Six-pack Saturday

July 4, 2009 Six-Pack Saturday

Since it’s the fourth of July six things about the holiday–

1) Celebrating the birth of a nation–great idea

2) Professional fireworks displays–gorgeous and awe inspiring

3) Backyard explosion experts–dangerous and annoying as hell with apologies to every man I know–they all like to blow things up–the attraction is lost on me.

4) Marching bands and march music–love both

5) Backyard cook outs and family get togethers–wonderful

6) Barbecue and water melon–no thanks

What’s your favorite part of the fourth?

Fan Girl Friday

July 3, 2009 Fan Girl Friday

In my humble opinion, writers can be divided into two basic camps. Those whose first books should have been their last, because they were the best. And those who continue to grow and improve.

There may be a few authors who write a brilliant debut, tank with the next title, and then redeem themselves with magnificent third book. I can’t think of any offhand and it’s unlikely I’ll find them, because a disappointing second book is enough to put me off an author permanently.

I like Lora Leigh’s characters and her story choices–I’ve been less enchanted with her craft, plots, and repetition. But, Ms. Leigh is improving. The most recent book of hers that I read–Coyote’s Mate was flat out wonderful, I stayed up too late reading, and got misty eyed more than once.

Was it just me, or was this the best breed story so far?

Real life

July 2, 2009 Real life

Separating the garden blog, which is now here has slowed the amount of hits from web surfers looking for hellabores, narcissus, or roses. All subjects I’m fond of, but not what this blog is about.

WIP Wednesday

July 1, 2009 WIP Wednesday

You all remember my short story plan, work on craft, discipline…it keeps growing, novella length so far.

Sometimes I wonder why I bother to plan stories. They never wind up as originally envisioned. The first fragment, scene, whatever that hooked me remains true throughout the process. But, the rest of story is in flux, becoming–taking on a life of its own as the character grow into real people.

For example, Gabe (current hero) just got around to mentioning that the security guy is his best friend. They go way back. This explains sooo much about Luke’s attitude. But, why couldn’t Gabe have told about their history a week or so sooner?

But, I’m not complaining. I’m just grateful he’s talking to me. The heroine is still keeping quiet about her history. And I just know that when she finally shares it’s going to entail major rewriting.

Are you a planner or more a moment to moment kind of person?

Teaser Tuesday

June 30, 2009 Teaser Tuesday

Dangerous Secrets is scheduled for release in July. While each of the dangerous books stands alone, they’re even better read in order, Starting with Dangerous Surrender, followed by Dangerous Rescue , and then Dangerous Secrets.

For reasons, I only partially get, the most recent book in any of the series I’ve got going is the most difficult. This holds true for Dangerous Secrets, or as I think of it–Sam’s story.

When he appeared in the first dangerous book, he was already an anti-hero. In the second installment, he got worse. By the time the third book opens, his fun edges have been burned away, leaving a man driven by vengeance.

One damaged protagonist is plenty to redeem. But, since I’m saddled with perverse muse, Karina, his heroine arrives in a bad mood and proceeds to complicate his already miserable life.

Music Monday

June 29, 2009 Music Monday

More inspiration…

Sunday funnies

June 28, 2009 Sunday funnies

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Six-pack Saturday

June 27, 2009 Six-Pack Saturday

I do the same things over and over and yet I’m never bored. Because, I’m easily amused and things are never exactly the same twice in a row. In no particular order here are six items from this week’s chore list.

1) Make the bed

2) Groom the dog

3) Vacuum and dust–yes, technically two items but I do a lot of dusting with the vacuum….

4) Mow the lawn, I’m not sensible enough to have a nice flat lawn. I like the look of softly rolling edges, think golf course. Naturally, this makes mowing even more difficult. Not to put too fine a point on it, it’s a hot, sweaty, exhausting job. Naturally, I love it.

5) Water the garden, which makes the grass grow faster, but I like it green and pretty and softly rolling with those flat pools here and there.

6) Change guest room linens

So, what’s on your chore list and do you enjoy or dread the duties?

Fan Girl Friday

June 26, 2009 Fan Girl Friday

The magic connection that makes the words on the page come alive is tough to analyze. Authors, who suck me into their story world so thoroughly can get away with all kinds of writing craft crimes. I either don’t notice or don’t care.

There are still, thankfully, plenty of writers who can accomplish this. But, tis true that I’m a much fussier reader than I used to be. For example, I dislike first person tales. However, there are authors, who can pull off first person and still capture my complete attention. Alice Siebold, Lee Child,and Helen Fielding come to mind.

What is it that makes an author’s voice work so well? I’m still not sure. Here are a couple of things I think are involved:

1) Characters, I can relate to or am fascinated by. They do not have to be admirable, Scarlet O’Hara started the story as a spoiled scheming bitch, willful, and opportunistic and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

2) Story worlds, that are exotic and yet consistent enough to be believable. Jack London’s stories, Nalini Sighn’s series, P.G. Wosehouse’s tales–all have this in common.

3) Details, these are the building blocks that form the characters, form the worlds, and ultimately form the story. Susan Elizabeth Phillips paints extravagant word pictures with intricate, telling details woven like a tapestry throughout her stories and makes me believe outrageous things.

All of the authors I admire have mastered details–their styles are different. In each case, the words flow surely, dispensing the perfect amount of information to rivet the reader.

Which authors are sure things for you?

Real life

June 25, 2009 Real life

On Thursdays I leave the writer’s cave and the secret garden behind, venturing out into the real world. I do this on other days too, but Thursdays are a scheduled departure.

There are group meetings I attend–including a readers circle, grocery shopping, and errands all bundled into Thursday. I seldom get a lot of words written on those days.

I live on the edge of good sized city, and yet their is a small town feel to the area. I run into people I know at most of my stops, exchanging friendly words and sometimes hugs. I flirt with men, chat with women, and generally have a great time.

Frankly, I’m amazed at how easily and pleasantly hours pass without a trace of work. But, part of the brain continues to toil away while incommunicado. I know this because, it’s usually after a day away from the computer that new ideas bubble to the surface.