Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Year in Pictorial Review

The last day of the year, the last day of the decade, for all intents and purposes a day like any other, yet...

Here's where I was going to do a lovely reflective post, oozing with meaningful profundities, a few drops of wisdom born of 2009's new found knowledge and experience, (ha!) and, erm, a wee dollop of whimsy...

Unfortunetly, the pretty words aren't flowing today. Unlike my nose, but that of course doesn't bare discussing in polite company. Also, I sure wouldn't want you to think that I was attempting to milk any more sympathy out of this pathetic little cold I have...

So, here it is - 2009 A Pictorial Review:


Ah yes, the year began, somewhat predictably--in the season of WINTER.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

December Reading List-Part Deux


I posted my November reading list with a December update on the 11th of this month, fully believing that I wouldn't have much reading time until after the New Year. Funny how things work out though, one of my dear holiday guests was kind enough to pass a lovely seasonal head cold along to me.

Although you may find this hard to believe (Re: The Grey Goose re-gifted Vodka Set post), I'm really not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Truly, I'd be hard pressed to complain about the miserable cold, as here I've been, snuggled up with my books, with the 'Poke bringing me copious amounts of honey sweetened tea, and kindly dipping his hands into the dishwater every night, so that I might crawl back into bed and read. Ahem, I meant to say--get my rest. Shhh, I think he and his dishpan hands may be becoming just a little suspicious...

Friday, December 25, 2009

Happy Holidays Everyone!


It's been a privilege to meet you all this year.
Looking forward to more in 2010!



It is in the shelter of each other that the people live. ~Irish Proverb
 
Peace To All!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Grey Goose Chase


Last year I received a Vodka Set for Christmas. I suspect it was a re-gift. I considered passing it along, but couldn't decide who to give it to, or more importantly...why.

You see, the concept and purpose of the Vodka Set completely escaped me. 

I imagined myself stuffing a slender wedge of lime into one of those teeny weeny little glasses, perhaps even some crushed ice. Conceivably - I may have also managed to dribble a few drops of vodka in as well.

But then what? Hellooo! No room for tonic water. My thirst for knowledge, remained unquenched.

Then one day, I received an e-mail extolling the amazing properties of vodka. Apparently, vodka is akin to the 8th Wonder of the World, the consummate all-purpose home product. Who knew? (Well, you know, I suspect that Martha may have…)

I felt a glimmer of hope, I could create a theme basket incorporating the Vodka Set.  According to the list of uses for vodka, the possibilities appeared endless. 

Thursday, December 17, 2009

'Tis The Season

I give up.

In one week it shall be the Eve of Christmas. Thereby and therefore, there shall be no writing, revising, nor any other such writerly pursuits betwixt now and the New Year. 

Edit: I'll still be blogging :)

Allow me to share with you my most favouritist holiday decoration:

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Let's Play a Game

The object of the game is to fill in the following sentence with an adjective. The answers must follow the alphabet sequentially from A-Z.


The writer’s pen is a/an ___________ pen.

The rules are:

There are no rules.

Play nice.

Ready, set, go!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Twenty-six Questions


Laura over at Laura's Simple Pleasures tagged me on the twenty-six question "meme".  Thanks Laura! So here goes:



1a. What’s the last thing you wrote? I’m working on, an as yet untitled, short, a bit experimental. The idea is to tell the entire story with the character standing in one spot interacting with the world as it moves around him.

1b. What’s the first thing you wrote that you still have? I came across a poem in a box last week that I wrote when I was sixteen. It’s typically teen.

2. Write poetry? When the mood strikes, a couple of lines will pop into my head and out it comes.

3. Angsty poetry? Nothing lately.

4. Favorite genre of writing? I enjoy reading most genres and like to experiment. At the moment, I’m focusing on paranormal romance which allows me some room to play.

5. Most annoying character you’ve ever created? I think they can all be annoying on some level. My most annoying would be Dakota Moon. He's a secondary character in MARK OF THE FLAME who developed to the point of demanding his own book. Hence my second WiP, VALKREY'S MOON.

6. Best plot you’ve ever created? I’ve yet to craft a plot that I would label my best.

7. Coolest plot twist you’ve ever created? Ditto number six. Perhaps when I come up with the ‘coolest plot twist’ it will develop into the ‘best plot’ and I’ll have something that I’m happy with.

8. How often do you get writer’s block? I don’t believe in writers block, per se, but life tends to intrude and muddy up my creative juices upon occasion.

9. Write fan fiction? No.

10. Do you type or write by hand? I type, saves on paper - though I do at times miss having the crumpled up balls to toss at the wall.

11. Do you save everything you write? Most but not all.

12. Do you ever go back to an idea after you’ve abandoned it? Rarely. Although, I keep a list of idea's and often two of them will merge and morph into a new idea.

13. What’s your favourite thing you’ve ever written? I can’t think of anything specific, I like making people laugh, so I feel good when I achieve that.

14. What’s everyone else’s favourite story that you’ve written? I’ve never asked, I haven’t shared my writing with very many people.

15. Ever written romance or angst teen drama? Yup on the romance.

16. What’s your favourite setting for your characters? At the moment, I’m into creating fantasy settings. One of my WiPs is set underground and the other on a fictional planet.

17. How many writing projects are you working on right now? Three.

18. Have you ever won an award for your writing? No.

19. What are your five favourite words? Is this a trick question? It feels a bit Rorschachy. I’m going to pass.

20. What character have you created that is most like yourself? They all have different parts of me…I can’t pick one.

21. Where do you get ideas for your characters? I tend to get the seed of a story and the characters are kind enough to show up.

22. Do you write based on your dreams? No, I stick to writing fiction.

23. Do you favour happy endings? Yes.

24. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write? Always. Although, I’ve learned to loosen up a bit. A creative writing teacher informed me that I had perfectionists block. I had a tendency to spend far too many hours attempting to perfect a sentence or a passage, not a productive way to write.

25. Does music help you write? I find classical very inspirational but prefer total silence when I’m writing. Although, once I’m completely immersed in ‘the zone’ I can block out just about any distraction.

26. Quote something you’ve written. Whatever pops into your head.

The following is a snippit from VALKREY'S MOON, pretty generic but I have a LOT of revising to do and it doesn't give away any of the story, which is still subject to change:

Dak was fully loaded when the man finished gearing him up. He slid his hand along the broad silver gun that hung from his hip and stretched down along his thigh to his knee.

“What should I know about this thing?” He asked.

“That thing, as you call it, is a long range weapon, equipped with an ionic self-generating internal power source. The ray is heat seeking, so basically, you just point and click. Think you can handle that cadet?” The snarky ensign said.

Dak ignored the barb. “What about a short range weapon?”

“Your other hip.”

“A knife?” Dak narrowed his eyes in disbelief.

“I don’t know what you’re worried about. Like the real SG’s are going to let you get anywhere close to the action.”

“Get me a freaking stun gun or something useful you little—“ Dak bared his teeth and the ensign promptly transported leaving Dak snarling at empty air. Damn he hated that.

“Are you ready Moon?” The mission commander called out as he approached.

“Just waiting for a short range weapon sir.”

“What’s wrong with the one you have?”

“Hacking people up with a knife seems a tad archaic.”

The commander laughed and pulled the knife from Dak’s hip. He aimed it at a steel barrel and a laser beam shot out and reduced the metal vessel to a pile of ashes. He laid the ‘knife’ in his palm and indicated two buttons with the index finger of his free hand. “Stun. Kill. It’s simple—“

“I know. Just point and click.” Dak said as he picked up the knife and slapped it back onto his hip.


* * *
This is where I'm supposed to tag a few people to play the twenty-six question game, *rubbing hands together in anticipation* hmmm...

No, I can't do it. Consider this an open invitation to participate. Or not. Reader's choice.

Thanks again Laura! I do believe this little game has prompted me to dive back into revision mode. Yay!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Reading List Update

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date...

Honestly, I'm behind on everything at the moment. It's eleven days late, but here's my reading list for November. Actually, due to my gross tardiness, I’ll just call it an update.

Over the last few weeks I've had the pleasure of reading works by three bloggy pals. I’m a little in awe of all the talented writers that I’ve met since I’ve ventured into the wonderful world of the blogisphere.

First off and without revealing anything that I shouldn’t be: I’d like to give shout outs to Bane and Bridget who have both honoured me with the privilege of beta reading their manuscripts. Both of which were such excellent reads that I’m confident it won’t be long until we see them in print. Fingers crossed guys!

I also read fellow blogger Kathryn Magendie’s Tender Graces and the blurb on her website so excellently describes my own thoughts and feelings that I’m going to cheat and put that up here:

Tender Graces
By Kathryn Magendie

"Every so often, if you're fortunate enough, you'll find a book that not only captures your attention and imagination, it captures your heart. Kathryn Magendie's characters are so vivid and memorable, and the story so poignant, one hates for TENDER GRACES to end. The voice of the West Virginia mountains holds true in every aspect of Magendie's work, which leaves one begging for more and wondering where this gifted writer has been hiding all these years!"  ~ Deborah LeBlanc, Author of Family Inheritance, Grave Intent, A House Divided, Morbid Curiosity, and Water Witch

I highly, highly recommend Tender Graces! Kathryn is hard at work on the sequel, Tender Secrets.

BTW Kat, I thought the ending worked perfectly. Can't wait for the next installment in the Virginia Kate Sagas. Visit Kathryn's blog here.

Now, reverting back to my 'no review' policy here is the remainder of my list:

The Lost Symbol
by Dan Brown (2009)

Wickedly Ever After
by Michelle Marcos (2009)
(Historical Romance)

Mystic Horseman
by Kathleen Eagle (2008)
(Romance)

In the spirit of, attempting, to catch up I'd like to give a much overdue thank you to my pal Laura Martone for gifting me with the Honest Scrap Award. Oh, and for tagging me with the twenty-six-question-meme, it's now on the to-do list.  

Now, I'm off to blog visit. If this cruddy old computer will co-operate. It's so painfully slow these days that I feel like I'm tapping everything out in morse code. Come to think of it, that might be faster.

.--.   ---   ...  

Have a wonderful day all!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

On the Road

I'll be AWOL for a couple/few days. Heading to the big city to dive into some Christmas shopping, and then on to the inlaws farm to lend a hand. Well, technically I'll be relaxing in their toasty warm house, but I will be lending them the 'Poke. Get it, hand - ranch hand. Okay, that was just lame. I should pack.

Have a happy day all!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Thanks!

A tip of the hat and a great big thanks y'all for your kind birthday wishes for my Cowpoke's big 4-0.


December First

Good morning and welcome to December. Thanks to the six inches of snow that graced our world yesterday, I woke up to a winter wonderland. The beauty of it all warmed my soul and the spirit of Christmas began to seep in through Jack Frost's scribbles.




I smiled, grabbed the camera, and ran outside to snap a shot. The wonder of the pretty sunrise, and glowing thoughts of a white Christmas fled as the chill air nipped my ankles and numbed my fingers. Whoa, time to dig out the industrial strength house slippers. Holy Hannah in a hay wagon—it’s bitter freezing cold out there!

FYI: According to Holiday Insights list of Bizarre and Unique Holidays, today is Eat a Red Apple Day. As weird holidays go I think this is one that could be observed with little fuss and preparation. I'm going to skip it though, we have a far more festive occasion to celebrate today.

It's the cowpoke's birthday, (Happy Birthday Honey!) so I'm off to bake a chocolate cake. Likely that will be followed by a frantic search through the kitchen drawers looking for some gently used birthday candles. Wish me luck on that one...  And have a good day!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Hit Me With Your Best Shot


Here I stand with my lightning rod clutched firmly in hand, wind in my face, hair straight back, wrapped in the midst of a raging, beautiful : yet desolate brainstorm.

Against the mounting torrent, I intrepidly wade through a maelstrom of random thoughts, grasping the good, rejecting the offal. Sweet fodder, as brilliantly prosaic as a saffron hued barnyard puddle, collects and overflows, sloshes over the black rubber of my orange-soled muckers as I boot paddle through the countless possibilities.

I plant my feet, steadfast, within the cloven hoarfrost impressions, and raise the rod above my head—higher, higher. I lift my rosy hopeful cheeks to the heavens. “Hit me, hit me!” I plead to the powers that be.

Hit me with your best shot, fire away.

Pat Benatar 1979? Huh. I was hoping for something a little fresher.




Brainstorm fail.

So, what are you wading through at the moment?


Special thoughts to fellow blogger Stephanie McGee. Devon Hollahan (a member of her family) went missing in Frankfurt, Germany just before Thanksgiving. Many prayers for Devons safe return, hang in there Stephanie.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving and Breakfast Pizza

I know, I'm a Canadian, and we had our Thanksgiving in October. The cowpoke's mother and grandparents are duel citizens, so it's not uncommon for us to feast and be thankful twice. Far be it from me to not appreciate the best of both worlds. We're not indulging this year, but I can't help but think about turkey today--and left-overs! Mmmm, I'm experiencing a bad case of turkey envy here.

My new favourite thing for holiday company weekends is breakfast pizza. Yummy and easy to adapt, in order to cater to fussy eaters all tastes. Company around here often includes a vegetarian, lots of meat lovers, and the usual assortment of spicey food lovers and haters. There's room on a couple/few pizzas to make a custom section for everyone.



Breakfast Pizza

Pizza Dough (makes one crust)
1 c. lukewarm water
1 1/2 tsps yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsps salt
2 1/2 - 3 c. flour
olive oil

1) Put water in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with yeast, and stir in sugar until everything dissolves.
2) Whisk to stir in salt and flour until it gets too thick and then finish mixing with your hand. Knead for 5 min.
3) Brush a little olive oil over the dough, cover, and let rise in a warm place, for an hour.

While that's happening start prepping your toppings. Grease your pans, I like to sprinkle on some cornmeal, and when the doughs ready, roll it out and start creating your breakfast masterpiece.
Bake at 400 for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!

You can make it fresh or make it up ahead, freeze it, and warm up the made-to-order slices as the sleepy heads stumble out of bed. 

On my section: I like scrambled eggs, spicy sausage, chunks of turkey (white meat) green onions, black olives, fresh tomatoes and, ahem, brocolli (previously steamed), and to top it off a mixture of cheddar and mozza. I wonder what some of that lovely sage stuffing and a bit of that leftover yam would taste like on there? I think I'll try that next time. Oh, and maybe some ham and meatballs...

Happy Thanksgiving all! So, what would you like on your section of the breakfast pizza?

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Gift of Neither Here Nor There

Life is crazy. We punched a hole in the wall and installed a new window and the next thing you know, life as I knew it ceased to exist.

There were curtains to be lined (in preparation for forty below weather) matching throw cushions to be made, and egad--that chair looks like crap--upholstering to be done. New curtain rods, need more plants, pots to be painted, and ahhhhhhhh... life is crazy.

I mailed my grand-daughter's (Ladybug's) birthday gift--couldn't find any of the Dragonlance books that she coveted--no dragons to be had in this one horse town--so I got her this:


She's turning twelve this week. Has read Harry Potter series (twice), Twilight series, (once was enough), Lord of the Rings, several of the Dragonlance Chronicles, and is writing a book about fairy's. Will she like this? I'm having a huge Grammy Fail Moment. Please lie to me.

Oh, I also found a cute necklace that "resembles" the pendant on the cover. Any hopes of that tipping the scales? *sigh*

I did manage to write a few hundred words on a short story this week... there is hope...

Missed blogging. Hope everyone had a good week!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Unplug Week

It's the third week of the month! I'll be joining in B.J. Anderson's unplug week. Time to get caught up on a lot of things, namely writing, though there are some other pressing matters (concerning an up and coming holiday) which must be attended to. I'll give you a hint:



P.S. The photo is untouched. He has one blue and one brown eye and that's how they come out in photos!

Have a good week all!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Evolution of Cool


It occurs to me that my decision to shun television may be placing me at a disadvantage when it comes to identifying with the readers of today. For example, I still use the word cool. I've been wondering if that’s actually still cool? Or does it date me? 

As far as I can tell the word cool wasn't yet in use in the slang of the 1920’s – 1940’s.

Cool was first used as slang in the 1950’s and adding the suffix "ville" was hip. Coolsville!

There are references to cool and cool head (nice guy) from the 60’s. That threw me, I would have guessed something entirely different for the meaning of 'head' used as a slang term in the 1960's. Huh.




The slang of the 1970's portented a bumper decade for the evolution of cool. Although groovy took some of the limelight, cool practically evolved into a sub-language. Cool beans, cool cat, cool dude, cool man, coolie (cool awesome fabulous) and cool-o-roonie (something really cool).

It would appear that the rampant overuse of the word cool in the '70's caused a down slide in it's popularity in the slang of the 1980's. Although, taking the popularity of the suffix "o-rama" into consideration, I'm fairly certain that cool-o-rama must have slid into conversation upon occasion. 



Come to think of it, this image of the big brittle hair and shiny parachute pants may go a long way towards explaining why the word cool fell from grace in the eighties.

The lists of slang used in the 1990's are also sadly lacking in references to cool. (Recovery is often slow after a recession of such magnitude.)

Something to remember about slang terms, is that while your characters may have used some of them during the specific decade of their teen years, they would not necessarily continue to use them into adulthood.

Note: Cool is of course an exception to the rule.

I’m basing that exception on the factoid that cool was the number one slang word of the year 2000. I'm not as far out of the loop as I thought I was. Yay. So, as far as slang goes, you really can't go wrong with cool. 
And how cool is that!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Hole in the Wall

The dust has cleared, the paint is dry, and I can't wait to get back to my revisions.  As promised here's a couple of pics of the completed renovation/living room spruce up.







That's the uncluttered, polished version. I had to throw in a couple of warm fuzzy verbs, er...vermin, to add a little character.



The Blue Dog



My Old Odie Puppy

So, that's that. I should be able to get back to more writerly pursuits - right after I make a lasagna for the grad class fund raiser dinner tomorrow night. Oh, and then there's the grad class fund raiser bake sale on Saturday, a couple of birthdays, Christmas. Yup... any time now!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Lest We Forget

November 11 - Remembrance Day, Armistace Day, Veterans Day.

In recognition of the brave men and women who serve, or who have served, our countries. Freedom is ours - the honour is yours. We thank you.


                                Untitled
They ask for 60 seconds once a year and that is all,
When we will recognize them, those who stood so brave and tall.

They spent their 60 seconds, all in fear and all in pain,
those horrific 60 seconds spent for freedom we would gain.

60 seconds took so long as he watched his buddy die,
60 seconds for a nurse who knew she had to try.

60 seconds went so fast as the bombs came pouring in,
Only 60 seconds to find courage from within.

Another 60 seconds and he would face his greatest fear.
Those endless 60 seconds as the wives waited to hear,

They asked for 60 seconds so we'd know the price they paid,
when they spent their 60 seconds and in hell our freedom made.

They asked for 60 seconds once a year and that is all,
to stand in peace-filled silence and hear the bugle call.
~Author Unknown

If you haven't yet heard A Pitance of Time by Terry Kelly, it's a beautiful song and worth a listen.  I can't hear it, or actually even think about it, without spilling tears. 



          Grandparents (Nana & Poppy)
         Canadian Armed Forces WWII



              George Hamment Beales
                  Great Grandfather
Kings Own Rifle Regiment, Territorials -Militia
           Canadian Armed Forces WWI




Commander Richard Emeric Vidal - Royal Navy
                Great x4 Grandfather
                      Photo credit



          Jacques Duperon Baby
Lieutenant-Colonel Detroit Militia
          Great x6 Grandfather



Saturday, November 7, 2009

Writing Interrupted

I've had a busy week. No time to write, no time to revise, no time to blog.

I returned from a trip to the big city armed with painting supplies - the desire to paint my living room became a burning necessity after we ripped a wall apart to put in a new window.



The window is wonderful, my space is light and bright and cheerful. Actually, it's a little too bright and revealing at times - will need some curtains to preserve that air of mystery. I'm sure no one is overly interested in how long I stay in my robe some mornings but still...

Now that the wall is finished we're thinking that perhaps we should move the computer desk over to the new wall. We'll have to drill a hole (in the newly finished wall) for the satellite cable.

I may not be writing be I can't help but compare the renovation to my revisions. Cut, patch, cut, patch, add a new element, move things around...

Hope you all are having a good weekend!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

FIB-ulous FIVE

Janna Qualman at Something She Wrote was kind enough to provide me with five words for the five word blog theme. I'm a little late coming in with this one. Let's just say that this Canuck is on metric time. (Multiply by 2 and add thirty)


THE FIB-ulous FIVE

There are sundry things in life I LOVE
From the sward below to the vast above

Like the PHOTOGRAPH of my HUNTING hat
Worn to prowl the woods for big game scat.



Oh, please don’t frown—‘tis not I you see.
 I'd much rather eat PIZZA whilst perched in a tree.

I choose superior forms of RELAXATION.
And of late my fave : is procrastination.

*If you would like five words to play with on your blog please state your request in the comment section of this program.
*No purchase required. If you respond before midnight of an undisclosed blah, blah, date, we will wave the entry fee of your first born child.

Installing WiP Progress Bars

I've posted this information before, but thought I'd put it up again in case any NaNoWriMo participants are interested in putting a progress bar up on their site.

I found these instructions straight forward: Installing WiP Progress Bars

I recommend scrolling down to the section that says "New Blogger" Installation Instructions and going from there.


Stephanie L. McGee found this site :  HTML Colour Codes which offers a great colour selection so you can match your bar up with the colours on your site.

I find progress bars highly motivational. I think it may have something to do with public accountability :)
Do you have progress bars on your site? Do they motivate you?

Sunday, November 1, 2009

October 2009

Welcome to November! Another page on the calender turned, a few more books curled up with and enjoyed. I love my reading time. Ahh, life is good.

My reading is purely a selfish indulgence, so no reviews here. I have included blurbs from authors websites.


Season of Strangers  by Kat Martin

Dedicated, driven real estate agent Julie Ferris is enjoying a day at the beach with her sister Laura when a strange, almost undetectable charge fills the air. Then, under the hot Malibu sun, time stops altogether.

Neither sister can explain their "lost day" —nor the blinding headaches and horrific nightmares that follow—but Julie chalks it up to the stress she's been under since her boss's son took over Donovan Real Estate. read more

Eclipse  by Stephanie Meyer

As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob—knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which? read more


Vertigo  by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

A literary novel with suspense and erotic undertones that opens on New Year's Eve 1898. Emma Smith has just informed the reader that "For seventeen years I was a good - some might say exemplary - wife. It is important that you know this about me from the start." That night, she resolves to, during the course of the next year, become "a better person." Her husband John, a writer, suggests that she do so by striking up a correspondence with a convicted murderer who he thinks does not deserve to be in prison for his crime. The prisoner, Chance Wood, initially wants nothing to do with Emma, but then his letters become more heated and Emma learns that the real definition of vertigo is not the fear of falling, but the fear of wanting to fall. read more

Heart and Soul  by Maeve Binchy

Clara Casey has more than enough on her plate. Her daughters Adi and Linda were no problem during the usually turbulent teens. Now Adi is always fighting for or against something: the environment or the whale or battery farming; while Linda lurches from one unsatisfactory relationship to the next. As if this wasn’t enough, Clara, a senior cardiac specialist, has a new job to cope with and now her ex-husband wants something from her... read more

Breaking Dawn  by Stephanie Meyer

"Stephenie Meyer has written a dazzling grand finale to an epic love story," commented Tingley. "And with the extraordinary excitement surrounding the publication of Breaking Dawn, I'm thrilled that legions of new readers will now discover the saga that has already captivated millions around the world." read more

A Dash of Style The Art and Mastery of Punctuation  
by Noah Lukeman (blog link)


*Heat Lightning by John Sandford

John Sandford's introduction of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigator Virgil Flowers was an immediate critical and popular success: "laser-sharp characters and a plot that's fast and surprising" (Cleveland Plain Dealer); "an idiosyncratic, thoroughly ingratiating hero" (Booklist). Flowers is only in his late thirties, but he's been around the block a few times, and he doesn't think much can surprise him anymore. He's wrong. read more

* I didn't actually read Heat Lightning this month but I'm putting it on the list anyway. Why? I read it a few months ago and forgot. The worst part is: I special ordered it into the library-again. How embarrassing is that. That's the reason I started this list - so I can remember what I've read in recent history.

Have you ever picked up a book only to realize that you've already read it? Please tell me I'm not the only one.

Best of luck to those of you embarking on NaNoWri Mo!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween-The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

I planned to put up a lovely post today in honour of the occasion, but life got a little crazy. Our water pump blew up yesterday so off to town to pick up a new one. My living room is torn apart and upside down. We're cutting a big hole in the wall to put in a new window, so I'll have more sunshine for the winter. Not to worry, the weather has warmed up and the snow is melting :)  So anyway, a quick hodge podge of Halloweeny stuff.

The Good





It's a pooch-o-lantern!! This is my kind of Halloween--cuteness!


The Bad




This poster is so bad. It has nothing to do with Halloween, but it scared me. It did.


The Ugly

The metabolically gifted teenager won best costume at the highschool dance last night. Yay! He re-wore last years Borg creation but won anyway because his was the only costume that wasn't store bought. Huh. The costume was old but he did have some new 'tattoos'. Ewww.....  If you're squeemish--you might want to skip the next picture, it's a little more graphic than it seemed in person...








Again, ewwwww!! Okay, I like happy endings so I'll end with a couple of groaners to take your mind off the grossness:

Why don't skeletons ever go out on the town?
Because they don't have any body to go out with.

What is a ghosts favourite mode of transportation?
A scare plane...

What's a ghouls favourite flavour?
Lemon-slime.

Why do vampires need mouthwash?
They have bat breath.

Whoa, I can hear the boo's and hisses from here!

Have a Happy (and safe) Halloween!!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Time Change


I woke up to howling winds this morning and some serious snow. No school bus today, it seems far too soon for that. I fear old man winter has arrived.

We turn our clocks back this weekend. An extra hour of sleep, excellent! Or is it? According to the 'experts' on the radio this morning, the time change has a negative impact on our internal time clocks. Our sleep patterns are equally affected whether the time is moving forward or backward.

Statistically there are more traffic accidents (in the days following the time change) involving vehicles and pedestrians/bikers. Let's be careful out there, and it probably wouldn't hurt to dress the kids in bright clothing!

Is your time changing this weekend or is it just in Canada? I'm wondering because this is happening up here about two weeks later than usual.

There's a new blog on the block: A group of writers from southeastern Idaho has started a new blog. Pop on over and welcome the Blue Sage Writers to the blogisphere!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Awards - It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Christmas has come early to my house. My WiP is giving me a bit of a headache but I’ve had an awesome week in spite of it. I won a book, we had a lovely snowfall, and I’ve been gifted with two awards, which I now get to pass along. Yay!

Many thanks to Stephanie Faris for gifting me with the Best Blog Award:



I'm passing the Best Blog Award on to:

Anita Laydon Miller’s Blog

Banes Blogging Blues

Chronicles of a Novice Writer 

Gumbo Writer

Plotting and Scheming

So You Wannabe a Writer

Something She Wrote

Stacey's Respite

The Daily Writing Clearing

The Write Worship

Through My Eyes

The Best Blog Award rules are: 1) To accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link. 2) Pass the award to other bloggers that you have recently discovered and think are great! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.


Many thanks to Dawn Simon for gifting me with the Humane Award.



I'm passing the Humane Award on to:


Quest:Published

Slightly More Than Dirt

Tender Graces

Writing Out West

The Rules: 1) Accept and post the award to your blog. 2) Link to the person from whom you received it. 3) Pass the award to 5 other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgement. 4) Let them know they've been chosen for this award.


And lastly, here is a pic I took of our flash 'snow storm' yesterday.



The cowpoke was kind enough to put on some Christmas tunes in keeping with the spirit of the occasion. So it really did feel like Christmas. I'm a little scared now, it is coming up fast. Well, if you want a little scare too, go ahead and check out the link to the Christmas music... I dare you :D

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Chickens and Tender Graces


Kathryn Magendie had a contest over at Tender Graces on Saturday. The question was "Why did the chicken... lay the egg?"

Well, I gave it a shot, came up with an explanation...and I won a signed copy of  Kat's novel Tender Graces. I actually won something, and not just anything, but something that I really, really wanted!! A book on my TBR list. How awesome is that? This is what I won:




"Kathryn Magendie's TENDER GRACES is a powerful, moving and beautifully written debut. With rich detail, vivid imagery and finely drawn characters who leap off the page, drag you into their lives and make you root for them, this book will command your attention all the way to the final page...and leave you wishing for more."
~ Danielle Younge-Ullman, author of Falling Under

Find out how to get your copy of Tender Graces at Kathryn's website.

Kat's chicken contest brought to mind a couple of pets we had when we lived on the island. So in honour of Kat and chickens-- meet Prissy and her best pal Brigs:



   I'm looking forward to reading Tender Graces. Many thanks Kat!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

WiP Update and One-Liners

I decided today that the WiP I’m attempting to revise isn’t worth the effort--time to set it back on the shelf and move on. Okay, I’m kidding. But I did think about it. 

When I get that nasty urge to throw in the towel, I will often sit and Google, until I hit on a piece of information, something, anything, that motivates me back to my writing or revising.

I ended up here today and was reminded that I still haven’t put those magical words together—you know, the ones that will describe our books in one sentence.

So, tomorrow, I plan to study the one-liners on The New York Times Best Seller List. Great stuff there, seriously, did you know that Diana Gabaldon has a new book out in the Outlander Series? 
 
AN ECHO IN THE BONE, by Diana Gabaldon. (Delacorte, $30.) The descendants of Jamie Fraser and his wife, Claire, search for clues about their flight from North Carolina during the Revolution; the seventh Outlander novel.
 
Knowing Diana Gabaldon that tome is a doorstop, yet there it is, described in one sentence. Magical!
 
Speaking of magic, that reminds me of something that used to crack me up back when I worked in the salon. I probably could have worked this into a nice writing analogy but anyway, here's the story: 
 
Every now and then, someone would come into the salon with unrealistic expectations. I mean lets face it, short baby fine hair can not be transformed into thick flowing locks. Anyway, one of the hairdressers, excuse me, stylists, would walk past my desk and utter out of the side of his mouth, "Get the wand." 
 
Perhaps that wouldn't have made a good analogy after all. I never did find that wand. Guess I'll have to roll up my sleeves and do this the old fashioned way... one line at a time.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Take Apart Tuesday

Feeling slightly out of orbit? Need a break from writing? Revising?

Ever wonder how to reek revenge on  recycle your old broken down computers and electronics?

Well, wonder  no more. Because.... with a little effort, a screwdriver, a hot glue gun, and the help of a handy cowpoke,  you can use those old componants to build your Very Own Spaceship!

 

But don't stop there!  Populate your Very Own Spaceship with a couple of SpaceBots...

   

and maybe  a Borg....



or two.



Well, that takes care of the old electronic junk.  I wonder what I can make out of the pile of scrap I'm weeding out of my first draft? Maybe I could build a fire under that spaceship, and send it all to the moon. Revising is such a blast!

That's it for today. My manuscript is calling me and...


Sunday, October 18, 2009

Cracking the WiP

It's time to get serious, buckle down, and tackle my first revision. I'm a little nervous. I started this one back in January of '08 and have learned a few things along the way.
This was abundantly obvious when I searched my manuscript for 'ly' words. The grand total of 1, 445 is now whittled down to 272. I was stunned by the sheer quantity of unneccessary adverbs and adjectives lurking within my pretty prose. Okay, so it's not exactly a thing of beauty--yet.

It would seem that I was particularily fond of having my characters react really quickly, frantically, finally, or suddenly. I'd like to thank author Kathryn Magendie for making me aware of these and other boo-boo's in her Craft of Writing posts.

I will get back to my line edits and search and destroy maneuvers later on. The first order of business will be reading a hard copy of my manuscript and taking notes. My main goal for the first read through is to focus on overall plot structure, but I've got a pile of sticky notes ready to mark anything and everything that jumps out at me.

I'll use colour codes for setting and character development opportunities, and I'll also be looking for places to insert or develop my use of the five senses. Check out author Linda Sandifer's site for some great posts on the five senses and other great revision tips.

Roni at FictionGroupie  has also posted some great revision tips and links.

If you checked in last week you know that my computer crashed. I lost a lot of research and brainstorming notes made in preparation for this revision. I've read many helpful posts and articles and my apologies if I've missed crediting yours.

If you have posted or have any recommendations for reading on this topic please post a link in the comments. Any pointers and/or advice gratefully accepted and much appreciated! And so I begin...

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
-John Wooden

Saturday, October 17, 2009

In Search of My Blog

My new blog colour scheme isn't working for me. I think it's simply a personality conflict issue. So the white background has to go. I need my blue sky.

Please bear with me as I attempt to re-capture that which I had before...

Friday, October 16, 2009

A Poem from the Ranch

Autumn Ranch Rituals. Warning: You may find the content graphic if you buy your meat at the super market...

Mighty Tall Paul
This here's a story 'bout a man named Paul
He is dark and handsome and mighty tall
He shot a Black Angus on the hundred acres
But the dang thing wouldn't go down for goodness sakers.

Paul cussed and stalked in the settin' sun
On the third shot it buckled then took off at a run.
He was one ornry cowboy when he threw down his gun
But he knew he wouldn't be finished until he was done.

That cow was too much for the old twenty-two
And Mighty Paul knew now what he had to do.
He ran for his pickup and grabbed for his cell
Dad, bring me more power and we'll give him hell.

We all said a prayer for that big black steer
When Bob fired from the bucket of the old John Deere.
So, Big Bob came out and stole all the glory
But that's not the end of Mighty Paul's story.

Paul hunkered down and slit the beast's throat,
There was blood on his fist and blood on his coat.
Little Joe quivered his eyes round with fright
He clung to Paul's woman with all of his might.

So the skinnin' out started with Paul in command,
Soon the beast lay stark naked on the grass of the land.
The hide was saved to be sold for some bucks
Wasn't a bad one 'cept for Bob's nicks and cuts.

Paul hung up the carcass and out spilled the guts,
He carved out the good stuff and left the rest for the mutts.
He placed the beasts heart in his lady's warm hand,
And tipped off his Stetson--at her feet did it land.

Now the creature was skinned, cleaned out, drawn an' quartered,
And the hide was rolled up and sent off to be salted.
So by the light of the tractor and not of the moon,
The task was completed and not a moment too soon.

No one knows why this slaughter drew such a crowd,
The night Mighty Tall Paul did his kinfolk proud.
To watch a timeless ritual where death becomes life?
To see an ancient craftsman wield his skill with a knife?

It was apparent to all he was born a hundred years late,
In a world far too small in a sad twist of fate.
So this is my story 'bout a man named Paul,
There will be plenty more but for now that's all.


© 2003

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

WiP Update and Rose & Thorn

WiP Update

Big things to report this week. Okay, that's just not true. I have thought about my revision and I did manage to blow up my big screen monitor and my good computer.  As excuses go that's not too bad, eh? I've started laying out my plan of attack for revisions so that will be happening soon.

I also learned that The Blue Screen of Death is a bad thing. Do you know what other screen is bad? I'll tell you--it's the Welcome one that asks you to enter the password, to get into the computer, that you haven't touched in months...


Rose and Thorn Journal

Congratulations to Kathryn Magendie (Tender Graces) and Angie Ledbetter (Gumbo Writer). The new website for Rose & Thorn Journal goes live tomorrow--Thursday, October 15, 2009.

Good luck Kat and Angie!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Back it Up!


My computer monitor blew up on Sunday—poof gone. Luckily, I had a back up—that would be the good news.

Monday morning my computer booted up and promptly went into a never-ending loop as it attempted to run Windows. I called my computer Techie son and described the problem. Prognosis negative-he thinks that when the monitor blew it caused a surge that fried the part of the hard drive necessary to start up Windows. When I got to the part of the loop story, where the blue screen flashes up and then disappears before you can read it, he says, “Ah. We call that the blue screen of death.”

I have my old and very sluggish backup computer hooked up—and I am thankful that I have that much at least. (Loading blog sites is now a slow and frustrating process, so if I’m not around as often, you’ll know why)

I’m also thankful that I had the sense to save my manuscripts to Hotmail. I only lost one days work on Valkrey’s Moon, about 2,000 words. I can live with that. The hundreds of lost photos are a real heartbreaker. As for the hundreds of hours of lost genealogy and other research—

There is a chance that Techie will be able to retrieve some or all of the lost files, so I have a modicum of hope… but no guarantees.

My virus protection and my battery backup/surge protection box gave me a false sense of security. I’m sharing this with you as a reminder to back up all of your important files. It’s something we all know we should do. I became complacent…