Go read this

Found via Bujold's blog, this lovely little story by Ursula Vernon.

How did she take something so ridiculous and make it heartbreaking?

I really hope this isn't a sign of things to come

Starting a new novel only to get stuck on the third freakin' paragraph is not my idea of a good time. ;-P

I am unstuck now, having worked out a blend between graceful writing and world-building info-dump. Something that could be construed as a scene has been produced. I am finding my thoughts focused more and more on this character and his world, which implies that the usual new-novel obsession should be forthcoming. And the next scene I have clear in my head is probably a week into the action, and needs a chapter or two of lead-in if it's not to be a pacing train-wreck.

C'mon, brain! Beginnings are supposed to be the fun part!