Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Lockdown '09: Day Two

I had really good intentions yesterday.

I started counting the cracks in the walls, got to four, then remembered I still needed to iron Ibis' work shirt. On my way out of the bedroom I glanced at the window with gecko poop but decided that, you know, it's been there for a long time, another day won't kill anyone. I did manage to edit two pages of my wip -- even added 100 words -- but I since I didn't get to it until the end of the day my brain wasn't functioning very well and I stopped. (Update: I've edited twelve pages this morning.)

I didn't visit more gossip sites than normal, but I did stray to YouTube to hear the latest Britain's Got Talent star. I took care of a few details with my web projects, taught my dad the difference between a web page and web tab (don't ask, I'm not sure what that is), and chatted with several friends (thanks everyone who checked in on me!).

I did work on my synopsis for a little while and now have a tighter hook than before. I realize that wasn't on my to-do list, but what are you gonna do? Do you want to hear it? I'm still working on it, but here's a draft:

Nineteen-year-old Mateo has never traveled beyond his southern Mexican town, but he's always believed that there's more to life than getting drunk and making babies. He leaves home with a kiss from his mother and his life savings in his pocket, determined not to trust anyone, but after his first attempt at crossing the US border lands him in a holding cell, he's forced to turn a coyote – a man who sneaks people past the patrols for a price. As Mateo treks through the fringes of the Sonoran desert, he must trust another migrant, and risk the future he's always dreamed of, if he wants to get to the other side alive.


All my web projects need attention today so I'll have to save my blog reading for the afternoon. Here in Zihua we're betting that the immigration person will show up sometime this afternoon, so I'll keep you posted!

24 comments:

erica m. chapman said...

Very intruiging synopsis! Great job on your WIP too :)I wish I had time during the day to work on my WIP, ugh I loathe my day job. Oh well... Hope the immigration person shows up soon for ya :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Busy, busy!

I lurve the new synopsis.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks EMC! I am fortunate that I have so much time to myself. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Janna, you ain't kidding!

Spy Scribbler said...

Oh cool! Good luck! I'm crazy about this story.

WendyCinNYC said...

The synopsis looks great. Small typo: ..forced to turn TO a coyote. I presume.

JLC said...

I love reading synopsises'es. I always read it with that 'movie trailer voice'.

Your book seems very cool! Have you heard about that independent film coming out about people in Mexico riding freight trains and the dangers of the gangs that control them? (I'll see if I can look it up. I heard it on NPR.)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Spy. It's really changed SO much since you read it.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Ooh Wendy, thanks! You know exactly how it feels to stare at something till your eyes cross and still not see the smallest things. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

LOL, Turkey. I should try reading it like that.

"in a world where..."Yes, let me know about that documentary. When I hear about things like that, my first instinct is always a sinking gut, but I need to remember it's just making my topic that much more appealing. I hope.

JLC said...

Found it...
http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/movie-reviews/film-captures-the-joy-and-terror-of-immigrants-trip-north-through-mexico.html

It is called 'Sin Nombre'

I don't think you should have a sinking gut. Your story isn't the same, and anything similar that has reached the public can be an extra resource.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Ooh, thanks!

I try to keep that perspective. I guess when I first got this idea I hadn't heard of any other books like it, so now anytime I hear ANYTHING even remotely similar I get all panicky.

Penguin said...

The story is really getting me interested. You will have to get it published so I can read it.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I'll get right on that for ya. ;)

Nadine said...

Great synopsis!

My fingers are crossed that the immigration person comes today!!

Spy Scribbler said...

You're killing me, Melanie!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, ME too! Ibis has three days off this week and just today it seemed to dawn on him that I CAN'T LEAVE. That also means I'm getting even less done than I need to, although I think he did wash the lunch dishes. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spy, what?

;)

Robin said...

Love the synopsis! Those immigration people make the Comcast guy look like Saint Thomas.

You're way nicer than me. I'd be ranting, raving, and going completely psycho. The "F" word would be flying popcorn in an air popper.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Robin, I have so much to do that it really hasn't made much difference that I couldn't leave. I'm just more worried that they aren't ever going to come, but will say they did...

Anonymous said...

The synopsis sounds great, Melanie. :)

colbymarshall said...

So have you heard the cospriacy theories about the B. Got Talent contestant? You'll have to give me your thoughts...

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Gypsy. I worked on the next three paragraphs yesterday -- it's coming together.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Colby, I've just heard that there ARE conspiracy theories, not necessarily the specifics. Do tell. :)