. Be aware some may be jealous and plot against you, but don't be shaken. 

The only thing that can stop you is compromising on your physical and mental health, so these should be a priority if you wish to reach your goals.

Pig (those born in 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935)

This will be a delightful and comfortable year for the Pig, good for networking and relationships. 

Though work and romantic relationships will be harmonious and you may get new opportunities, it will also be a year of hard work because of a lack of lucky stars. 

But any advances you make through your own efforts will stay yours and be worth it. 

Dog (those born in 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934)

the dog is in harmony with Tai Sui this year, so it will be a good, stable year for developing work and romantic relationships. It's also a good year for growing your wealth, but not so good year for travel and expanding.

It may be a good time to think about establishing your home base, work headquarters or starting a family.

Rooster (those born in 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933)

Roosters (like rabbits) are in conflict with the guardian deity this year and should take proactive steps to move towards your goals rather than waiting to be 'lucky'. 

It's a good year to work on your skills and further education, but be careful about aggressive investments. 

There will be hard work and any ‘short-cuts’ might just make things worse, but stay focused and you will thrive.

Monkey (those born in 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932)

This will be a better year for the Monkey than the last; calmer, kinder and more harmonious.

At the same time, it might be difficult for a mercurial monkey, but try to persevere in your course even if things seem too calm. Any stagnation is temporary and things will start moving later in the year.

Remember to prioritise your health and overall happiness and look for a routine that will sustain you and your health when things get more exciting.

Goat (those born in 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931)

Things will go well for the goat this coming year, with the possibilities of progress and wealth and potential partnerships and collaborations. 

But look for balance and harmony and try to be practical. With too many options and offers it can be too easy to descend into chaos.

If you encounter difficulty making choices, start by calming your mind and practice moderation to prioritise your mental harmony.

Horse (those born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930)

The Horse is also in conflict with the guardian deity this year, so try not to take risks, especially in financial matters. 

However, the horse has gui ren with supporting nurturing energy, and relationships and romance may turn out better than you expect. 

Or you may be the one supporting others with your nurturing energy, but don't neglect your own needs.

Snake (those born in 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929)

This will be a fairly balanced year, as the snake is neutral to the year's guardian deity. 

Many of you may receive recognition from superiors, bosses, and people in high positions. Career growth is in the cards for you, be more proactive, not fear any challenges that come their way, as there are many gui ren that will help them.  but it will come after having to prove yourselves over and over. Those who are single, may find themselves not being so for too long. Those who are in a relationship, however, be careful not to create conflict for the sake of drama and excitement.

Dragon (those born in 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928)

For the dragon, this year has the possibility of small investments leading to great gains. However it is more important to get on with necessary tasks than speculate.

Romance and relationships might be strained, don't let the possibility of something (someone?) better blind you to what you have and be careful not to act in anger. The effects of your words (like your wealth) may grow exponentially.