After much angst, hand-wringing and lip-chewing, Huntress: Unbreakable is up at Scribd. Now I'm off to relax - read a book or two - and then prepare for the word storm that is...
NANOWRIMO.
I'm still note-taking, not plotting; bullet points, not outlining.
I'm just sayin'...
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Girl Who Played With Fire
I took myself off to see The Girl Who Played With Fire this morning. Yeah, a foreign filum.
Interestingly, a number of critics have said the first film was better; I disagree. I've read the books, and the first, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was slow and in need of a good editor. The second was action all the way - and so is the film.
I think the problem was that protagonists, Lisabeth Salander and Mikael Blomqvist, don't get together until almost the last scene.
In this second instalment of the Millenium Trilogy, Mikael investigates the deaths of two of his new colleagues who are about to go public with a sex trafficking story that involves highly place people, and Lisabeth tries to clear her name of the murders. The trail leads both to the mysterious Zala, albeit via separate paths.
I only had one problem with the film and that was whomever did the subtitles, missed a few - one critical to the story.
It's not for the faint of heart, either, so if you're squeamish about violence or a gay sex scene, this isn't the movie for you.
I'll be watching the final instalment, though; the makers have done an excellent job on sticking with the book (which made it easier to follow, in spite of the lost subtitles).
Interestingly, a number of critics have said the first film was better; I disagree. I've read the books, and the first, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was slow and in need of a good editor. The second was action all the way - and so is the film.
I think the problem was that protagonists, Lisabeth Salander and Mikael Blomqvist, don't get together until almost the last scene.
In this second instalment of the Millenium Trilogy, Mikael investigates the deaths of two of his new colleagues who are about to go public with a sex trafficking story that involves highly place people, and Lisabeth tries to clear her name of the murders. The trail leads both to the mysterious Zala, albeit via separate paths.
I only had one problem with the film and that was whomever did the subtitles, missed a few - one critical to the story.
It's not for the faint of heart, either, so if you're squeamish about violence or a gay sex scene, this isn't the movie for you.
I'll be watching the final instalment, though; the makers have done an excellent job on sticking with the book (which made it easier to follow, in spite of the lost subtitles).
Monday, October 18, 2010
Progress
Finally. The computer edits are in. All I need do now is create a cover and do a final read through. Then it will be posted.
The pre-note taking is progressing on the the first Nano novel... they're currently scattered about the house, depending on what I'm doing at the time inspiration strikes. I'll have to collect them, orga...n...ise... I'm beginning to sound like a plotter.
Fortunately, the notes are of different sections of the book, candy scenes. I get to connect them during the maniacal writing sessions.
Next up, the database. This contains the word count for each day, a rolling total, page counts, averages, current word count to target word count - and, occasionally, the word counts of challengers. Why? Probably because I need to get away from the lateral thinking to the logical.
During Nano, I will sometimes bang into a plot hole. Thinking about how to get out of it immediately may not work, but changing focus to something entirely different can allow the subconscious get on with working out the problem while the conscious mind is focused on another task. If that doesn't work, a long walk is needed.
So, once I've posted Huntress: Unbreakable and set up the database, I'm free to continue note-making and indulge in a few books or DVDs. I didn't actually plan on having a week off, but I'm sure I'll think of something to do while waiting for November 1.
The pre-note taking is progressing on the the first Nano novel... they're currently scattered about the house, depending on what I'm doing at the time inspiration strikes. I'll have to collect them, orga...n...ise... I'm beginning to sound like a plotter.
Fortunately, the notes are of different sections of the book, candy scenes. I get to connect them during the maniacal writing sessions.
Next up, the database. This contains the word count for each day, a rolling total, page counts, averages, current word count to target word count - and, occasionally, the word counts of challengers. Why? Probably because I need to get away from the lateral thinking to the logical.
During Nano, I will sometimes bang into a plot hole. Thinking about how to get out of it immediately may not work, but changing focus to something entirely different can allow the subconscious get on with working out the problem while the conscious mind is focused on another task. If that doesn't work, a long walk is needed.
So, once I've posted Huntress: Unbreakable and set up the database, I'm free to continue note-making and indulge in a few books or DVDs. I didn't actually plan on having a week off, but I'm sure I'll think of something to do while waiting for November 1.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Got Cake?
Aaannddd... just in case you missed it, Hyperbole and a Half blog presents the evilness and ingenuity of a child in: The God of Cake.
Jeez, my parents would have tanned my hide! But then, I was brunged up propa...
Jeez, my parents would have tanned my hide! But then, I was brunged up propa...
Wake up call
Rainbow Lorikeets, it should be noted, love chattering to each other in loud voices, like kids in a school yard. My neighbour puts out native bird seed for their breakfast and dinner. The air is then filled with the noise of feasting Lorikeets, all trying to shout down the next bird... for a couple of hours.
And at six a.m., I'd like to take a shotgun to them. I'm so not at my best when brought out of a deep sleep by screeching...
However, the early mornings aren't wasted. (I'm the kind of person who, once awakened, is awake - no dozing here.) It's two weeks to Nanowrimo and already I have the first scene of the first book I'll be writing. My subconscious is slipping into Nano-fever and producing stuff at unspeakable hours of the morning. So it doesn't fade away, I've resorted to... gasp, squeak... writing notes.
Yeah, an organic writer making notes. Fortunately, there's no right or wrong way to write and the notes will help. I'm still putting in the edits and don't want to be distracted by what's next.
To that end, I need to get back to the mind games.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Shite and Briney
Six a.m. The rain and too much thinking has conspired to awaken me and keep me awake. I am not soothed by rain on a tin roof, it's loud and obnoxious. La Nina is in full swing, heading to rage.
With Nano coming up in a couple of weeks, I've got a bad case of hmmm-I-must-write-that-down-itis. A syndrome which has no compassion for the time. A lot of writers get it I believe and the only cure is to write the book - or take drugs.
So, I'm at my desk, beavering away (yes, I know I'm on the 'net, but I have the manuscript open and ready to put in the edits). A hundred pages to go and I'm coming up to an emotionally difficult part of the book. It's made me a cranky-pants around the house, because it's a part of the book that must be there. Sigh.
The day is brightening from dark to gloomy and it's chilly, almost back to Winter, except for the dampness. Time for a latte! And words, plenty of words.
With Nano coming up in a couple of weeks, I've got a bad case of hmmm-I-must-write-that-down-itis. A syndrome which has no compassion for the time. A lot of writers get it I believe and the only cure is to write the book - or take drugs.
So, I'm at my desk, beavering away (yes, I know I'm on the 'net, but I have the manuscript open and ready to put in the edits). A hundred pages to go and I'm coming up to an emotionally difficult part of the book. It's made me a cranky-pants around the house, because it's a part of the book that must be there. Sigh.
The day is brightening from dark to gloomy and it's chilly, almost back to Winter, except for the dampness. Time for a latte! And words, plenty of words.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Bargain hunting
According to Publisher's Weekly, e-book sales jumped 172% for the month of August and are up nearly 193% for the year. I'd say it's a growing market, wouldn't you?
Maybe the Little Aussie Battler has something to do with it. With the Australian dollar nearly reaching parity with the American dollar, buying books from overseas is suddenly a hunt for the best bargains.
Gotta feel sorry for the tourists in Oz, though. A paperback here costs between $15 and $19 - and I've yet to hear a reasonable argument for it. The old excuse of 'we import them from the US/UK' doesn't work now, and hasn't for some months. Booksellers who boosted their prices during a currency crisis a few years ago, failed to drop their prices when the dollar recovered lost ground and then some.
I don't want to send my money overseas, but t's cheaper for me to buy from someone like Amazon and import it myself, than buy from a local store. And I have more books on the way. Hah!
And gee, Christmas is coming up.
Maybe the Little Aussie Battler has something to do with it. With the Australian dollar nearly reaching parity with the American dollar, buying books from overseas is suddenly a hunt for the best bargains.
Gotta feel sorry for the tourists in Oz, though. A paperback here costs between $15 and $19 - and I've yet to hear a reasonable argument for it. The old excuse of 'we import them from the US/UK' doesn't work now, and hasn't for some months. Booksellers who boosted their prices during a currency crisis a few years ago, failed to drop their prices when the dollar recovered lost ground and then some.
I don't want to send my money overseas, but t's cheaper for me to buy from someone like Amazon and import it myself, than buy from a local store. And I have more books on the way. Hah!
And gee, Christmas is coming up.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Mockingjay
The Hunger Games Trilogy requires a lot of post-reading thought to decide whether you love it or hate it, or even whether it’s an appropriate young adult series or not. I can’t say that about most books I’ve read and I like thought-provoking books. These books are dark, heart-wrenching and brilliant – but I speak from an adult’s perspective, not a young adult.
In Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen plays and wins – at costs known and unknown to her as she becomes the face of rebellion. In Catching Fire, she plays again, but ‘winning’ comes at a different cost, a greater one, when Peeta, her companion in the first Game, is captured by the evil Capitol. And in Mockingjay Katniss is consumed by the machinations of others and her own guilt (whether deserved or not).
This last book has been criticised for its lack of character development, for its disappointing epilogue, for being depressive, for a whole host of reasons. But for me, it was all appropriate. The horror of brutal oppression and war is bad enough for adults, for professional soldiers, but for a teenager? It’s even more tragic. And in this totalitarian world, the terrorizing and torture of the districts is heinous. It is worse for the teenagers who must accept that they will have to kill or be killed and accept the consequences of their actions for the rest of their lives. For Katniss it goes deeper as she is the face of the rebellion, a pawn in the machinations of others, a tool in the pursuit of power.
And Katniss is near destroyed by it all. She is not permitted to enjoy her revenge on those who used and abused her. Worse, she is punished for it, although if she’d spoken up, maybe things would have ended differently.
Katniss is cunning, petulant, impulsive, selfish, obstreperous, frustrating, indecisive and narrow-minded; but she will sacrifice everything for those she loves, she will protect strangers, beguile the enemy and gather allies to the cause. In short, she’s a teenager. She knows she’s not heroic, but she’s portrayed that way and she cannot escape what others are determined she do. Only once does she feel the power she has over others and even as she understands it, it’s taken away and guilt takes its place.
This is not a perfect book. There are events I found unnecessary to story or character development, one event in particular that served no purpose, even as I understood the reasoning behind it. Without that scene, Katniss had a shot at, if not happiness, then contentment as they rebuilt their lives. The issue of presidents Snow and Coin also raises questions. We know Snow is evil, but again, without a particular scene, it didn’t matter to Katniss whether Coin would make a better president, but Coin takes that extra, unnecessary step and Katniss and her family pay for it.
These books are filled with metaphors and themes from life and they refuse to shy away from the issues of PTSD, of heroes dying needlessly, of villains escaping true justice, of actions and consequences, and what happens to combat soldiers when the war is over.
The trilogy may be a young adult book, but it deals with very adult concepts and there is no escaping the underlying themes. It is no wonder that this is one of the most talked about books of the year.
In Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen plays and wins – at costs known and unknown to her as she becomes the face of rebellion. In Catching Fire, she plays again, but ‘winning’ comes at a different cost, a greater one, when Peeta, her companion in the first Game, is captured by the evil Capitol. And in Mockingjay Katniss is consumed by the machinations of others and her own guilt (whether deserved or not).
This last book has been criticised for its lack of character development, for its disappointing epilogue, for being depressive, for a whole host of reasons. But for me, it was all appropriate. The horror of brutal oppression and war is bad enough for adults, for professional soldiers, but for a teenager? It’s even more tragic. And in this totalitarian world, the terrorizing and torture of the districts is heinous. It is worse for the teenagers who must accept that they will have to kill or be killed and accept the consequences of their actions for the rest of their lives. For Katniss it goes deeper as she is the face of the rebellion, a pawn in the machinations of others, a tool in the pursuit of power.
And Katniss is near destroyed by it all. She is not permitted to enjoy her revenge on those who used and abused her. Worse, she is punished for it, although if she’d spoken up, maybe things would have ended differently.
Katniss is cunning, petulant, impulsive, selfish, obstreperous, frustrating, indecisive and narrow-minded; but she will sacrifice everything for those she loves, she will protect strangers, beguile the enemy and gather allies to the cause. In short, she’s a teenager. She knows she’s not heroic, but she’s portrayed that way and she cannot escape what others are determined she do. Only once does she feel the power she has over others and even as she understands it, it’s taken away and guilt takes its place.
This is not a perfect book. There are events I found unnecessary to story or character development, one event in particular that served no purpose, even as I understood the reasoning behind it. Without that scene, Katniss had a shot at, if not happiness, then contentment as they rebuilt their lives. The issue of presidents Snow and Coin also raises questions. We know Snow is evil, but again, without a particular scene, it didn’t matter to Katniss whether Coin would make a better president, but Coin takes that extra, unnecessary step and Katniss and her family pay for it.
These books are filled with metaphors and themes from life and they refuse to shy away from the issues of PTSD, of heroes dying needlessly, of villains escaping true justice, of actions and consequences, and what happens to combat soldiers when the war is over.
The trilogy may be a young adult book, but it deals with very adult concepts and there is no escaping the underlying themes. It is no wonder that this is one of the most talked about books of the year.
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
In a dystopian future where the Capitol rules, the twelve impoverished districts are required to send two teenage tributes to the Hunger Games - a fight to the death in an arena of the Gamemaster's making to entertain those living in the Capitol.
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have thwarted the Gamesmaster and won the Hunger Games, much to the displeasure of President Snow. Katniss has found herself as the figurehead of brewing rebellion and Snow wants her to quell the subversion. Katniss, however, inadvertently becomes the touchstone of revolution, sparking more violence.
As punishment, two victor tributes from each district must compete again in the arena as part of the Quarter Quell, the 75th anniversary of the Capitol's triumph over the districts.
Katniss and Peeta survived the Games once against those of a similar age; can they survive against those with more experience and maturity?
Suzanne Collins has done a brilliant job with this trilogy. Katniss and Peeta are written well, with all the impulsiveness, emotional confusion, courage and self-doubt of teenagers. Mistakes are made, consequences are dire, but in this brutal future, hope remains.
Like any teenager on the cusp of adulthood, Katniss gets bent out of shape when she's not told of the plans older, supposedly wiser people have for her. She's justifiably furious in parts, petulant and spiteful in others.
The new arena is a wonderful, frightening construct, designed to kill, maim or send the tributes insane. To Katniss and Peeta, the other tributes are crazy and Katniss learns what true sacrifice is. She is the face of the rebellion, the favourite of the Capitol viewing audience, the enemy of President Snow because of one act of defiance.
She is the Mockingjay and she will learn what that truly means.
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have thwarted the Gamesmaster and won the Hunger Games, much to the displeasure of President Snow. Katniss has found herself as the figurehead of brewing rebellion and Snow wants her to quell the subversion. Katniss, however, inadvertently becomes the touchstone of revolution, sparking more violence.
As punishment, two victor tributes from each district must compete again in the arena as part of the Quarter Quell, the 75th anniversary of the Capitol's triumph over the districts.
Katniss and Peeta survived the Games once against those of a similar age; can they survive against those with more experience and maturity?
Suzanne Collins has done a brilliant job with this trilogy. Katniss and Peeta are written well, with all the impulsiveness, emotional confusion, courage and self-doubt of teenagers. Mistakes are made, consequences are dire, but in this brutal future, hope remains.
Like any teenager on the cusp of adulthood, Katniss gets bent out of shape when she's not told of the plans older, supposedly wiser people have for her. She's justifiably furious in parts, petulant and spiteful in others.
The new arena is a wonderful, frightening construct, designed to kill, maim or send the tributes insane. To Katniss and Peeta, the other tributes are crazy and Katniss learns what true sacrifice is. She is the face of the rebellion, the favourite of the Capitol viewing audience, the enemy of President Snow because of one act of defiance.
She is the Mockingjay and she will learn what that truly means.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Tomorrow, when the war began
I took the teens to see Tomorrow, When The War Began. It’s based on the best selling series by Australian author, John Marsden.
The story revolves around a group of teenagers who go camping in North Queensland for a weekend. When they return home, they find everyone incarcerated at the local showground and that the 'Asian Coalition' has invaded Australia.
This isn't a Disney-esque series or film, it's real, sometimes violent and heart-breaking. There is nothing patronising about the situation or the way the characters react, especially when it comes to moral dilemmas. A lot serious, a lot Australian, it has moments of humour. The film suffers from a bit of newbie acting in parts, but overall it is a brilliant local production, one I hope does well in the overseas market.
Each of the characters will appeal to the teenage crowd - adults don't appear much in this. When they do, the tension ratchets up until you're leaning forward in your seat, wondering what the teens are going to do against armed soldiers.
Tomorrow, When The War Began got the big thumbs up from the kids and me. It's an excellent movie.
The story revolves around a group of teenagers who go camping in North Queensland for a weekend. When they return home, they find everyone incarcerated at the local showground and that the 'Asian Coalition' has invaded Australia.
This isn't a Disney-esque series or film, it's real, sometimes violent and heart-breaking. There is nothing patronising about the situation or the way the characters react, especially when it comes to moral dilemmas. A lot serious, a lot Australian, it has moments of humour. The film suffers from a bit of newbie acting in parts, but overall it is a brilliant local production, one I hope does well in the overseas market.
Each of the characters will appeal to the teenage crowd - adults don't appear much in this. When they do, the tension ratchets up until you're leaning forward in your seat, wondering what the teens are going to do against armed soldiers.
Tomorrow, When The War Began got the big thumbs up from the kids and me. It's an excellent movie.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Teens in the crib
I've got teenagers in the house - I'm borrowing them so the beach doesn't feel so neglected while I'm editing. Actually, I buggered my knee and walking for any distance is a challenge (but the teenagers make a good excuse).
But I'm still editing. It's taking time because I keep getting distracted. You know, by the teens, by the teev, I mean... by the TBR pile and so many other things that conspire against me. (Teen one needed help on 'creative analysis of a metaphysical poem'.) Colour me bug-eyed. We didn't do metaphysics when I went to school. There's also the Cold War essay. But then, my niece is exceptionally clever and loves homework - teen two, not so much.
I think I'll be done by the end of next week. I had a scathingly brilliant idea for the cover - but I think I've forgotten what it was. Maybe I made a note somewhere...
Back to work. I'm taking the aforementioned kiddos to the movies later this afternoon - teen one I think loves homework a little too much and needs time away from it all.
But I'm still editing. It's taking time because I keep getting distracted. You know, by the teens, by the teev, I mean... by the TBR pile and so many other things that conspire against me. (Teen one needed help on 'creative analysis of a metaphysical poem'.) Colour me bug-eyed. We didn't do metaphysics when I went to school. There's also the Cold War essay. But then, my niece is exceptionally clever and loves homework - teen two, not so much.
I think I'll be done by the end of next week. I had a scathingly brilliant idea for the cover - but I think I've forgotten what it was. Maybe I made a note somewhere...
Back to work. I'm taking the aforementioned kiddos to the movies later this afternoon - teen one I think loves homework a little too much and needs time away from it all.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Time shift
Sure, doesn't everyone enjoy getting up an hour earlier?
It's that time of the year when the winter season ends and summer-time begins: Daylight Savings (which is really weird, because we get the same amount of sunshine, so where's the saving?)
I remember as a kid DST lasted for three months. Then some bright spark shifted it four and following our Olympics it's now six months.
I'm still getting used to getting up, bleary eyed, and noting the time is an hour later than I'd like - then there's the staring at the ceiling when I go to bed because I'm there and hour earlier.
Sigh. This, too, shall pass...
It's that time of the year when the winter season ends and summer-time begins: Daylight Savings (which is really weird, because we get the same amount of sunshine, so where's the saving?)
I remember as a kid DST lasted for three months. Then some bright spark shifted it four and following our Olympics it's now six months.
I'm still getting used to getting up, bleary eyed, and noting the time is an hour later than I'd like - then there's the staring at the ceiling when I go to bed because I'm there and hour earlier.
Sigh. This, too, shall pass...
Friday, October 01, 2010
Death of a Great
Bernard Schwartz has died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 85.
I remember him with fondness - he was an actor I crushed on, many, many people crushed on him.
Who is Bernard? Trivial Pursuit players know, but his stage name is Tony Curtis.
I loved his movies. Suppose They Gave A War and Nobody Came?, The Persuaders with Roger Moore, Some Like It Hot weirded me out a little, Taras Bulba, The Great Race, The Defiant Ones... so many great films.
The black hair and mischievous eyes, buff bod (when he was younger).
His daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, says it perfectly:
"My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages. He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world. He will be greatly missed."
I know I'll watch re-runs of his movies on the teev.
I remember him with fondness - he was an actor I crushed on, many, many people crushed on him.
Who is Bernard? Trivial Pursuit players know, but his stage name is Tony Curtis.
I loved his movies. Suppose They Gave A War and Nobody Came?, The Persuaders with Roger Moore, Some Like It Hot weirded me out a little, Taras Bulba, The Great Race, The Defiant Ones... so many great films.
The black hair and mischievous eyes, buff bod (when he was younger).
His daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, says it perfectly:
"My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages. He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world. He will be greatly missed."
I know I'll watch re-runs of his movies on the teev.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Kudos and Krims
Okay, colour me impressed.
With the Aussie Dollar nearing parity with the American Dollar, I thought I'd order some books from Amazon - coz, you know, books are way cheaper over there than here. (I refuse to pay $AUS46 here for an imported hardback.)
I decided to order Warriors edited by George R. R. Martin and has stories in by David Weber (squee!), Carrie Vaughn, Diana Gabaldon, Naomi Novik, David Morell, S.M. Stirling, Robin Hobb, the list goes on... and Tanya Huff's The Truth of Valor.
Amazon e-mailed me to say I could expected the books...mmm, sometime in November (sea mail). They would be my reward for finishing Nano.
Except... Warriors turned up today - two weeks after I ordered it. WOOT!! And I live in the country, so it would have taken a couple of days to get here from the nearest major city, Sydney.
The book and postage and handling cost me less than $AUS30.
* * *
Not so impressive, is the phone call I received today regarding viruses on my computer. The heavily-accented Indian woman told me to turn on my computer so they could search for the aforementioned malicious virus. What? I figured the next demand would be for me to turn off the firewall.
When I asked how she knew my computer had a virus, she said an international research group had been compiling information from my area, but would not tell me how she got my phone number, referring to the international group again.
On what planet does anyone think letting an unknown group into a personal computer is a good thing? And why would they think I'd blithely give them access? Security for my computer is my responsibility. I have a firewall, I have anti-virus software. If I want it sorted, I'll contact a local computer expert, not some amorphous overseas group.
I wonder if this is a new scam to invade personal computers for the purpose of identity theft, account details and passwords. It's certainly more brazen than the Nigerians.
I declined her invitation - next time, should they call again, I won't be so polite.
And I'm getting more than a little pissed off at people cold-calling me. I'm on a 'do not call' register, damn it!
With the Aussie Dollar nearing parity with the American Dollar, I thought I'd order some books from Amazon - coz, you know, books are way cheaper over there than here. (I refuse to pay $AUS46 here for an imported hardback.)
I decided to order Warriors edited by George R. R. Martin and has stories in by David Weber (squee!), Carrie Vaughn, Diana Gabaldon, Naomi Novik, David Morell, S.M. Stirling, Robin Hobb, the list goes on... and Tanya Huff's The Truth of Valor.
Amazon e-mailed me to say I could expected the books...mmm, sometime in November (sea mail). They would be my reward for finishing Nano.
Except... Warriors turned up today - two weeks after I ordered it. WOOT!! And I live in the country, so it would have taken a couple of days to get here from the nearest major city, Sydney.
The book and postage and handling cost me less than $AUS30.
* * *
Not so impressive, is the phone call I received today regarding viruses on my computer. The heavily-accented Indian woman told me to turn on my computer so they could search for the aforementioned malicious virus. What? I figured the next demand would be for me to turn off the firewall.
When I asked how she knew my computer had a virus, she said an international research group had been compiling information from my area, but would not tell me how she got my phone number, referring to the international group again.
On what planet does anyone think letting an unknown group into a personal computer is a good thing? And why would they think I'd blithely give them access? Security for my computer is my responsibility. I have a firewall, I have anti-virus software. If I want it sorted, I'll contact a local computer expert, not some amorphous overseas group.
I wonder if this is a new scam to invade personal computers for the purpose of identity theft, account details and passwords. It's certainly more brazen than the Nigerians.
I declined her invitation - next time, should they call again, I won't be so polite.
And I'm getting more than a little pissed off at people cold-calling me. I'm on a 'do not call' register, damn it!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Planning stage
Winter is having one last hurrah before the weekend. Then it has to stop and wait for next year.
Daylight Savings Time begins on Saturday, or early Sunday morning, whichever you prefer. A lost hour somewhere in the night, temporarily taken and returned in six months. I think there might be a story in that...
And since it's been chilly today, it was nice to be warm inside, working away at the edits. Only another fifteen thousand words to find and Huntress: Unbreakable will be done; then I can prepare for Nano season.
I'm thinking another Huntress or two to wrap it up. I'm not eager to see it go on and on. I haven't thought of an ending yet, but it will come to me. Eventually. I hope. At the moment, I can see a sort of solution, but can't quiet see how it will work.
I have time yet to jot down a few notes.
Daylight Savings Time begins on Saturday, or early Sunday morning, whichever you prefer. A lost hour somewhere in the night, temporarily taken and returned in six months. I think there might be a story in that...
And since it's been chilly today, it was nice to be warm inside, working away at the edits. Only another fifteen thousand words to find and Huntress: Unbreakable will be done; then I can prepare for Nano season.
I'm thinking another Huntress or two to wrap it up. I'm not eager to see it go on and on. I haven't thought of an ending yet, but it will come to me. Eventually. I hope. At the moment, I can see a sort of solution, but can't quiet see how it will work.
I have time yet to jot down a few notes.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Patience
It's been slow going today on the edits.
I know writers are supposed to be able to work through anything, but waiting for the plumber simply broke my concentration. Every time I focused, I thought I heard them pull up. What is it about expecting people that interferes? I had one eye on the work and the other on the door; one ear listening to the dialogue, the other on the traffic outside.
Of course, if I slipped up the street, that would have been when they arrived; even going to the bathroom was fraught with... um, the expectation of a knock on the door? Yeah, TMI. Forget I said that.
It never does any good to ask what time they'll arrive, either - I don't think tradesmen work that way, although some do. "Will you be home all day." Seems the stock question. And since the tap's been leaking for a while, the only answer I could give was 'yes'.
And now they've done the job and gone - the wallet much lighter - I can concentrate again.
Waiting for tradesmen is one of life's little trials.
So, while I'm doing the edits, story lines for Nano keep popping up. I expect it to get worse as November draws near. Which means I need to get back to it and indulge in a little overtime.
I know writers are supposed to be able to work through anything, but waiting for the plumber simply broke my concentration. Every time I focused, I thought I heard them pull up. What is it about expecting people that interferes? I had one eye on the work and the other on the door; one ear listening to the dialogue, the other on the traffic outside.
Of course, if I slipped up the street, that would have been when they arrived; even going to the bathroom was fraught with... um, the expectation of a knock on the door? Yeah, TMI. Forget I said that.
It never does any good to ask what time they'll arrive, either - I don't think tradesmen work that way, although some do. "Will you be home all day." Seems the stock question. And since the tap's been leaking for a while, the only answer I could give was 'yes'.
And now they've done the job and gone - the wallet much lighter - I can concentrate again.
Waiting for tradesmen is one of life's little trials.
So, while I'm doing the edits, story lines for Nano keep popping up. I expect it to get worse as November draws near. Which means I need to get back to it and indulge in a little overtime.
Bee sluts
Ah, Spring; when a young writer's fancy turns to anything, but sitting down and doing the damn work!
The sun is shining, the weather is mild and flowers are busting out to attract the first bee that looks sideways at them.
Bee-sluts, every one of 'em. And you can see why:
The bush rose, growing tall and gathering in bunches so the bees can look up their stems, and then check out the innocent, butter-yellow petals.
The white camellia, all pretty and virginal, luring in the bad-boy bee with the promise of seductive perfection.
The pink camellia, new, fresh and oh, so feminine in its coy, just opening to the world. Probably as bad as the white camellia.
All in the garden, all wanting carnal relations with the bees. See? Bee-sluts, desperate for a bee to walk all over them, to be covered in... pollen, then go back and brag to their fellow bees.
Yeah, I can imagine it: graffiti scrawled on the side of the hive, 'for a good time, check out the white camellia', or 'free nectar over at the bush rose!' 'the McCartney Rose wants you!'. And down at the bottom, where the 'in' crowd avoid, another sign: 'Coming soon: veggie patch delights'.
And before you know it, the cycle begins. Again.
Yep, Mother Nature is hosting a season-long party, and not a regency prude amongst them.
The sun is shining, the weather is mild and flowers are busting out to attract the first bee that looks sideways at them.
Bee-sluts, every one of 'em. And you can see why:
The bush rose, growing tall and gathering in bunches so the bees can look up their stems, and then check out the innocent, butter-yellow petals.
The white camellia, all pretty and virginal, luring in the bad-boy bee with the promise of seductive perfection.
The pink camellia, new, fresh and oh, so feminine in its coy, just opening to the world. Probably as bad as the white camellia.All in the garden, all wanting carnal relations with the bees. See? Bee-sluts, desperate for a bee to walk all over them, to be covered in... pollen, then go back and brag to their fellow bees.
Yeah, I can imagine it: graffiti scrawled on the side of the hive, 'for a good time, check out the white camellia', or 'free nectar over at the bush rose!' 'the McCartney Rose wants you!'. And down at the bottom, where the 'in' crowd avoid, another sign: 'Coming soon: veggie patch delights'.
And before you know it, the cycle begins. Again.
Yep, Mother Nature is hosting a season-long party, and not a regency prude amongst them.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Jennifer Rardin
I was shocked to read this week that urban fantasy author Jennifer Rardin died. A few days before, she'd posted pictures, looked and sounded as happy as a lark; then, the post announcing her passing.
The Jaz Parks series might not be on my absolutely must re-read shelf, but they are entertaining and I thought she'd have a long career as a writer. Each book was better than the previous one...
Maybe I'll re-read them after all, as a tribute to an author who was taken from us too soon.
The Jaz Parks series might not be on my absolutely must re-read shelf, but they are entertaining and I thought she'd have a long career as a writer. Each book was better than the previous one...
Maybe I'll re-read them after all, as a tribute to an author who was taken from us too soon.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Where I'm at
I've printed out Huntress: Unbreakable, with the plan to read through and do more edits some time in the next week. This week I'm so busy, even my unbusy bits are busy.
At 74k, it needs more. Not plot, I think it has enough, but descriptions - which I'm not so good at - and dialogue. I'm looking at adding another 6k, which may or may not be possible. Damn, but I need some beta readers.
Then it's trying to work up an appropriate cover. Nup, nothing springs to mind. I'm sure something will occur and there's the wonderful world of free photos out there.
Maybe I should get one of my talented sisters to design something for me?
Anyway. Huntress: Unbreakable should be posted within the next month. And then... and then... it's Nano and the writing of another Huntress book!
At 74k, it needs more. Not plot, I think it has enough, but descriptions - which I'm not so good at - and dialogue. I'm looking at adding another 6k, which may or may not be possible. Damn, but I need some beta readers.
Then it's trying to work up an appropriate cover. Nup, nothing springs to mind. I'm sure something will occur and there's the wonderful world of free photos out there.
Maybe I should get one of my talented sisters to design something for me?
Anyway. Huntress: Unbreakable should be posted within the next month. And then... and then... it's Nano and the writing of another Huntress book!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In an oppressive, dystopian American future, the twelve Districts must send two ‘Tributes’, selected by lottery, for the Hunger Games – a brutal competition where the winner is the last one alive. Tributes are between the ages of twelve and eighteen and sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place.
Life for the Everdeens in District 12 is a constant battle against starvation, and Katniss provides food and money through illegal hunting in the woods. She is certain she will die in the Hunger Games – some tributes have trained their entire lives for the Games, are stronger, bigger, smarter than Kat and the District’s second Tribute, baker’s son, Peeta.
Katniss is aware the Games are for the televised entertainment of the decadent Capitol, and the mental torture of the other districts. As the Game continues, she begins to understand that she may have a chance after all.
While this is a Young Adult novel, Hunger Games will capture the imagination of older readers. Suzanne Collins has created a nightmarish future of hard-scrabble survival for the Districts as a reminder of who rules the country of Penam following a rebellion seventy years past. It’s a brutal life for all except the citizens of the Capitol.
Katniss displays all the emotional insecurity of a teenager and has a belligerent determination to do the best she can, even pretending Peeta is the love of her life to ensure the support of ‘sponsors’ who send gifts into the Games. The consequences of which will, I’m sure, be explored in later books.
The characters are well-crafted, the world-building is excellent and the political system disturbingly real.
It’s a rare book that will keep me up to wee hours. It’s even rarer for me to keep thinking about a novel. This is a masterpiece that wrenches an emotional response from the reader. The ethical and moral dilemmas Kat faces are heart-stopping.
Suzanne Collins is an author to watch. This is a book I recommend to anyone.
Life for the Everdeens in District 12 is a constant battle against starvation, and Katniss provides food and money through illegal hunting in the woods. She is certain she will die in the Hunger Games – some tributes have trained their entire lives for the Games, are stronger, bigger, smarter than Kat and the District’s second Tribute, baker’s son, Peeta.
Katniss is aware the Games are for the televised entertainment of the decadent Capitol, and the mental torture of the other districts. As the Game continues, she begins to understand that she may have a chance after all.
While this is a Young Adult novel, Hunger Games will capture the imagination of older readers. Suzanne Collins has created a nightmarish future of hard-scrabble survival for the Districts as a reminder of who rules the country of Penam following a rebellion seventy years past. It’s a brutal life for all except the citizens of the Capitol.
Katniss displays all the emotional insecurity of a teenager and has a belligerent determination to do the best she can, even pretending Peeta is the love of her life to ensure the support of ‘sponsors’ who send gifts into the Games. The consequences of which will, I’m sure, be explored in later books.
The characters are well-crafted, the world-building is excellent and the political system disturbingly real.
It’s a rare book that will keep me up to wee hours. It’s even rarer for me to keep thinking about a novel. This is a masterpiece that wrenches an emotional response from the reader. The ethical and moral dilemmas Kat faces are heart-stopping.
Suzanne Collins is an author to watch. This is a book I recommend to anyone.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Diva-dom
A new book is out on the 'net about a certain author.
Here's the blurb:
Ever wonder what it is like to work for a Best Selling Author? Ever wonder what it would be like to be their assistant? Melody and Miriam had been friends for years after first meeting at a science fiction convention by accident. Miriam was a author and in need of help. Melody was in need of a job. When Miriam offered Melody a job she took it. What could be better for a bibliophile than working for an author and a friend? It was the start of a ten year odyssey as Melody helped Miriam move from paperback original author to hardback and #1 Best Seller. They navigated the tricky waters of the publishing business together, learning about all aspects of the brutal world of publishing. Unfortunately, along the way, Miriam fell victim to the many traps of fame and fortune because the diva ate her.
And here's the link to: The Diva Ate Her
I'll leave it up to you to decide whom the famous author is...
Here's the blurb:
Ever wonder what it is like to work for a Best Selling Author? Ever wonder what it would be like to be their assistant? Melody and Miriam had been friends for years after first meeting at a science fiction convention by accident. Miriam was a author and in need of help. Melody was in need of a job. When Miriam offered Melody a job she took it. What could be better for a bibliophile than working for an author and a friend? It was the start of a ten year odyssey as Melody helped Miriam move from paperback original author to hardback and #1 Best Seller. They navigated the tricky waters of the publishing business together, learning about all aspects of the brutal world of publishing. Unfortunately, along the way, Miriam fell victim to the many traps of fame and fortune because the diva ate her.
And here's the link to: The Diva Ate Her
I'll leave it up to you to decide whom the famous author is...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Ahoy! Me Hearties!
Ahoy, ye scurvy dogs!
It's Talk Like a Pirate Day, which means poor English grammar and syntax, arrrr...
So, a quick lesson:
Ahoy! - "Yo!"
Avast! - "Check it out!"
Aye! - "Yes."
Arrr! - "That's right!" (often confused with arrrgh...)
Arrrgh! - "I'm VERY miffed."
Pirates drink tankards of ayel (ale) or rum, eat without using cutlery, don't brush their teeth (they rinse with the aforementioned ale or rum, and use dirks or boucans as dental floss) and personal hygiene is a personal choice rarely taken - unless tossed overboard, and few pirates could actually swim.
As a bit o' history, the pirate speech may have been heavily influenced by Cornish and the West Country dialects. Like a lot of dialects, distance and time changed the language
ITLAPD was created in 1996 by Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket, alias, John Baur and Mark Summers.
Go and check out the ten top pick up lines on ITLAPD for inspiration.
Talk Like a Pirate Day.
It's Talk Like a Pirate Day, which means poor English grammar and syntax, arrrr...
So, a quick lesson:
Ahoy! - "Yo!"
Avast! - "Check it out!"
Aye! - "Yes."
Arrr! - "That's right!" (often confused with arrrgh...)
Arrrgh! - "I'm VERY miffed."
Pirates drink tankards of ayel (ale) or rum, eat without using cutlery, don't brush their teeth (they rinse with the aforementioned ale or rum, and use dirks or boucans as dental floss) and personal hygiene is a personal choice rarely taken - unless tossed overboard, and few pirates could actually swim.
As a bit o' history, the pirate speech may have been heavily influenced by Cornish and the West Country dialects. Like a lot of dialects, distance and time changed the language
ITLAPD was created in 1996 by Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket, alias, John Baur and Mark Summers.
Go and check out the ten top pick up lines on ITLAPD for inspiration.
Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Hyperbole
All I can say about today's Hyperbole and a Half, entitled 'The Party' is... bwahahaha!!!
Damn, that cracks me up!
O_o Work? What work? I'm having a weekend in Canberra...
Damn, that cracks me up!
O_o Work? What work? I'm having a weekend in Canberra...
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
E-haa!
E-book sales up; mass market down.
According to the Publishers Weekly June Sales Report, e-book sales rose a staggering 204 percent while mass market paperbacks dropped nearly 15 percent.
At Random House, profits doubled in the first half of the business year with a 300 percent rise in e-book sales - helped by the international bestsellers of Stieg Larsson. And Borders has announced a drop in sales from bookstores, but a rise in online orders.
Other publishers have also reported increases in online and e-book sales.
Customers are moving to immediacy with their reading and publishing companies are cashing in - those who have recognised the shift in customer trends, that is.
The e-book publishing industry allows for profits on all sides: cheaper production costs for publishers, larger income for authors and cheaper, faster receipt of books for customers. But negotiations are still on-going within the industry on how to divide the incomes. And while those negotiations keep the lawyers busy, customers are happily downloading and reading the latest in books.
Everyone but readers are playing catch up, mainly because they are the driving force behind the industry. So many books are published each year, that readers can be more discerning in their choices - and it is that choice, e-book or traditional, that dictates the direction of the industry. And the direction is electronic.
The paperless society is on its way.
According to the Publishers Weekly June Sales Report, e-book sales rose a staggering 204 percent while mass market paperbacks dropped nearly 15 percent.
At Random House, profits doubled in the first half of the business year with a 300 percent rise in e-book sales - helped by the international bestsellers of Stieg Larsson. And Borders has announced a drop in sales from bookstores, but a rise in online orders.
Other publishers have also reported increases in online and e-book sales.
Customers are moving to immediacy with their reading and publishing companies are cashing in - those who have recognised the shift in customer trends, that is.
The e-book publishing industry allows for profits on all sides: cheaper production costs for publishers, larger income for authors and cheaper, faster receipt of books for customers. But negotiations are still on-going within the industry on how to divide the incomes. And while those negotiations keep the lawyers busy, customers are happily downloading and reading the latest in books.
Everyone but readers are playing catch up, mainly because they are the driving force behind the industry. So many books are published each year, that readers can be more discerning in their choices - and it is that choice, e-book or traditional, that dictates the direction of the industry. And the direction is electronic.
The paperless society is on its way.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Back in the trenches
Right then. I've spent the weekend editing Huntress: Unbreakable.
By golly, it has some dark moments and I wonder what black mood I was in when I wrote those scenes. I'm not deleting them - they portray a character who never had a moral compass; there are equally dark exploratory scenes and scenes of redemption. Thankfully, I came across some amusement, too, but I think it needs a hit or two more of Joss Whedon-ness. Oh, God, oh, God, we're all gonna die? Heh, heh, I love Firefly.
Does the end fulfil the promise of the first book? Yes, although some peeps might not think so and I've left the option open to write a fourth book or more. Nano, anyone?
For now, I'll set it aside for a few weeks and work on a couple of others. I'm not very good at queries or synopses and I need the practice. I also need to pack this lot off to agents - bidding war anyone? Hah! Kidding... sort of.
I need to work on something else, so... I'm off to work on something else!
By golly, it has some dark moments and I wonder what black mood I was in when I wrote those scenes. I'm not deleting them - they portray a character who never had a moral compass; there are equally dark exploratory scenes and scenes of redemption. Thankfully, I came across some amusement, too, but I think it needs a hit or two more of Joss Whedon-ness. Oh, God, oh, God, we're all gonna die? Heh, heh, I love Firefly.
Does the end fulfil the promise of the first book? Yes, although some peeps might not think so and I've left the option open to write a fourth book or more. Nano, anyone?
For now, I'll set it aside for a few weeks and work on a couple of others. I'm not very good at queries or synopses and I need the practice. I also need to pack this lot off to agents - bidding war anyone? Hah! Kidding... sort of.
I need to work on something else, so... I'm off to work on something else!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Storm Troopers
A Jedi and someone lining up for the most excellent coffee. I'm also guessing that in a galaxy far, far away, even Storm Troopers need caffeine.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Carving and trimming
I guess it's better to write too much than not enough. Apropos the editorial panels I attended at Worldcon, I know I need much harsher editing on the books I intended to pitch (no pitching allowed, dammit!).
The panels emphasised the potential of an author, not necessarily perfect grammar and spelling, but I can't help but disagree. As an author, you need to make your manuscript as perfect as possible, as well as have a story with potential.
Perfection isn't attainable, but making your manuscript the best it can be, is attainable.
Now I have to go off and carve out 20k on each manuscript; simply tightening the language - getting rid of adverbs, for example - may not be enough. I'll have to trim off a sub-plot in each, shorten paragraphs and sentences, maybe delete a character or two, all without messing with the over-arching main plots.
Doable. Must be doable, actually, if I'm to submit to an agent.
And at least I won't be padding the work, but making it more concise with some judicious line edits.
Sigh.
The panels emphasised the potential of an author, not necessarily perfect grammar and spelling, but I can't help but disagree. As an author, you need to make your manuscript as perfect as possible, as well as have a story with potential.
Perfection isn't attainable, but making your manuscript the best it can be, is attainable.
Now I have to go off and carve out 20k on each manuscript; simply tightening the language - getting rid of adverbs, for example - may not be enough. I'll have to trim off a sub-plot in each, shorten paragraphs and sentences, maybe delete a character or two, all without messing with the over-arching main plots.
Doable. Must be doable, actually, if I'm to submit to an agent.
And at least I won't be padding the work, but making it more concise with some judicious line edits.
Sigh.
Dream Called Time by S.L. Viehl
This is the final book in the long-running series about the bio-construct, Dr Cherijo Torin.
Cherijo is shocked to discover she is missing five years of her life to an alternate personality, the aggressive, knife-wielding Akkabarran, Jarn. Worse, she is heartbroken that her husband, Duncan Reever, loved Jarn, not her and that daughter Marel mourns the loss of Jarn.
What’s a bio-construct to do but leave love behind and jaunt to a Rift in space that catapults her and the crew back a few million years?
Then everything she thought she knew about her father, Maggie and the black crystal changes.
This book is action-packed from the first page. I might even say ‘manic’ as the end of the series closes in. Cherijo is slowly regaining her memories of the fateful day she disappeared and why Jarn appeared. She’s also dealing with the rejection of Duncan, the distance of her daughter and Xonea’s obsession with her. The rift ship and intriguing crystal also needs resolution and when Maggie turns up to warn her not to go on the mission, Cherijo tells her where to go.
Cherijo turns to medicine when her private life falls into a heap – an alter-formed Hsktskt, PyrsVar who wants to return to Hsktskt form, presents a unique challenge to her.
Throughout the series, Cherijo has been physically and mentally tortured – how much can an immortal bear without going mad? Quite a bit, although a lot of the pain is through memories and realisations, of putting the complete story together.
I dislike Reever, since he is the cause for the majority of Cherijo’s anguish. He’s had plenty of time to learn human emotion, and he turns into an SOB in this book, too, but I guess you don’t get to choose whom you love. His one redeeming feature is that he stood by her, but even that was for selfish reasons.
The ending was appropriate and tied up all the threads: who her father is, who Maggie is, the secret of the black crystal and how to get rid of it.
The book keeps moving, with carefully laid clues, and after nine books of adventure, emotional distress and physical torment, Cherijo deserves the peace she finds.
I doubt Ms Viehl is finished with the Stardoc universe, it's too well formed and has the most interesting characters.
This is most definitely a re-readable series and worthwhile for anyone who enjoys medical science fiction.
Cherijo is shocked to discover she is missing five years of her life to an alternate personality, the aggressive, knife-wielding Akkabarran, Jarn. Worse, she is heartbroken that her husband, Duncan Reever, loved Jarn, not her and that daughter Marel mourns the loss of Jarn.
What’s a bio-construct to do but leave love behind and jaunt to a Rift in space that catapults her and the crew back a few million years?
Then everything she thought she knew about her father, Maggie and the black crystal changes.
This book is action-packed from the first page. I might even say ‘manic’ as the end of the series closes in. Cherijo is slowly regaining her memories of the fateful day she disappeared and why Jarn appeared. She’s also dealing with the rejection of Duncan, the distance of her daughter and Xonea’s obsession with her. The rift ship and intriguing crystal also needs resolution and when Maggie turns up to warn her not to go on the mission, Cherijo tells her where to go.
Cherijo turns to medicine when her private life falls into a heap – an alter-formed Hsktskt, PyrsVar who wants to return to Hsktskt form, presents a unique challenge to her.
Throughout the series, Cherijo has been physically and mentally tortured – how much can an immortal bear without going mad? Quite a bit, although a lot of the pain is through memories and realisations, of putting the complete story together.
I dislike Reever, since he is the cause for the majority of Cherijo’s anguish. He’s had plenty of time to learn human emotion, and he turns into an SOB in this book, too, but I guess you don’t get to choose whom you love. His one redeeming feature is that he stood by her, but even that was for selfish reasons.
The ending was appropriate and tied up all the threads: who her father is, who Maggie is, the secret of the black crystal and how to get rid of it.
The book keeps moving, with carefully laid clues, and after nine books of adventure, emotional distress and physical torment, Cherijo deserves the peace she finds.
I doubt Ms Viehl is finished with the Stardoc universe, it's too well formed and has the most interesting characters.
This is most definitely a re-readable series and worthwhile for anyone who enjoys medical science fiction.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
De-conning
Home at last. The South Coast area got wrecked by near cyclonic winds on Saturday night. Driving down the mountains I saw the trees and branches littering both sides of the road. Obviously, the SES crews worked hard to clear the debris and re-open the roads, but the street lights are still out - all darkity-darkness. And I thought the excitement was northern Victoria with the massive flooding. I've spent some time today cleaning up the backyard and mourning the loss of my newly planted tomatoes.
Worldcon was great. Even though not one of the works I voted on won any Hugos; but Seanan McGuire won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Author. I was so intrigued by Rosemary and Rue, I've ordered the books - since I couldn't find them in any of the book stores I visited.
Best moment of the Con: listening to John Berlyne of the Zeno Literary Agency speak of all the right things I've done so far. Confirmation, really, that I'm another step closer to publication.
Worst moment of the Con: Having the opportunity to ask Ginjer Buchanan of Penguin, USA, a question and having a total brain freeze; I felt like an overwhelmed fan! I finally got the question out and tried to ignore my burning ears. Lovely woman didn't bat an eyelid at my sudden silence.
Awed moment: the WETA digital presentation. Their artwork and CGI is amazing; I wish I could do stuff like that, but given the amount of work, I shall simply admire from afar.
Most fun moment: the Baen Travelling Slideshow - maybe because I picked up a couple of book covers and CDs with buckets of books on them. I don't when I'll have the time to read them all!
Metaphor moment: the Vampire versus Zombie Smackdown! I had no idea that vampires were a metaphor for the elite class, shape-shifters were the middle class and zombies were the proletariat - the unwashed, uneducated masses. My argument? One wooden stake and it's over for the vampire; but it's not even an 'owie' for a zombie. As for metaphors, well, I don't look any deeper than whether a story is entertaining or not.
Quote of the Con: Cathrynne M. Valente - "Screaming is a poor character trait".
And so the convention is over. I really hope it won't be another ten years before it returns, but I fear just that given all those countries vying for the privilege. Then again, it might give me the opportunity to travel to other countries to attend; and maybe as a guest if I work hard enough and I get published.
I left the convention feeling more optimistic, more determined and more inspired to get it right. I've even worked out what to write for Nano...
Worldcon was great. Even though not one of the works I voted on won any Hugos; but Seanan McGuire won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Author. I was so intrigued by Rosemary and Rue, I've ordered the books - since I couldn't find them in any of the book stores I visited.
Best moment of the Con: listening to John Berlyne of the Zeno Literary Agency speak of all the right things I've done so far. Confirmation, really, that I'm another step closer to publication.
Worst moment of the Con: Having the opportunity to ask Ginjer Buchanan of Penguin, USA, a question and having a total brain freeze; I felt like an overwhelmed fan! I finally got the question out and tried to ignore my burning ears. Lovely woman didn't bat an eyelid at my sudden silence.
Awed moment: the WETA digital presentation. Their artwork and CGI is amazing; I wish I could do stuff like that, but given the amount of work, I shall simply admire from afar.
Most fun moment: the Baen Travelling Slideshow - maybe because I picked up a couple of book covers and CDs with buckets of books on them. I don't when I'll have the time to read them all!
Metaphor moment: the Vampire versus Zombie Smackdown! I had no idea that vampires were a metaphor for the elite class, shape-shifters were the middle class and zombies were the proletariat - the unwashed, uneducated masses. My argument? One wooden stake and it's over for the vampire; but it's not even an 'owie' for a zombie. As for metaphors, well, I don't look any deeper than whether a story is entertaining or not.
Quote of the Con: Cathrynne M. Valente - "Screaming is a poor character trait".
And so the convention is over. I really hope it won't be another ten years before it returns, but I fear just that given all those countries vying for the privilege. Then again, it might give me the opportunity to travel to other countries to attend; and maybe as a guest if I work hard enough and I get published.
I left the convention feeling more optimistic, more determined and more inspired to get it right. I've even worked out what to write for Nano...
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Work and Play
I think people design conventions to squeeze as much energy out of participants as possible. Not that it's a bad thing, of course, it's been highly entertaining.
This morning I started with The Problems with First Contact with Sean McMullen, Dave Freer and Mark L. Olson. It was more a comparative argument, for example, using the affect colonial explorers had on Pacific Islanders as an example. Then there was Editing the Novel, an hour-long explanation of how professional editors deal with manuscripts - not much new there - followed by Has Hollywood Sucked the Vampire Dry? Marianne De Pierres, Lara Morgan, Kirstyn McDermott and Catherynne M. Valente dissected the genre at large - and not one mention of LKH.
Catherynne, I think, summed up what's wrong with the supposed 'kick ass heroine': "Screaming is a poor character trait." Yet, a number of popular characters seem to let rip with an ear-piercing wail.
The Secret Life of Literary Agents wasn't so secret; bottom line: research the agents and abide by what they want you to do in the submission process.
At last, mid-afternoon came along with Norman Cates' WETA Digital Presentation. It was just so totally AWESOME!!! Norman gave us an insight into how those amazing effects are made on Avatar, LOTR, The Lovely Bones and others WETA has been involved with.
The final event on my schedule was a Boxcutters podcast conversation with Dr Who writers, Rob Shearman and Paul Cornell, and John Richards. A very funny end to the day.
Tomorrow, the Convention comes to an end, but still a full day. I am so looking forward to the Vampire vs Zombie Smackdown! Not sure who I'll be supporting - they both have big 'ick' factors.
Tip of the day: really make sure your takeaway coffee lid is secure (how can it happen twice??)
This morning I started with The Problems with First Contact with Sean McMullen, Dave Freer and Mark L. Olson. It was more a comparative argument, for example, using the affect colonial explorers had on Pacific Islanders as an example. Then there was Editing the Novel, an hour-long explanation of how professional editors deal with manuscripts - not much new there - followed by Has Hollywood Sucked the Vampire Dry? Marianne De Pierres, Lara Morgan, Kirstyn McDermott and Catherynne M. Valente dissected the genre at large - and not one mention of LKH.
Catherynne, I think, summed up what's wrong with the supposed 'kick ass heroine': "Screaming is a poor character trait." Yet, a number of popular characters seem to let rip with an ear-piercing wail.
The Secret Life of Literary Agents wasn't so secret; bottom line: research the agents and abide by what they want you to do in the submission process.
At last, mid-afternoon came along with Norman Cates' WETA Digital Presentation. It was just so totally AWESOME!!! Norman gave us an insight into how those amazing effects are made on Avatar, LOTR, The Lovely Bones and others WETA has been involved with.
The final event on my schedule was a Boxcutters podcast conversation with Dr Who writers, Rob Shearman and Paul Cornell, and John Richards. A very funny end to the day.
Tomorrow, the Convention comes to an end, but still a full day. I am so looking forward to the Vampire vs Zombie Smackdown! Not sure who I'll be supporting - they both have big 'ick' factors.
Tip of the day: really make sure your takeaway coffee lid is secure (how can it happen twice??)
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Lots of shinies...
Today started off with Copyright in the 21st Century, although it was more a discussion of copyright, with examples, than the future of copyright. Cory Doctorow, Patrick Nielson Hayden, Andrew Adams, Ian Nichols and Bill Sutton were as bracing as a shot of espresso in their discourse.
I now have a list of books to hunt down following The best SF novels you have never read; whether I can find them, well, I’ll be haunting the second-hand bookstores. Authors like Kevin Brockmeyer, Peter Watts, Raphael Carter and Jasper Fforde’s The Eyre Affair.
Then it was on to How To Pitch (without the option to pitch anything, so there went that plan). Penguin editor, Ginjer Buchanan, Agent John Berlyne, Simon Spanton from Gollancz and writer Rowena Cory Daniels laid it all out in the simplest terms possible. It was nice to know exactly how to pitch and that I’m on the right track. All I have to do is hunt down the submission requirements.
I met up with Emeraldfin (from Pecked By Ducks fame) and Drama Duck *waves* and we took ourselves off to The writer and the audience: online interaction and public personae. With social networking, I figured it was important to differentiate between public profile and private life – and to avoid one leaking into the other. Who knew Peter V Brett was an introvert? I can totally relate.
The final event we went to was Writing in Trilogies with Trudi Canavan, Fiona MacIntosh, Russell Fitzpatrick and Glenda Larke. Of interest was the difference between agent/editors in Australia and the US/UK markets and what they want from new authors – and the reasons why. For example, if you can write a trilogy, here in Australia, it’s considered a good thing because it shows consistency and that, as a writer, you’re capable of finishing what you start. In the northern hemisphere, you’ve got to sell the first book before the next two are considered – which I imagine makes the job of getting published that much harder.
A most instructive day. Even had a bit of a one-on-one chat with Ginjer Buchanan - although I think she wanted to be left in peace since she was on her lonesome. No badgering on my behalf, I just asked how she liked Australia.
Oh, and my tip for today: always make sure the lid on your takeaway coffee is secure.
I now have a list of books to hunt down following The best SF novels you have never read; whether I can find them, well, I’ll be haunting the second-hand bookstores. Authors like Kevin Brockmeyer, Peter Watts, Raphael Carter and Jasper Fforde’s The Eyre Affair.
Then it was on to How To Pitch (without the option to pitch anything, so there went that plan). Penguin editor, Ginjer Buchanan, Agent John Berlyne, Simon Spanton from Gollancz and writer Rowena Cory Daniels laid it all out in the simplest terms possible. It was nice to know exactly how to pitch and that I’m on the right track. All I have to do is hunt down the submission requirements.
I met up with Emeraldfin (from Pecked By Ducks fame) and Drama Duck *waves* and we took ourselves off to The writer and the audience: online interaction and public personae. With social networking, I figured it was important to differentiate between public profile and private life – and to avoid one leaking into the other. Who knew Peter V Brett was an introvert? I can totally relate.
The final event we went to was Writing in Trilogies with Trudi Canavan, Fiona MacIntosh, Russell Fitzpatrick and Glenda Larke. Of interest was the difference between agent/editors in Australia and the US/UK markets and what they want from new authors – and the reasons why. For example, if you can write a trilogy, here in Australia, it’s considered a good thing because it shows consistency and that, as a writer, you’re capable of finishing what you start. In the northern hemisphere, you’ve got to sell the first book before the next two are considered – which I imagine makes the job of getting published that much harder.
A most instructive day. Even had a bit of a one-on-one chat with Ginjer Buchanan - although I think she wanted to be left in peace since she was on her lonesome. No badgering on my behalf, I just asked how she liked Australia.
Oh, and my tip for today: always make sure the lid on your takeaway coffee is secure.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Ooo, shiney! Ooo, kitty! Ooo, is that...?
I’m ‘zawsted, positively wrecked. And it’s only day two.
Day one was me awake at 4.30am, running around making sure I had everything for a 6.30 am flight to Melbourne. Then, locating the hotel – close to Spencer Street Station, cool. Ibis, for those who care and they were nice enough to have a room ready at 8.30 in the am.
So. I dump my gear and go off exploring. And did way too much of it; about five hours worth. The knees weren’t terribly happy with me by the time I sat down. Anyone who’s had knee problems will know what I mean when I say they were twitching.
First up, Minotaurs in Space Helmets: using myth in science fiction. For most of it, I thought I’d dropped into an alternate reality – lots of existentialism. But two things resonated: that Norse mythology doesn’t have dark-skinned gods, nor to African mythology have white-skinned deities. The other thing was the similarity in primitive myths, but if you ask about ‘foundation’ myths, as if there’s something lacking if your culture doesn’t have one, then one will be created – true or not. It bears more consideration.
If You Wrote It, They’d Never Believe It was also interesting, if only because one of four panellists turned up. Jonathon Walker, a WorldCon newbie, did an admirable job keeping the crowd entertained, while constantly glancing at the door hoping, nay praying someone else would arrive.
After that, I considered myself trashed and went back to the hotel for an early night.
So, today. The knees seem fine, but I know they’re lulling me into a false sense of security. I started the panels with What We Publish followed by Keeping Pace: maintaining momentum and The Baen Travelling Slideshow (with Prizes!) I really enjoyed it – especially grabbing two cds of books I haven't read yet. The awkward moment came courtesy of David Freer whom Toni Weiskopff announced was now an Australia citizen. Dave felt the need to lean over the microphone and say ‘G’day’... poorly. The Americans cheered and applauded; the Aussies sat in embarrassed silence.
It’s a cultural thing.
Last thing of the day was an entertaining hour of In Conversation with Seanan McGuire and Catherynne M Valenta.
It’s been busy and a lot of fun. So since I manage to hunt down (and I do mean hunt, I can’t tell you how many bookstores I searched) a copy of S.L. Viehl’s Dream Called Time, I’m going to put my feet up. Gotta 'nother busy one tomorrow.
Day one was me awake at 4.30am, running around making sure I had everything for a 6.30 am flight to Melbourne. Then, locating the hotel – close to Spencer Street Station, cool. Ibis, for those who care and they were nice enough to have a room ready at 8.30 in the am.
So. I dump my gear and go off exploring. And did way too much of it; about five hours worth. The knees weren’t terribly happy with me by the time I sat down. Anyone who’s had knee problems will know what I mean when I say they were twitching.
First up, Minotaurs in Space Helmets: using myth in science fiction. For most of it, I thought I’d dropped into an alternate reality – lots of existentialism. But two things resonated: that Norse mythology doesn’t have dark-skinned gods, nor to African mythology have white-skinned deities. The other thing was the similarity in primitive myths, but if you ask about ‘foundation’ myths, as if there’s something lacking if your culture doesn’t have one, then one will be created – true or not. It bears more consideration.
If You Wrote It, They’d Never Believe It was also interesting, if only because one of four panellists turned up. Jonathon Walker, a WorldCon newbie, did an admirable job keeping the crowd entertained, while constantly glancing at the door hoping, nay praying someone else would arrive.
After that, I considered myself trashed and went back to the hotel for an early night.
So, today. The knees seem fine, but I know they’re lulling me into a false sense of security. I started the panels with What We Publish followed by Keeping Pace: maintaining momentum and The Baen Travelling Slideshow (with Prizes!) I really enjoyed it – especially grabbing two cds of books I haven't read yet. The awkward moment came courtesy of David Freer whom Toni Weiskopff announced was now an Australia citizen. Dave felt the need to lean over the microphone and say ‘G’day’... poorly. The Americans cheered and applauded; the Aussies sat in embarrassed silence.
It’s a cultural thing.
Last thing of the day was an entertaining hour of In Conversation with Seanan McGuire and Catherynne M Valenta.
It’s been busy and a lot of fun. So since I manage to hunt down (and I do mean hunt, I can’t tell you how many bookstores I searched) a copy of S.L. Viehl’s Dream Called Time, I’m going to put my feet up. Gotta 'nother busy one tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Last minute
I'm printing stuff - synopses, first three chapters - while trying to remember everything I have to take with me. So of course not only is the laptop making strange noises, I'm about to run out of ink. *sigh* I might have to finish printing in Canberra.
I know I'll forget to pack something - doesn't everyone? - but anything I do forget, I should be able to buy in Melbourne. I have a mental checklist which I know I'm suppose to write down. It's busy up there in my head, with visions of the last WorldCon I went to, the weather, what clothes to take, not forgetting the mobile phone recharger or the camera or the wireless thingie, recalling the lecture on safety since I'm there on my lonesome, planning the drive, wondering if I've got enough money, the panels I'm attending, who to see, what-to-do-when-to-get-there-did-I-pack-the-alarm-clock?
Life's full of challenges, both great and small. I need to relax, but it's a bit early for a glass of vino. Deep breath. Okay. I'll be posting while at WorldCon, and if I remember the camera lead, posting some photos, too.
I know I'll forget to pack something - doesn't everyone? - but anything I do forget, I should be able to buy in Melbourne. I have a mental checklist which I know I'm suppose to write down. It's busy up there in my head, with visions of the last WorldCon I went to, the weather, what clothes to take, not forgetting the mobile phone recharger or the camera or the wireless thingie, recalling the lecture on safety since I'm there on my lonesome, planning the drive, wondering if I've got enough money, the panels I'm attending, who to see, what-to-do-when-to-get-there-did-I-pack-the-alarm-clock?
Life's full of challenges, both great and small. I need to relax, but it's a bit early for a glass of vino. Deep breath. Okay. I'll be posting while at WorldCon, and if I remember the camera lead, posting some photos, too.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Countdown
Monday. It's Monday already. On Wednesday, I drive up to Canberra to catch a flight down to Melbourne unspeakably early on Thursday.
And I think I've worn myself out already. The old 'I'm ready' and the 'I'm not ready' have been fighting so much I'm at the 'not caring' stage.
Still, today and tomorrow I plan to finish the synopses, edit the synopses, print six copies of the synopses and first three chapters - then worry some more. The Pitch is on Saturday, so I can enjoy the two previous days events - oh, and get in some genealogy on Thursday. Excellent!
The first place I'll be heading to is the Dealer's Room. Dream Called Time (weird title) by S.L. Viehl, is available from the Galaxy Bookshop who will have a table. YAY! Sure beats my local book store who said it wouldn't be here until October. Nyah, nyah!
So, I must away to work and suppress the squealy fan-girl moments. No doubt panic will set in eventually, followed by the 'get over yourself' chastisement.
And I think I've worn myself out already. The old 'I'm ready' and the 'I'm not ready' have been fighting so much I'm at the 'not caring' stage.
Still, today and tomorrow I plan to finish the synopses, edit the synopses, print six copies of the synopses and first three chapters - then worry some more. The Pitch is on Saturday, so I can enjoy the two previous days events - oh, and get in some genealogy on Thursday. Excellent!
The first place I'll be heading to is the Dealer's Room. Dream Called Time (weird title) by S.L. Viehl, is available from the Galaxy Bookshop who will have a table. YAY! Sure beats my local book store who said it wouldn't be here until October. Nyah, nyah!
So, I must away to work and suppress the squealy fan-girl moments. No doubt panic will set in eventually, followed by the 'get over yourself' chastisement.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Meanwhile, back in Hell...
I'm currently touring the Seventh Circle of Writer's Hell; such a fun place after the previous levels, which are:
1. Finding a story arc that will last 100,000 words;
2. Creating the characters that won't burn because they're cardboard;
3. Sitting down and writing the epic, no-way-it-can't-be-published tome;
4. Not being terribly smug about finishing the work and dreaming of bigger things;
5. Editing - nuff said.
6. Trying not to succumb to 'this is shite' and tossing the work, this is where Demons are wrestled;
7. Compressing 100,000 words into a few pages of a SYNOPSIS;
8. This is a secret level - I think it's the anxiety-ridden level of pitching to an agent or editor.
Below these levels are the Doors Of Fate:
Rejection 1 - Beyond this door lies the busy streets of giving up, there's so much more you could be doing, like a nine-to-five desk job and regular pay cheque;
Rejection 2 - Your own computer where you need to sit and revise, again;
Rejection 3 - The internet where you decide you'll post your work anyway, because obviously those pinhead editors and agents don't know a brilliant piece of genius if it smacked upside the head;
Acceptance 1 - A smiling agent who can sell your work if you adjust the manuscript to fit the genre, and the protagonist to be a bit more... sparkly, or sexy, or mysterious, or tattooed, or...;
Acceptance 2 - An office, with a contract set squarely between two slush piles;
Acceptance 3 - A crowd of cheering fans, holding out your book for an autograph, author peers applauding, film producers offering money for the rights, Hugh Jackman offering you the Hugo, the Golden Dagger, the Booker, the Nobel Prize for Literature... mmm... Hugh...
So, anyway, synopsis writing. In between writing the sucker, I'm trolling the 'net for hints. I've downloaded some articles, but I think it comes down to practice.
It's hot here on the seventh level, but I think if I keep sweating away at this last piece, I'll give myself the opportunity to hit the eighth level next week. And who knows? Maybe I'll face the doors and one will be open.
1. Finding a story arc that will last 100,000 words;
2. Creating the characters that won't burn because they're cardboard;
3. Sitting down and writing the epic, no-way-it-can't-be-published tome;
4. Not being terribly smug about finishing the work and dreaming of bigger things;
5. Editing - nuff said.
6. Trying not to succumb to 'this is shite' and tossing the work, this is where Demons are wrestled;
7. Compressing 100,000 words into a few pages of a SYNOPSIS;
8. This is a secret level - I think it's the anxiety-ridden level of pitching to an agent or editor.
Below these levels are the Doors Of Fate:
Rejection 1 - Beyond this door lies the busy streets of giving up, there's so much more you could be doing, like a nine-to-five desk job and regular pay cheque;
Rejection 2 - Your own computer where you need to sit and revise, again;
Rejection 3 - The internet where you decide you'll post your work anyway, because obviously those pinhead editors and agents don't know a brilliant piece of genius if it smacked upside the head;
Acceptance 1 - A smiling agent who can sell your work if you adjust the manuscript to fit the genre, and the protagonist to be a bit more... sparkly, or sexy, or mysterious, or tattooed, or...;
Acceptance 2 - An office, with a contract set squarely between two slush piles;
Acceptance 3 - A crowd of cheering fans, holding out your book for an autograph, author peers applauding, film producers offering money for the rights, Hugh Jackman offering you the Hugo, the Golden Dagger, the Booker, the Nobel Prize for Literature... mmm... Hugh...
So, anyway, synopsis writing. In between writing the sucker, I'm trolling the 'net for hints. I've downloaded some articles, but I think it comes down to practice.
It's hot here on the seventh level, but I think if I keep sweating away at this last piece, I'll give myself the opportunity to hit the eighth level next week. And who knows? Maybe I'll face the doors and one will be open.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Storyboarding
While skimming the latest e-mail from Writers Digest today, I came across 4 Ways to Improve Narrative Drive in Your Story, by historical novelist, Sara Sheridan.
What leapt out at me was thinking of your story in a storyboard format, like a graphic novel, a comic book. I'm a visual writer, I see the scenes unfold in my mind as I write them, like a film. That means everything is written, even the stuff the readers doesn't need to know about. It's why editing is such a pain for me. What do I keep and what do I cut? What could I expand on and what doesn't quite fit?
But storyboarding... I'm not an artist - in no way, shape or form can I draw - but to create squares with a few words in them so I can visualise, or better yet, search the web for the images I need, that sounds like a plan.
According to Ms Sheridan, it's a great way to see if your story is balanced. Can you imagine a comic book with squares and squares of scenery rather than action or meaningful dialogue?
I can already imagine the opening sequence of my current WIP in comic-book format. It might seem like doubling my workload, but if storyboarding smooths out the rough edges, then it's another useful item in the writer's toolbox.
I think I'll go play with the shiny new toy, if only for the first three chapters. Maybe it will make writing the synopsis easier.
What leapt out at me was thinking of your story in a storyboard format, like a graphic novel, a comic book. I'm a visual writer, I see the scenes unfold in my mind as I write them, like a film. That means everything is written, even the stuff the readers doesn't need to know about. It's why editing is such a pain for me. What do I keep and what do I cut? What could I expand on and what doesn't quite fit?
But storyboarding... I'm not an artist - in no way, shape or form can I draw - but to create squares with a few words in them so I can visualise, or better yet, search the web for the images I need, that sounds like a plan.
According to Ms Sheridan, it's a great way to see if your story is balanced. Can you imagine a comic book with squares and squares of scenery rather than action or meaningful dialogue?
I can already imagine the opening sequence of my current WIP in comic-book format. It might seem like doubling my workload, but if storyboarding smooths out the rough edges, then it's another useful item in the writer's toolbox.
I think I'll go play with the shiny new toy, if only for the first three chapters. Maybe it will make writing the synopsis easier.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Now I can plan...
The Aussiecon program is now posted, so I can sort out what and whom to see. Go, look and be jellus!
There's the 'work' stuff, Pitching the Novel, Editing the Novel, How to Review, The Secret Life of Literary Agents, but there's room for the fun stuff, too, Why Australia is More Horrifying Than Anywhere Else - you know, our weather, the many poisonous and deadly beasties, Vampire vs Zombie Smackdown! - oh, yeah (I wonder if LKH will be mentioned?), The Baen Travelling Slideshow - ooo, shiny, In conversation with the likes of George RR Martin, Robert Silverberg, Kim Stanley Robinson, Jonathon Strahan, Seanan McGuire, Whores and Virgins - yes, well..., and who knew Mary Poppins was written by an Australian? I didn't. But do I want to know more?
Then there's the Dealers Room and Fan tables and Koffeeklatsches, I could go on - there's so much to chose from - but I need to stop being a squealie fan-girl and look at the program objectively.
And I need to get my shit together to take stuff down. Even if they don't look at the work, I'll count the convention a success if a) I get business cards, b) learn new stuff, c) laugh - it's all about having a good time as well as making contacts.
There's the 'work' stuff, Pitching the Novel, Editing the Novel, How to Review, The Secret Life of Literary Agents, but there's room for the fun stuff, too, Why Australia is More Horrifying Than Anywhere Else - you know, our weather, the many poisonous and deadly beasties, Vampire vs Zombie Smackdown! - oh, yeah (I wonder if LKH will be mentioned?), The Baen Travelling Slideshow - ooo, shiny, In conversation with the likes of George RR Martin, Robert Silverberg, Kim Stanley Robinson, Jonathon Strahan, Seanan McGuire, Whores and Virgins - yes, well..., and who knew Mary Poppins was written by an Australian? I didn't. But do I want to know more?
Then there's the Dealers Room and Fan tables and Koffeeklatsches, I could go on - there's so much to chose from - but I need to stop being a squealie fan-girl and look at the program objectively.
And I need to get my shit together to take stuff down. Even if they don't look at the work, I'll count the convention a success if a) I get business cards, b) learn new stuff, c) laugh - it's all about having a good time as well as making contacts.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Hung out to dry
For the first time in 70 years, we have a hung parliament.
Was it a result of Labor voters dissatisfaction? The so-called 'mining tax' and other disasters over the last three years? The brutal dumping of K. Rudd in June? Was it a change in direction for the Liberals? That the leader reflected a time under Howard when everything was just dandy and we were protected from international banking events?
Or was it that neither side projected strong enough image and policy to sway the voter?
I've always thought Labor made a mistake in giving the leadership to Kevin Rudd and Julia Gilliard as deputy PM. She had the credentials to move the country forward; K. Rudd was a diplomat who lacked diplomacy with his staff; who had some nifty ideas but executed them poorly and in haste; who gave his new ministers more than a year to adjust to their new portfolios before anything was done to actually govern the country. Julia would have kicked butt straight up.
So now we have the Greens Party, under the leadership of Bob Brown, who hold the balance of power in the Senate and has a member in the House of Representatives - he's also calling for proportional representation in the House to give his candidates a better chance at succeeding.
Personally, I loathe and despise a politician who will prostitute his ideals for power. A vote for the Greens meant a vote - once preferences are distributed - for Labor. It's reprehensible that a candidate can win most of the votes in an electorate, but still lose the set due to preferences. A party who hands over votes to one party, but says it will 'work with whoever is in government' isn't one that stands on it's principles.
A minority party does not express the will of the people, yet will use the balance of power to push through legislation reflecting it's own radical agenda. The Greens have held the balance of power before, much to the detriment of running the country by holding up legislation. Governing slowed down to such an extent that when they lost the balance of power, both sides - left and right - expressed their relief and they could now get on with it.
In the days of Senator Harridine from Tasmania, he held the parliament to ransom on a number of issues. Like... he would only vote in favour of legislation if Australia stopped providing contraceptives to certain third world countries, that promoting women's health included anti-abortion material. He was a man who didn't vote according to his constituency, but his own religious bigotry.
Now this. What will the Greens demand? More social justice? More money thrown at pie-in-the-sky energy boondoggles? Higher taxes on the wealthy to subsidise the poor?
I tell you, politics makes me crazy!
Was it a result of Labor voters dissatisfaction? The so-called 'mining tax' and other disasters over the last three years? The brutal dumping of K. Rudd in June? Was it a change in direction for the Liberals? That the leader reflected a time under Howard when everything was just dandy and we were protected from international banking events?
Or was it that neither side projected strong enough image and policy to sway the voter?
I've always thought Labor made a mistake in giving the leadership to Kevin Rudd and Julia Gilliard as deputy PM. She had the credentials to move the country forward; K. Rudd was a diplomat who lacked diplomacy with his staff; who had some nifty ideas but executed them poorly and in haste; who gave his new ministers more than a year to adjust to their new portfolios before anything was done to actually govern the country. Julia would have kicked butt straight up.
So now we have the Greens Party, under the leadership of Bob Brown, who hold the balance of power in the Senate and has a member in the House of Representatives - he's also calling for proportional representation in the House to give his candidates a better chance at succeeding.
Personally, I loathe and despise a politician who will prostitute his ideals for power. A vote for the Greens meant a vote - once preferences are distributed - for Labor. It's reprehensible that a candidate can win most of the votes in an electorate, but still lose the set due to preferences. A party who hands over votes to one party, but says it will 'work with whoever is in government' isn't one that stands on it's principles.
A minority party does not express the will of the people, yet will use the balance of power to push through legislation reflecting it's own radical agenda. The Greens have held the balance of power before, much to the detriment of running the country by holding up legislation. Governing slowed down to such an extent that when they lost the balance of power, both sides - left and right - expressed their relief and they could now get on with it.
In the days of Senator Harridine from Tasmania, he held the parliament to ransom on a number of issues. Like... he would only vote in favour of legislation if Australia stopped providing contraceptives to certain third world countries, that promoting women's health included anti-abortion material. He was a man who didn't vote according to his constituency, but his own religious bigotry.
Now this. What will the Greens demand? More social justice? More money thrown at pie-in-the-sky energy boondoggles? Higher taxes on the wealthy to subsidise the poor?
I tell you, politics makes me crazy!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
We choose...
Today is election day. Or, I suppose, Election Day! Yep, we go to the polls to decide who will be the next Prime Minister of this great nation.
Do we go for the first woman Prime Minister (not elected, but giving the leadership of the Labor Party after a caucus room spill - since they held government, she became P.M.) Or do we vote for a former Minister of the Howard Government - a near-priest and exercise fiend?
The current polls indicate a 50-50 split with many voters still undecided. There's no... enthusiasm like last time. The pith and vinegar flew in 2007, with spiteful remarks across internet sites. This time, not so much.
The worst example of mocking our system is former Federal Labor leader, Mark Latham, suggesting donkey votes - that is, screw up your vote so no-one gets it - because neither side is worth it. Sanctimonious, petulant idiot. (He, too, was dumped by his own party as leader).
Australia has compulsory voting - one, I think of only two countries in the world. Everyone votes, no-one 'misses out'. Postal, absentee or polling booth, we have the facilities for all to have their say. And it's not about leadership. It's about your candidate in your electorate. Whichever party wins the most electorates, has the right to form government. The party elects the leader, and the party room decides the issues to stand on, through our elected representatives.
Democracy in action. While compulsory voting seems like an oxymoron, it works. No-one can complain about the result because everyone had a say. Your side might lose, but you were involved in the process. Okay, except for those who vote for the Greens; a vote for the Greens is a vote for Labor under a deal done for preferences before the election - a deal I think should be made illegal. If I want Labor in, I'll vote for them, none of this back room dealing to gain votes by proxy.
So. Who am I going to vote for? Well, we also have secret ballots. It's no-one's business who you vote for, so I ain't tellin', but the results should be interesting.
Do we go for the first woman Prime Minister (not elected, but giving the leadership of the Labor Party after a caucus room spill - since they held government, she became P.M.) Or do we vote for a former Minister of the Howard Government - a near-priest and exercise fiend?
The current polls indicate a 50-50 split with many voters still undecided. There's no... enthusiasm like last time. The pith and vinegar flew in 2007, with spiteful remarks across internet sites. This time, not so much.
The worst example of mocking our system is former Federal Labor leader, Mark Latham, suggesting donkey votes - that is, screw up your vote so no-one gets it - because neither side is worth it. Sanctimonious, petulant idiot. (He, too, was dumped by his own party as leader).
Australia has compulsory voting - one, I think of only two countries in the world. Everyone votes, no-one 'misses out'. Postal, absentee or polling booth, we have the facilities for all to have their say. And it's not about leadership. It's about your candidate in your electorate. Whichever party wins the most electorates, has the right to form government. The party elects the leader, and the party room decides the issues to stand on, through our elected representatives.
Democracy in action. While compulsory voting seems like an oxymoron, it works. No-one can complain about the result because everyone had a say. Your side might lose, but you were involved in the process. Okay, except for those who vote for the Greens; a vote for the Greens is a vote for Labor under a deal done for preferences before the election - a deal I think should be made illegal. If I want Labor in, I'll vote for them, none of this back room dealing to gain votes by proxy.
So. Who am I going to vote for? Well, we also have secret ballots. It's no-one's business who you vote for, so I ain't tellin', but the results should be interesting.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Surprise trees
Winter is sullen because gleeful Spring arrived today. Too warm for a sweater. The naked limbs of trees clack together in a warm northerly breeze like strips of plastic in bicycle spokes.
So I'm looking at the trees and thinking 'aw, they're about to burst into bloom'. Cue images of pure white blossoms and verdant leaves exploding from the buds. But... the closer I walked, the more a feeling of impending doom rose, until I stood almost beneath one of the trees. Those small, white globes, ready to unfurl dotted each tip without the accompanying hint of green. Those small, pale orbs ready burst bore an uncanny resemblance to something else I knew of; something that lurked in the garden. Under pots and wood piles. In dry gutters and buried in piles of dead leaves: spider eggs.
Off went the imagination, backpedalling as fast as it could manage. The film played out anyway; white pearls tearing open and a squillion dark spiders raining down on unwary shoppers below... skittering down unprotected collars, abseiling off fringes with legs spread wide, tickling across bared skin, nipping, biting with tiny fangs.
For a moment I paused - not just because of the traffic - and wondered where the hell the images came from. My favourite time of year slowly giving way to the warmer weather? My particular loathing of eight-legged beasties? Stress? Dunno. But writers can turn the most innocuous sights into whatever they want. Being botanically-challenged, I have no idea what those trees were, but I'll never look at them the same way again.
It's weird how the mind works when out hunting down groceries. Don't you think?
So I'm looking at the trees and thinking 'aw, they're about to burst into bloom'. Cue images of pure white blossoms and verdant leaves exploding from the buds. But... the closer I walked, the more a feeling of impending doom rose, until I stood almost beneath one of the trees. Those small, white globes, ready to unfurl dotted each tip without the accompanying hint of green. Those small, pale orbs ready burst bore an uncanny resemblance to something else I knew of; something that lurked in the garden. Under pots and wood piles. In dry gutters and buried in piles of dead leaves: spider eggs.
Off went the imagination, backpedalling as fast as it could manage. The film played out anyway; white pearls tearing open and a squillion dark spiders raining down on unwary shoppers below... skittering down unprotected collars, abseiling off fringes with legs spread wide, tickling across bared skin, nipping, biting with tiny fangs.
For a moment I paused - not just because of the traffic - and wondered where the hell the images came from. My favourite time of year slowly giving way to the warmer weather? My particular loathing of eight-legged beasties? Stress? Dunno. But writers can turn the most innocuous sights into whatever they want. Being botanically-challenged, I have no idea what those trees were, but I'll never look at them the same way again.
It's weird how the mind works when out hunting down groceries. Don't you think?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Strained patience
A little over two weeks to go until World con and there's still no program. I'm a just a wee bit annoyed about this. I want to organise a schedule for myself so I can maybe see other things in Melbourne. I've been patient, but... really? No program? What's up with that?
It could be my anxiety levels are rising - I'm trying not to poke and prod at my work, to fiddle and adjust and maybe delete or add. I have to convince myself it's not the end of the world if none of the agents/editors are interested, no matter that it will feel like it. I may have a hissy fit and readers on Scribd might just benefit...
It's been eleven years since the last Worldcon in Australia and it's a good time. I went in 1999 and felt overwhelmed by choice - gathered my wits enough to get a book signed by Elizabeth Moon, did short story critiquing with Gerald Nordley, saw some anime, heard Terry Pratchett (a marvellous speaker, but I don't like his books) however, the rest seems like a blur.
This time, I have a plan... which I can't implement without the damned program!
Sigh. I need to relax and plan my trip to the Victorian hatches, matches and dispatches to hunt down my Victorian relatives - it's an opportunity I ain't gonna miss. I'm flying in at an unspeakable hour of the morning and the opening of Worldcon isn't really until the afternoon. Plenty of time for lattes and research.
It could be my anxiety levels are rising - I'm trying not to poke and prod at my work, to fiddle and adjust and maybe delete or add. I have to convince myself it's not the end of the world if none of the agents/editors are interested, no matter that it will feel like it. I may have a hissy fit and readers on Scribd might just benefit...
It's been eleven years since the last Worldcon in Australia and it's a good time. I went in 1999 and felt overwhelmed by choice - gathered my wits enough to get a book signed by Elizabeth Moon, did short story critiquing with Gerald Nordley, saw some anime, heard Terry Pratchett (a marvellous speaker, but I don't like his books) however, the rest seems like a blur.
This time, I have a plan... which I can't implement without the damned program!
Sigh. I need to relax and plan my trip to the Victorian hatches, matches and dispatches to hunt down my Victorian relatives - it's an opportunity I ain't gonna miss. I'm flying in at an unspeakable hour of the morning and the opening of Worldcon isn't really until the afternoon. Plenty of time for lattes and research.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Hyperbole and a Half
My new and favourite place to visit for a smile, a chuckle, a laugh-out-loud moment, or an OMG! cack-fest that will stay with me for the rest of the day. Yeah, sure I was working - doing research in fact - when I found it, although the 'how' and history that led me to the page currently escapes me...
Hyperbole and a Half, written by Allie Brosh, has some meaningful comics that illustrate cautionary tales in humorous ways. It's a blogspot that is, unfortunately, addictive.
Check out Bicycle for a post everyone must be familiar with from their childhood. Anyone who has a dog or a cat will cackle at Dog - not all pets are brilliant and clever and trainable, some you just have to love because... well, just because.
Then there's How A Fish Almost Destroyed My Childhood. I'll stop now. You should go and read them.
I need to get back to work now and stop stuffing about. The minutiae ain't gonna write itself, you know.
Hyperbole and a Half, written by Allie Brosh, has some meaningful comics that illustrate cautionary tales in humorous ways. It's a blogspot that is, unfortunately, addictive.
Check out Bicycle for a post everyone must be familiar with from their childhood. Anyone who has a dog or a cat will cackle at Dog - not all pets are brilliant and clever and trainable, some you just have to love because... well, just because.
Then there's How A Fish Almost Destroyed My Childhood. I'll stop now. You should go and read them.
I need to get back to work now and stop stuffing about. The minutiae ain't gonna write itself, you know.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Articles of interest
I can say, officially, that I've started my CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!! Yeah, it's August, but if you see something a sibling, niece, nephew or parent might like... why not? I'm jes sayin'.
Anyway, Writer's Digest has a most excellent article on The 10 Commandments of Fiction Writing by Raymond Obstfeld. Number one is 'Take Yourself Seriously' and the reasoning will probably resonate with most new authors - published or not.
Number two, 'Act like a Professional'. This one should be obvious, but...
The next eight are equally as illuminating.
Also of interest in this edition is: Five easy tips to strengthen your scenes by James Scott Bell.
Found this too: Best writing advice in ten words or fewer and 11 Plot Pitfalls - And How to Rescue Your Story From Them by Laura Whitcomb.
So now, I'm off to watch the Ravens and Panthers... Yay! Football season!
Anyway, Writer's Digest has a most excellent article on The 10 Commandments of Fiction Writing by Raymond Obstfeld. Number one is 'Take Yourself Seriously' and the reasoning will probably resonate with most new authors - published or not.
Number two, 'Act like a Professional'. This one should be obvious, but...
The next eight are equally as illuminating.
Also of interest in this edition is: Five easy tips to strengthen your scenes by James Scott Bell.
Found this too: Best writing advice in ten words or fewer and 11 Plot Pitfalls - And How to Rescue Your Story From Them by Laura Whitcomb.
So now, I'm off to watch the Ravens and Panthers... Yay! Football season!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Killing Place aka Ice Cold
I don't get the change in titles; one is as good as the other and it makes it a little confusing. But... anyway.
I finished Tess Gerritsen's The Killing Place last night. The blurb:
In Wyoming for a medical conference, Boston medical examiner Maura Isles joins a group of friends on a spur-of-the-moment ski trip. But when their SUV stalls on a snow-choked mountain road, they’re stranded with no help in sight.
As night falls, the group seeks refuge from the blizzard in the remote village of Kingdom Come, where twelve eerily identical houses stand dark and abandoned. Something terrible has happened in Kingdom Come: Meals sit untouched on tables, cars are still parked in garages. The town’s previous residents seem to have vanished into thin air, but footprints in the snow betray the presence of someone who still lurks in the cold darkness — someone who is watching Maura and her friends.
Days later, Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli receives the grim news that Maura’s charred body has been found in a mountain ravine. Shocked and grieving, Jane is determined to learn what happened to her friend. The investigation plunges Jane into the twisted history of Kingdom Come, where a gruesome discovery lies buried beneath the snow. As horrifying revelations come to light, Jane closes in on an enemy both powerful and merciless—and the chilling truth about Maura’s fate.
In this next Rizzoli and Isles book, you can feel the merciless cold of deep winter, sense the threat to the stranded group from the shadows without knowing why and sympathise with Maura at being stuck with this group of group of people who are almost determined to be unhappy:
I finished Tess Gerritsen's The Killing Place last night. The blurb:
In Wyoming for a medical conference, Boston medical examiner Maura Isles joins a group of friends on a spur-of-the-moment ski trip. But when their SUV stalls on a snow-choked mountain road, they’re stranded with no help in sight.
As night falls, the group seeks refuge from the blizzard in the remote village of Kingdom Come, where twelve eerily identical houses stand dark and abandoned. Something terrible has happened in Kingdom Come: Meals sit untouched on tables, cars are still parked in garages. The town’s previous residents seem to have vanished into thin air, but footprints in the snow betray the presence of someone who still lurks in the cold darkness — someone who is watching Maura and her friends.
Days later, Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli receives the grim news that Maura’s charred body has been found in a mountain ravine. Shocked and grieving, Jane is determined to learn what happened to her friend. The investigation plunges Jane into the twisted history of Kingdom Come, where a gruesome discovery lies buried beneath the snow. As horrifying revelations come to light, Jane closes in on an enemy both powerful and merciless—and the chilling truth about Maura’s fate.
In this next Rizzoli and Isles book, you can feel the merciless cold of deep winter, sense the threat to the stranded group from the shadows without knowing why and sympathise with Maura at being stuck with this group of group of people who are almost determined to be unhappy:
Handsome Doug Comley, the pathologist Maura meets up with, is a man who lives life to the limit, never believing things could go wrong; his daughter Grace, is a manipulative, pouting teenager who uses her parents' divorce as a stick to get her own way; Arlo, the food critic, perpetually hungry and his girlfriend, Elaine, who wants to have an affair with Doug and who can't make her own decisions.
In the throes of a personal crisis, Maura agrees to go on a ski-trip with this group, trusting Doug, even when she has doubts. She is the outsider, and the others agree with Doug to their peril.
Maura is presumed dead, but faithful friend Jane Rizzoli isn't so sure - even on the flimsiest of clues; Daniel, the cause of so much unhappiness and joy for Maura, resolutely secludes himself to grieve. I thought him a coward with his indecision over the relationship and the absolute conviction that Maura was dead.
And so the hunt for Maura is on. A religious cult, a boy in the icy wilderness, unfriendly locals, an empty village with dead pets, blood stains and eerie silence, all conspire to give the reader a bit of a chill (pun intended) as the story moves towards an inevitable and deadly confrontation.
The characters are well drawn, the situation realistic as Maura understands rescue ain't coming soon. The tension increases with every page as decisions are made that have consequences - good and bad.
Fans of the series will be entertained by this new book, but I was left with a few, unanswered questions. There are also some 'tells' about some of the victims, rather than 'shows', and I wanted the show, the proof. The confrontation with the cult's religious leader was a little strange, too, with a 'why did they do that?' thought.
In the end, Maura is changed, both physically and emotionally. How will she deal with it all? I guess we'll have to wait for the next book.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Offerings
Final edits on Demonesque are done. Now it sits and I obsess about it. But I'm not falling into that trap - if I constantly poke at it, keep changing things, it will never be ready. As long as the first three chapters are as polished as I can get them, I'm happy... but another read-through can't do any harm, can it?
Next up, the first three chapters of Knight Stalker and, if I have time before September, another book I've yet to choose. Oracle, a sci-fi, maybe; I like that one. Or Anzac Ascension, also sci-fi, that one's cool, too. Masquerade, a murder mystery...
Urban fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi and murder. Too much? Too frantic in my offerings? Do I just take one and tell of the others, or show the others? Mention I have stuff on Scribd?
Maybe I should just relax and get back to work. At least I'll have more than one ready, should and editor or agent have a squealie fan-girl moment and demand everything I have.
I can dream, can't I?
Next up, the first three chapters of Knight Stalker and, if I have time before September, another book I've yet to choose. Oracle, a sci-fi, maybe; I like that one. Or Anzac Ascension, also sci-fi, that one's cool, too. Masquerade, a murder mystery...
Urban fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi and murder. Too much? Too frantic in my offerings? Do I just take one and tell of the others, or show the others? Mention I have stuff on Scribd?
Maybe I should just relax and get back to work. At least I'll have more than one ready, should and editor or agent have a squealie fan-girl moment and demand everything I have.
I can dream, can't I?
Monday, August 09, 2010
The Search
It's taken me a little more than a week, but I finished Nora Robert's The Search.
It could be the timing, the inability to read nice, large chunks, or a number of other reasons, but... I didn't like the hero, Simon Doyle, and the dog training reminded me of the loss of Saxon, my own pooch. But mostly it was Simon.
I despise men who think it's up to them to make the decisions for the little woman - no matter how independent she is, or able to make her own damn decisions - because he knows what's best. No. On so many levels, no. I'd probably kick him to the curb before the relationship had a chance to evolve; and he didn't evolve as a character.
The 'this is my house, you're just living here' isn't a good sign for the future, even as he 'allows' Fiona to clean his house. I found him quite obnoxious about it, and a hundred other little things.
On the positive side, the story lines of canine rescue and Fiona's surviving a serial killer is well researched and interesting. The dogs are great and training techniques valuable to anyone who has a destructo-dog or canine-the-destroyer type. The villains are villains with no redeeming features - I had to wince at the wiping of everything on the mobile phone - brutal and, well, serial-killer-like.
The final confrontation between Fiona and the man who wants her dead is brief and lacks emotional punch; and while she and Simon go after the killer - Fiona, because she needs to end it, Simon because he wants vengeance and to protect Fiona - her only satisfaction is the villain is caught. Simon got the better deal. (Shoulda set the hounds on 'im.)
The Search meets expectations, but doesn't exceed it - there are better Noras, like High Noon and Blue Smoke.
It could be the timing, the inability to read nice, large chunks, or a number of other reasons, but... I didn't like the hero, Simon Doyle, and the dog training reminded me of the loss of Saxon, my own pooch. But mostly it was Simon.
I despise men who think it's up to them to make the decisions for the little woman - no matter how independent she is, or able to make her own damn decisions - because he knows what's best. No. On so many levels, no. I'd probably kick him to the curb before the relationship had a chance to evolve; and he didn't evolve as a character.
The 'this is my house, you're just living here' isn't a good sign for the future, even as he 'allows' Fiona to clean his house. I found him quite obnoxious about it, and a hundred other little things.
On the positive side, the story lines of canine rescue and Fiona's surviving a serial killer is well researched and interesting. The dogs are great and training techniques valuable to anyone who has a destructo-dog or canine-the-destroyer type. The villains are villains with no redeeming features - I had to wince at the wiping of everything on the mobile phone - brutal and, well, serial-killer-like.
The final confrontation between Fiona and the man who wants her dead is brief and lacks emotional punch; and while she and Simon go after the killer - Fiona, because she needs to end it, Simon because he wants vengeance and to protect Fiona - her only satisfaction is the villain is caught. Simon got the better deal. (Shoulda set the hounds on 'im.)
The Search meets expectations, but doesn't exceed it - there are better Noras, like High Noon and Blue Smoke.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Cats and mice
So, the mice have returned. I'm guessing the garage is too cold for them - and they probably ran screaming from the package of poison I tossed into the middle of their village up in the rafters.
I think we've caught six so far, but I don't know, since I told my SIL I didn't want her to lay traps over the weekend because the remains would stink up the garbage bin.
"Don't you just toss them up the back of the garden?" Was her question. "No." Like I want my veggie patch to stink of rotting flesh and have maggots and flies buzzing around. As usual, the SIL disregarded my wishes.
The only food they have is what's in the traps. I have no idea how they're getting into the house, but we don't have any problems in the other seasons. So traps. Snapping in the middle of the night and bodies removed before I get up.
I think I need a cat. If nothing else, a cat would provide endless entertainment:
Then again, a cat would go after the blue-tongue lizards; and then the snails and slugs would return. And they'd eat my veggies because I don't like to use chemicals and the cat would eat them, be poisoned and die. No more snow peas for us.
No cat. But I had a good laugh at the vid.
I'll deal with the mice - if they still live - after the rellos have gone. Thankfully, that will be tomorrow and my stress levels can drop. sigh I think I'll watch it again...
I think we've caught six so far, but I don't know, since I told my SIL I didn't want her to lay traps over the weekend because the remains would stink up the garbage bin.
"Don't you just toss them up the back of the garden?" Was her question. "No." Like I want my veggie patch to stink of rotting flesh and have maggots and flies buzzing around. As usual, the SIL disregarded my wishes.
The only food they have is what's in the traps. I have no idea how they're getting into the house, but we don't have any problems in the other seasons. So traps. Snapping in the middle of the night and bodies removed before I get up.
I think I need a cat. If nothing else, a cat would provide endless entertainment:
Then again, a cat would go after the blue-tongue lizards; and then the snails and slugs would return. And they'd eat my veggies because I don't like to use chemicals and the cat would eat them, be poisoned and die. No more snow peas for us.
No cat. But I had a good laugh at the vid.
I'll deal with the mice - if they still live - after the rellos have gone. Thankfully, that will be tomorrow and my stress levels can drop. sigh I think I'll watch it again...
Friday, August 06, 2010
Family feuds
I'm trying. I really am. But sometimes, all family does is raise your blood pressure and stress levels. And I'm of the considered opinion that only family can tie you into a pretzel.
Either their mood isn't conducive to humour and fun, or I feel like I'm running a Fawlty Towers hotel. Even taking refuge in work wasn't effective - outside the house or my own editing.
The saying that guests are like fish, after a couple of days they go off, is a truism I shall hug to myself during those dark times of 'oh, no dinner/lunch for us, we're going out' while said meal is being cooked. The long, disapproving silences, the argumentative answers to questions... ad nauseum.
It's the headaches, the stress, the sleepless nights, the wondering why the hell they won't damn well talk to us like members of the same species, let alone family.
Still, only another three days to go. In the meantime, I'll try and remember why... um... family matters. And try not to bemoan, bitch, rant, rave and otherwise pop a cork.... sigh
Either their mood isn't conducive to humour and fun, or I feel like I'm running a Fawlty Towers hotel. Even taking refuge in work wasn't effective - outside the house or my own editing.
The saying that guests are like fish, after a couple of days they go off, is a truism I shall hug to myself during those dark times of 'oh, no dinner/lunch for us, we're going out' while said meal is being cooked. The long, disapproving silences, the argumentative answers to questions... ad nauseum.
It's the headaches, the stress, the sleepless nights, the wondering why the hell they won't damn well talk to us like members of the same species, let alone family.
Still, only another three days to go. In the meantime, I'll try and remember why... um... family matters. And try not to bemoan, bitch, rant, rave and otherwise pop a cork.... sigh
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Dreamveil
Rowan Dietrich grew up on the streets. Now she's out to start anew, find a job - and keep her identity as a Kyndred secret, as well as her ability to "dreamveil" herself into the object of others' desires.
But Rowan isn't using her gift when world-class chef Jean-Marc Dansant is stricken by her beauty and strength. And when dark secrets from her past threaten her new life and love, Rowan realizes she can't run forever...
This is the second Kyndred novel, an off-shoot of the successful Darkyn series. In Dreamveil, Rowan Dietrich arrives in New York, passing through on her way to a new job, a new life in Boston following the events in Shadowlight. Things go awry when she crashes outside of Jean-Marc Dansant’s restaurant. Jean-Marc patches her up, and insists she stay, that he’ll give her a job and an apartment. Rowan agrees, but only for a while. Readers of Shadowlight will know of Rowan’s almost casual talent in the kitchen and her reasons for leaving Atlanta.
Rowan is drawn to Jean-Marc, to his mastery of French cuisine, but then... she meets Sean Meriden, her nasty, aggressive, and oh, so attractive neighbour. Her confusion is complete. How can she have the misfortune to go from one doomed relationship into double the trouble?
Both Meriden and Dansant are equally compelled and compelling: Meriden, a roughly-spoken, irritable snarler with a clever, bad boy attitude and Dansant, who uses food to seduce, soft spoken intelligence to woo – how does a woman chose between two men who attract her for different reasons?
This is a worthy sequel to Shadowlight with Rowan’s talent more a background to her human foibles – until the dreamveil shows her the truth of her relationship with Sean and Jean-Marc. The clues abound and carefully constructed, woven seamlessly into the story until the climax.
Even the villains of the piece are well crafted: not wholly evil and with their own reasons for wanting particular outcomes; although those outcomes mean the end for Rowan. The final confrontation is pure Viehl as Rowan comes face to face with her past in an effort to keep her future.
The main characters from Shadowlight make a cameo but critical appearance. While not important toDreamveil, it provokes questions for the story arc and increases the tension.
I really enjoyed this book and loved the solution to Rowan’s relationship issues. Another resolution I didn’t see coming – and should have. I liked the focus on the relationships rather than the awesome talent. The dreamveil has it's place, but not until Rowan decides it's time and uses it for herself, not others. This is definitely one for re-reading.
Frostfire, the third in the series is out early next year and fans are treated to a taste at the end of Dreamveil.
But Rowan isn't using her gift when world-class chef Jean-Marc Dansant is stricken by her beauty and strength. And when dark secrets from her past threaten her new life and love, Rowan realizes she can't run forever...
This is the second Kyndred novel, an off-shoot of the successful Darkyn series. In Dreamveil, Rowan Dietrich arrives in New York, passing through on her way to a new job, a new life in Boston following the events in Shadowlight. Things go awry when she crashes outside of Jean-Marc Dansant’s restaurant. Jean-Marc patches her up, and insists she stay, that he’ll give her a job and an apartment. Rowan agrees, but only for a while. Readers of Shadowlight will know of Rowan’s almost casual talent in the kitchen and her reasons for leaving Atlanta.
Rowan is drawn to Jean-Marc, to his mastery of French cuisine, but then... she meets Sean Meriden, her nasty, aggressive, and oh, so attractive neighbour. Her confusion is complete. How can she have the misfortune to go from one doomed relationship into double the trouble?
Both Meriden and Dansant are equally compelled and compelling: Meriden, a roughly-spoken, irritable snarler with a clever, bad boy attitude and Dansant, who uses food to seduce, soft spoken intelligence to woo – how does a woman chose between two men who attract her for different reasons?
This is a worthy sequel to Shadowlight with Rowan’s talent more a background to her human foibles – until the dreamveil shows her the truth of her relationship with Sean and Jean-Marc. The clues abound and carefully constructed, woven seamlessly into the story until the climax.
Even the villains of the piece are well crafted: not wholly evil and with their own reasons for wanting particular outcomes; although those outcomes mean the end for Rowan. The final confrontation is pure Viehl as Rowan comes face to face with her past in an effort to keep her future.
The main characters from Shadowlight make a cameo but critical appearance. While not important toDreamveil, it provokes questions for the story arc and increases the tension.
I really enjoyed this book and loved the solution to Rowan’s relationship issues. Another resolution I didn’t see coming – and should have. I liked the focus on the relationships rather than the awesome talent. The dreamveil has it's place, but not until Rowan decides it's time and uses it for herself, not others. This is definitely one for re-reading.
Frostfire, the third in the series is out early next year and fans are treated to a taste at the end of Dreamveil.
A dark and...
It was a dark and stormy night... No, really! It was dark - coz it was night - and it was stormy, with a howling, intermittent gale and sweeps of heavy rain and hail rattling against the windows; bright flashes of lightning and disgruntled thunder mixed in with pounding surf made for an interesting dark and stormy night.
We're promised much of the same today. Fortunately, we didn't lose power.
I also managed to catch a mouse. I thought it the smart bugger that's been plaguing me. Five minutes after setting the trap - again - snap! one less rodent. But this morning, the second trap lay empty of peanut butter without going off. I guess I caught the dumb one.
The rellos arrived yesterday - a couple of hours early - before I could get the parent ready. (She doesn't like that and it tends to increase her stress, which leads to... well, she doesn't like being caught off guard.)
They're here for a week. Needless to say, work has ground to a halt; but I have high expectations that some will be done because I can't see them mooching about the house - there's lots to see and do that I've already seen and done.
For now, I'm getting back to the review I'm trying to write, before the relative arise for the day...
We're promised much of the same today. Fortunately, we didn't lose power.
I also managed to catch a mouse. I thought it the smart bugger that's been plaguing me. Five minutes after setting the trap - again - snap! one less rodent. But this morning, the second trap lay empty of peanut butter without going off. I guess I caught the dumb one.
The rellos arrived yesterday - a couple of hours early - before I could get the parent ready. (She doesn't like that and it tends to increase her stress, which leads to... well, she doesn't like being caught off guard.)
They're here for a week. Needless to say, work has ground to a halt; but I have high expectations that some will be done because I can't see them mooching about the house - there's lots to see and do that I've already seen and done.
For now, I'm getting back to the review I'm trying to write, before the relative arise for the day...
Friday, July 30, 2010
I write like who?
Um, yes, well, I should be doing domestic chores, but, like any good work avoider, I'm screwing around on the Internet. I found I Write Like from Tanya Huff's LJ account.
You copy a few paragraphs into the analyser and it pops out a famous writer. Of course I have better things to do, but what the hell. One of the books I'm taking to Melbourne with me, Knight Stalker came up with this:
I don't know whether that's good or bad. Great story idea but dubious execution?
The second book, Demonesque, in a different genre:
All I can say is: "WTF???"
They're the new ones. The ones already out there? Okay, let's see:
Huntress
Umm...
The sequel, Huntress: Sacrifice, came up with this:
I don't know whether that means the first few paragraphs are funny - they're not supposed to be - or it's got some weird juxtapositions about them that I should examine more closely. The third in the series came up with Dan Brown again.
And the Seasons series came up with Chuck Palanuik, Stephen King, Annie Rice and James Joyce. I should say that on Scribd, the second book (written like Stephen King) is the most popular, so maybe the analyser is onto something.
Apparently, the analyser "checks which famous writer you write like by analyzing your word choice and writing style and comparing them with those of the famous writers."
It's makes me feel rather schizophrenic, that I don't have a writing style I can call my own... precious.We wants it, we wants it... Still, it's one of those things you can procrastinate with for hours.
You copy a few paragraphs into the analyser and it pops out a famous writer. Of course I have better things to do, but what the hell. One of the books I'm taking to Melbourne with me, Knight Stalker came up with this:
I don't know whether that's good or bad. Great story idea but dubious execution?
The second book, Demonesque, in a different genre:
All I can say is: "WTF???"
They're the new ones. The ones already out there? Okay, let's see:
Huntress
Umm...
The sequel, Huntress: Sacrifice, came up with this:
I don't know whether that means the first few paragraphs are funny - they're not supposed to be - or it's got some weird juxtapositions about them that I should examine more closely. The third in the series came up with Dan Brown again.
And the Seasons series came up with Chuck Palanuik, Stephen King, Annie Rice and James Joyce. I should say that on Scribd, the second book (written like Stephen King) is the most popular, so maybe the analyser is onto something.
Apparently, the analyser "checks which famous writer you write like by analyzing your word choice and writing style and comparing them with those of the famous writers."
It's makes me feel rather schizophrenic, that I don't have a writing style I can call my own... precious.We wants it, we wants it... Still, it's one of those things you can procrastinate with for hours.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Hugo and I go...
If I'd been thinking right, I'd have gone to the Hugo Awards site to find out how the nominations were decided. I'm guessing I'm a little over-tired from all the reading I've done in the past week, including all the works of the John W. Campbell Award nominees.
But I've voted now. All done. Buh-bye. Off hugo. My votes are in cyberspace...
I swear, the next time I decide to go to World Con, I'm doing it early, to give myself the space to read and see everything. (Yes, I take my voting seriously, as anyone should.)
Now, I can get back to what I was doing more than a week ago - and finish a review, read a book or two on my ever-increasing TBR pile, get my own stuff ready for September.
The waiting, however...
But I've voted now. All done. Buh-bye. Off hugo. My votes are in cyberspace...
I swear, the next time I decide to go to World Con, I'm doing it early, to give myself the space to read and see everything. (Yes, I take my voting seriously, as anyone should.)
Now, I can get back to what I was doing more than a week ago - and finish a review, read a book or two on my ever-increasing TBR pile, get my own stuff ready for September.
The waiting, however...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How goes Hugo?
I've been consuming the Hugo Nominees: the short stories, novellas, novelettes, novels and the John W. Campbell nominees: From the Ice Age to a billion years into the future; aliens and Victorian-era sleuths; stories of luck and tales of fate; gods and demons; genetic manipulation and hidden personalities; paranormal and supernatural; complex quantum time-spatial theories and inevitable linear events. Oh, and 'wow' to 'wtf?'.
I would like to know how they were nominated, what the process is. I also have to come up with a method to make my decisions. Do I go with what I like, or with how clever a story is; whether I'm intrigued with the story or admire the uniqueness? Do I vote for how easy a story is to read, or my understanding of the science and how it knits into the work? How about whether the words evoke an emotional response or whether I find myself thinking about the story for a while? Then there's the style, the grammar and intent of the work. Do I consider all of the above?
Voting ends on Saturday and I'm up to the big prize: the novels. Only a couple more to go. My decisions on the other categories is still pending while I work out how to make the final vote.
And now, back to the novels.
I would like to know how they were nominated, what the process is. I also have to come up with a method to make my decisions. Do I go with what I like, or with how clever a story is; whether I'm intrigued with the story or admire the uniqueness? Do I vote for how easy a story is to read, or my understanding of the science and how it knits into the work? How about whether the words evoke an emotional response or whether I find myself thinking about the story for a while? Then there's the style, the grammar and intent of the work. Do I consider all of the above?
Voting ends on Saturday and I'm up to the big prize: the novels. Only a couple more to go. My decisions on the other categories is still pending while I work out how to make the final vote.
And now, back to the novels.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Upping the ante
I foresee, in my future, the creation of an online presence greater than I anticipate.
Yeah. Went to an e-business seminar today for the museum; the director was there, too. Next thing I know there are stars in my boss's eyes at all the shiney things I could do to promote the museum on social media networks. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Wikipedia, Blogger... oh, the horrible list went on. Meta-searches, keywords, HTML coding, F structure (as in how people view pages, not, you know, me cursing - a temptation I resisted).
Tomorrow, I head to the University of Wollongong to hear the marketing plans of the students and discuss the aforementioned seminar with the president of the board during the hour and a half road trip. Did I mention the president and the director don't actually get along? Harumph - yes, it's a word. Harumph. There'll be a meeting next week on how to proceed in this new and sparkly universe. I'm of a mind to dump all manner of techno-speak, statistics, profiling, mapping and networking protocols on them... sigh, I need more staff. Oh, wait, I need staff so I can ask for more.
Meanwhile, Canine the Destroyer has buried a nicely sucked chew bone in the unfolded laundry... Am I being punished for spending most of the day away?
I'm also trying to find time to write a review for Lynn Viehl's Dreamveil, but so far, no luck. Bring on the weekend so I can do my stuff!
Yeah. Went to an e-business seminar today for the museum; the director was there, too. Next thing I know there are stars in my boss's eyes at all the shiney things I could do to promote the museum on social media networks. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Wikipedia, Blogger... oh, the horrible list went on. Meta-searches, keywords, HTML coding, F structure (as in how people view pages, not, you know, me cursing - a temptation I resisted).
Tomorrow, I head to the University of Wollongong to hear the marketing plans of the students and discuss the aforementioned seminar with the president of the board during the hour and a half road trip. Did I mention the president and the director don't actually get along? Harumph - yes, it's a word. Harumph. There'll be a meeting next week on how to proceed in this new and sparkly universe. I'm of a mind to dump all manner of techno-speak, statistics, profiling, mapping and networking protocols on them... sigh, I need more staff. Oh, wait, I need staff so I can ask for more.
Meanwhile, Canine the Destroyer has buried a nicely sucked chew bone in the unfolded laundry... Am I being punished for spending most of the day away?
I'm also trying to find time to write a review for Lynn Viehl's Dreamveil, but so far, no luck. Bring on the weekend so I can do my stuff!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Catch up
Canine the Destroyer is acting more like a cat than a puppy, climbing on - or sliding under - as much furniture as he can. I might give him a spray, but five minutes later, he's at it again. His new target are socks. And now he's curled up on a blanket having a snooze.
So. This round of edits are done and I'll get to more next week, but I have a longing to read someone else's work and to catch up on some DVDs and that's what I've been doing - when not watching for the next bit of mayhem from the hound.
I'm deep into Lynn Viehl's Dreamveil and I can feel a suspicion sneaking up on me. But then, I'm always suspicious of Lynn because she hides her clues in plain sight and it's only at the end of the book that you slap your forehead and say 'Of course, it was there all the time and I missed it! Damn that woman!'
I can imagine Lynn mwahaha-ing all the way to the publisher...
And I'd best read some more while the puppy is napping.
So. This round of edits are done and I'll get to more next week, but I have a longing to read someone else's work and to catch up on some DVDs and that's what I've been doing - when not watching for the next bit of mayhem from the hound.
I'm deep into Lynn Viehl's Dreamveil and I can feel a suspicion sneaking up on me. But then, I'm always suspicious of Lynn because she hides her clues in plain sight and it's only at the end of the book that you slap your forehead and say 'Of course, it was there all the time and I missed it! Damn that woman!'
I can imagine Lynn mwahaha-ing all the way to the publisher...
And I'd best read some more while the puppy is napping.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Canine the Barbarian
Canine the Barbarian, the beast formerly known as Destructo-dog, formerly known as Dobby, formerly known as Scout, is coming along nicely with the help of a behaviour modification device; aka, the squirt bottle.
Currently, he's chowing down on a... stick, although cushions are his favourite toy, coz he can hump them at the same time as teaching them not to mess with him; obviously, the lack of two dangly bits hasn't stopped him.
So far, the garden has escaped his attention. Mostly. He's very good at turning over the Winter soil in the veggie patch and taking out those pesky weeds. He replants them on the lawn, after a manic victory lap around the garden, of course. He has no fear of the pitchfork; indeed, he sees it as an interloper to his game. And the three pronged fork is just his size for chewing - if he can get it out of my hand.
No rabbit dares enter his domain and the Blue-Tongue Lizards are safely hibernating in the garage. He also gets great exercise chasing the birds. And the neighbours? Well, why wouldn't they like to be woken at 7 am on a Sunday by his yapping at the early morning joggers? He's just reminding them that the day's awasting if they have a lie-in. Really, he's doing them a favour.
So now, I'll just go and clean up the shredded newspaper and plastic he's taken out of the recycle bin to chew and play with. (How can one puppy manage to put such small pieces in unlikely places? Like... under the couch?) At least he's not widdling everywhere...
Currently, he's chowing down on a... stick, although cushions are his favourite toy, coz he can hump them at the same time as teaching them not to mess with him; obviously, the lack of two dangly bits hasn't stopped him.
So far, the garden has escaped his attention. Mostly. He's very good at turning over the Winter soil in the veggie patch and taking out those pesky weeds. He replants them on the lawn, after a manic victory lap around the garden, of course. He has no fear of the pitchfork; indeed, he sees it as an interloper to his game. And the three pronged fork is just his size for chewing - if he can get it out of my hand.
No rabbit dares enter his domain and the Blue-Tongue Lizards are safely hibernating in the garage. He also gets great exercise chasing the birds. And the neighbours? Well, why wouldn't they like to be woken at 7 am on a Sunday by his yapping at the early morning joggers? He's just reminding them that the day's awasting if they have a lie-in. Really, he's doing them a favour.
So now, I'll just go and clean up the shredded newspaper and plastic he's taken out of the recycle bin to chew and play with. (How can one puppy manage to put such small pieces in unlikely places? Like... under the couch?) At least he's not widdling everywhere...
Friday, July 16, 2010
Introducing...
Destructo-pup!
Or as he is known to his family, Dobby formerly known as Scout. He's five months old, a maniac and I'm puppy-sitting for another week.
Yes, it's been a bit breezy here, but I hesitate to make the connection to a certain Disney elephant.
Alright, he hasn't actually destroyed anything, just had a really, really good try. But I'm sure the newspaper, tissues and old yard broom would protest that statement. Also on his hit list are my slippers, runners, work boots, cushions, his sleeping mat, and any cord he can find.
At the moment, he's trying to dig through the driveway - something interesting must be buried down there. He's also tried to dig through the couch cushions and discovered... dust bunnies - I think they're his favourite. Every time I turn around!
When he's awake, he's finding new and interesting things to chew - currently, a small, old log he found somewhere; but when he crashes, he's down for the count.
I'd forgotten puppies have two speeds: full on and complete stop.
As a reward for my patience, he's digging over the compost heap in the veggie patch.
Good puppy!
Or as he is known to his family, Dobby formerly known as Scout. He's five months old, a maniac and I'm puppy-sitting for another week.
Yes, it's been a bit breezy here, but I hesitate to make the connection to a certain Disney elephant.
Alright, he hasn't actually destroyed anything, just had a really, really good try. But I'm sure the newspaper, tissues and old yard broom would protest that statement. Also on his hit list are my slippers, runners, work boots, cushions, his sleeping mat, and any cord he can find.
At the moment, he's trying to dig through the driveway - something interesting must be buried down there. He's also tried to dig through the couch cushions and discovered... dust bunnies - I think they're his favourite. Every time I turn around!
When he's awake, he's finding new and interesting things to chew - currently, a small, old log he found somewhere; but when he crashes, he's down for the count.
I'd forgotten puppies have two speeds: full on and complete stop.
As a reward for my patience, he's digging over the compost heap in the veggie patch.
Good puppy!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Techno-panic
We live in such a modern age. *shakes head* I do actually recall the days before facebook, myspace and twitter; before the shining days of mobile phones, i-pods and mp3 players - I still have (somewhere) my first Sony Walkman. I even learned to type on a gasp manual typewriter.
I've had an e-mail account for ten or more years, so you can imagine my panic when I couldn't access the account. Through some weird, cosmic time-gap, I managed to get in and check the mail, then signed out - as you do - and now, nothing. It asks me to register the ID name since it's available!! Nooooo!!!
I've requested assistance in this matter and I'm hoping it isn't a virus (I have anti-virus software, updated constantly and security firewalls), but I know it ain't my fingers mis-typing. Something evil has happened and I'm trusting the Yahoo! staff to get to the bottom of it.
Given it's my main account - not author account - it's a major pain in the rear end. I am shuddering at the thought of creating a new account and address book.
I've had an e-mail account for ten or more years, so you can imagine my panic when I couldn't access the account. Through some weird, cosmic time-gap, I managed to get in and check the mail, then signed out - as you do - and now, nothing. It asks me to register the ID name since it's available!! Nooooo!!!
I've requested assistance in this matter and I'm hoping it isn't a virus (I have anti-virus software, updated constantly and security firewalls), but I know it ain't my fingers mis-typing. Something evil has happened and I'm trusting the Yahoo! staff to get to the bottom of it.
Given it's my main account - not author account - it's a major pain in the rear end. I am shuddering at the thought of creating a new account and address book.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Bastille Day
Ah, Bastille Day. The commemoration of the breaking into the Bastille Saint-Antoine fortress prison to free the prisoners. Considered the beginning of the French Revolution.
Enjoy your day.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Bubbling away
Beavering away at edits; see? See the counter? I'm getting that sneaky feeling of running out of time - nerves, I think. WorldCon is when it all happens and I must be ready.
There's lots going on in Real Life, too, for the next fortnight. I think the Universe is throwing things at me to test my commitment. I'd like to say failure is not an option, but it's always an option - it's a matter of how we deal with it.
So. Books simmering away nicely, a short story sauteing in the frying pan and a nicely marinated batch of stress roasting in the oven.
Back to work before a meeting I have this morning, then it's cake baking for my M.'s birthday - a nice meringue layer cake with chocolate ganache, Chantilly cream and dark cherries. Mmmm... chocolate....
There's lots going on in Real Life, too, for the next fortnight. I think the Universe is throwing things at me to test my commitment. I'd like to say failure is not an option, but it's always an option - it's a matter of how we deal with it.
So. Books simmering away nicely, a short story sauteing in the frying pan and a nicely marinated batch of stress roasting in the oven.
Back to work before a meeting I have this morning, then it's cake baking for my M.'s birthday - a nice meringue layer cake with chocolate ganache, Chantilly cream and dark cherries. Mmmm... chocolate....
Thursday, July 08, 2010
What's Up?
Busy, busy, bizzeee!
I've paid for my trip to the World Science Fiction Convention, otherwise known as Aussiecon 4. WOOT! Happy Dance!
Then there's the piece written - but not yet edited - to submit to Ticonderoga Press's upcoming anthology, More Scary Kisses.
I have also found these interesting items:
First, Holly Lisle is creating an on-line publishing house called Rebel Tales. This post details the reasoning behind the move. I admire her ambition to take on the big guys and will try to support the project.
Second, Writers Digest has a useful article on 5 Stages of Querying by Anne Gallagher, an aspiring romance writer. It doesn't matter what genre you write in, these tips will help.
Third, also via Writers Digest, 10 Things Writers Should Never Do by WD blogger, Kate Monahan. Again, full of useful information, but importantly, to never give up on yourself.
Fourth, guiding the little university blossoms around my museum... okay, it's not mine, but it was great to expand on my truncated speech and show them the historic artefacts.
And fifth, the usual editing and grumbling about the aforementioned editing. Which I should get back to...
I've paid for my trip to the World Science Fiction Convention, otherwise known as Aussiecon 4. WOOT! Happy Dance!
Then there's the piece written - but not yet edited - to submit to Ticonderoga Press's upcoming anthology, More Scary Kisses.
I have also found these interesting items:
First, Holly Lisle is creating an on-line publishing house called Rebel Tales. This post details the reasoning behind the move. I admire her ambition to take on the big guys and will try to support the project.
Second, Writers Digest has a useful article on 5 Stages of Querying by Anne Gallagher, an aspiring romance writer. It doesn't matter what genre you write in, these tips will help.
Third, also via Writers Digest, 10 Things Writers Should Never Do by WD blogger, Kate Monahan. Again, full of useful information, but importantly, to never give up on yourself.
Fourth, guiding the little university blossoms around my museum... okay, it's not mine, but it was great to expand on my truncated speech and show them the historic artefacts.
And fifth, the usual editing and grumbling about the aforementioned editing. Which I should get back to...
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Moving on...
Moving on from my breakfast... ah, thingy. I found an article on Salon.com, When anyone can be a published author by Laura Miller, via Tanya Huff's Live Journal page.
The article raises some interesting points about the publishing industry and the current ease of self-publishing on the 'net. Will the expected explosion of standard-book-industry's rejected books onto the internet mean readers will have to wade through worse tripe than usual for the gems, as current editors do today?
Personally, I've tried to edit some... 'underdone' books myself; fortunately, the kernal of plot made the work worth the extra effort. I've seen some pure blech, too.
Indeed, I've posted work I'm not entirely happy with (although I'd never presume to say 'this book is perfect' for any of my work; only that I've posted the best it can be at that particular juncture in time work). I need to learn not to make deadlines unreasonable.
Having said that, I need to get back to the duology I'm editing to take down with me to Melbourne along with Demonesque. I'm hoping they'll see continuity in work ethic even as the books are two separate genres. Is three books enough? Probably. But I'll take synopsis of the others as well.
The article raises some interesting points about the publishing industry and the current ease of self-publishing on the 'net. Will the expected explosion of standard-book-industry's rejected books onto the internet mean readers will have to wade through worse tripe than usual for the gems, as current editors do today?
Personally, I've tried to edit some... 'underdone' books myself; fortunately, the kernal of plot made the work worth the extra effort. I've seen some pure blech, too.
Indeed, I've posted work I'm not entirely happy with (although I'd never presume to say 'this book is perfect' for any of my work; only that I've posted the best it can be at that particular juncture in time work). I need to learn not to make deadlines unreasonable.
Having said that, I need to get back to the duology I'm editing to take down with me to Melbourne along with Demonesque. I'm hoping they'll see continuity in work ethic even as the books are two separate genres. Is three books enough? Probably. But I'll take synopsis of the others as well.
If it's worth doing...
...it's worth doing well. sigh.
I have visitors this weekend and decided to make egg and bacon muffins. Eggs worked fine, muffins, ditto. I cook bacon for about ten minutes in a low oven - comes out delish (especially when marinated in maple syrup, but that's too exotic for the boys - 11 and 10).
In retrieving the bacon, I managed to tip the tray a little too far and... yes, hot bacon fat down my palm, little and ring fingers. Didn't hurt, initially, just a quiet curse word or three at the greasy fat on the floor - and I did save the bacon (hah!).
Now, a few hours later, it feels like a giant papercut. No blisters, but nicely red after a dowsing in cold water. A good stinging and throb.
You never really know how much you put your hands in water until you've collected a burn.
Yeah, if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. I think I'll tattoo 'eeedeeyot' on my forehead and go pout.
I have visitors this weekend and decided to make egg and bacon muffins. Eggs worked fine, muffins, ditto. I cook bacon for about ten minutes in a low oven - comes out delish (especially when marinated in maple syrup, but that's too exotic for the boys - 11 and 10).
In retrieving the bacon, I managed to tip the tray a little too far and... yes, hot bacon fat down my palm, little and ring fingers. Didn't hurt, initially, just a quiet curse word or three at the greasy fat on the floor - and I did save the bacon (hah!).
Now, a few hours later, it feels like a giant papercut. No blisters, but nicely red after a dowsing in cold water. A good stinging and throb.
You never really know how much you put your hands in water until you've collected a burn.
Yeah, if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. I think I'll tattoo 'eeedeeyot' on my forehead and go pout.
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