bluflamingo | Fucking rat (hopefully not literally)

Crossposts: http://bluflamingo.livejournal.com/166871.html

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Fucking rat (hopefully not literally)

Like it's not enough that my favourite sandals fell apart, and I couldn't find my blue flip flops anywhere in my flat: when I finally find my red ones instead, it turns out that the rat that's taken up residence in my walls has been chewing on them.

It has to go.

I just don't know how to make it so - it's too clever for traps, and there's no way I'm going to be able to catch it. The rat catcher suggested poison, but, um, it's living in the wall. It'll crawl back in there and die, and my flat is 25 degrees in the summer. I do not think so.

Anyone have any brilliant ideas? The rat catcher did find the hole it's getting in through (I live on the second floor, hence, it lives in the walls) and my landlord would probably come and block it up, but since we think the rat made the hole itself, that kind of seems like it might be the start of a very long pattern of fill hole-no rat-new hole-rat-fill hole.

Also, I'm really starting to hate my John/Keller friendship fic (not because I don't like the story, but because writing it is like pulling freaking teeth). Nevertheless, I will not be defeated. (Not least because, when i finish the cursed thing, I'm going to write the damn What Happens Next sequel and not keep leaving it languishing in an actual paper notebook. That's just sad).

And to end on a cheerful note: sign-ups are still open for the second annual

cm_tropefic (also on dw with the same name, but sign-ups are lj based). It's never too late to sign up to write wing fic (yes, I intend to keep banging that drum until someone does!)

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A well baited, well positioned live trap is surprisingly effective and humane. Then you just have to worry about finding some place to release them that's far away from you and not too close to other homes. They really do work--I bet there's Googleable info about using them out there.

Why do you think this story is being so difficult? Do you not love it? Is there nothing about it that's inspiring you? Do you need to brainstorm for moments of inspiring coolness? Interesting character insights? What inspired you to write it in the first place? If it's not doing anything for you, does it still need to be written (or written right now?)

Mmmm, Camfic. With wings, yet! Are you writing some?

Then you just have to worry about finding some place to release them that's far away from you and not too close to other homes

That, I could probably manage. I have to say that the thought of having to deal with a dead rat definitely doesn't thrill me, so thank you!

Why do you think this story is being so difficult? Do you not love it?

Something like that. It's not right, somehow, but I can't put my finger on why it's not. I think the solution might be to leave it and write something else - maybe I'll get the inspiration back again for it later.

Mmmm, Camfic. With wings, yet! Are you writing some?

Nope-depressing telepathy fic instead :) actually, I don't think I've ever read Can with wings fic - lots for Sheppard, but none for Cam. Odd.

I Googled, and there's even info about homemade versions of live traps out there--handy for those who don't want to spend money on something that will only be used once (hopefully.) I used a mouse-sized version, years ago. And then I'd release them with a piece of bread. (My husband was bemused; "You're packing them a lunch?")

Why do you want to write the unloved story--because something about it makes you happy, or because you feel you should? If it's a story you don't really want to tell just because you want to tell it, then it might not need to be told. Who is going to love it more than you, after all?

Now you have me thinking about Cam with wings. I like thinking about that. :)

My husband was bemused; "You're packing them a lunch?"

So far, my rat has had half a pack of biscuits and a pair of flip flops - I'd gladly pack it lunch if that's what it took!

Why do you want to write the unloved story--because something about it makes you happy, or because you feel you should?

I love the idea of it, it's just the execution that isn't working for me, I think, but I'm not sure exactly why not. Either that or I don't want to write what I think I want to. I don't know.

Now you have me thinking about Cam with wings. I like thinking about that. :)

I like that you're thinking about it :)

Try writing it badly, first? *g* Write it florid, write it emo, write it OOC, write it improbable, write it in a way that you think people wouldn't like--just go nuts and put anything down that feels good (even in a bad way) to you, and then look it over and see what it was about what you did that works for you. Take the brakes off and see what comes out when you're not self-censoring?

I think I'm writing it badly already :) Or at least there's certainly a little voice in my head telling me I am.

I don't know. I think the best solution is stick it on the mental pinboard and let it fester away until my brain figures out what's wrong with it, minus input from me!

That works, too. Also showers. You could take the world's longest shower, and maybe it would come to you. *g*

This is why my next place has to have a bath!

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