From late November to the end of January you can pretty much expect to see the TV schedules filled with reruns. In a way, I can understand. Why put on a new episode of your favorite show when the majority of people are off and running, getting their shopping done, attending holiday parties or just visiting with family and friends you don't get to see very often. If I don't feel like watching the rerun of a story that was on just a couple weeks earlier, then there's always movie channels.
Movie channels like Encore (which has several channels, each a different genre and no commercial breaks) FX, Disney and others have a lot to offer. Are they worth it? It's a matter of opinion. Sometimes a dumb movie suits the mood. Sharknado? Which spawned Stonado? And watch for it...Sharknado2! There was even a Godzilla movie recently (it's a few years old) that I hadn't seen. Godzilla looked fat and flabby, nothing like the monster we watched years ago. This one looked like he'd been on a crash diet. Kind of reminded me of a story book I had as a child. The Saggy Baggy Elephant.
Then there are the movies that go back thirty or more years. Those were good movies with one major problem created by time. Mom and I watch them with comments, "He's gone." "He's gone, too." "Yeah, I think she's gone too." "We're watching a movie filled with dead people!" It's a sobering thought to realize all the great actors are disappearing. Just this weekend we lost Peter O'Toole, best known for his role in Lawrence of Arabia. I think one of my favorite roles was his portrayal of Henry II, opposite Katherine Hepburn's Eleanor of Aquitaine. I believe the movie was The Lion In Winter. (Henry and Eleanor's third son was the famous Richard the Lionheart)
There's always a downside to watching favorite movies and this is my point. Why do the networks have to stick in so many blasted commercials? Maybe it would be tolerable if each commercial break had a different set of ads but each break runs the same commercials over and again. Each ad runs for thirty seconds in the effort to show more products and services. Granted, there are a few that are cute, amusing the first couple times you see them. After that they just become downright annoying.
Have you ever timed how often they come on and how long they last? I have. In most cases, you can expect to see as many as eight to ten ads in one break. That's four to five minutes worth. Then you get to see a bit more of the movie--the next seven minutes. Sometimes you can't tell where the movie breaks for a commercial--there's no warning. So if a movie is scheduled for 3 to 3.5 hours, you can bet at least 30 minutes, maybe more, is commercial time. Once upon a time the British had the right idea. Commercials could not be shown on the telly until the end of the broadcast day. I do believe they gave that up in favor of our system.
Well, that's my gripe and there's only one thing left to say, to summarize...
"We interrupt this commercial break to bring you the scheduled movie."
Monday, December 16, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
That Unexpected Twist
Every night there are specific TV shows I like to watch. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each have one show, Friday is two and Tuesday is a full schedule. If certain ones of those shows were to be cancelled for one reason or another, I'd get over it before long. Other shows make a more lasting impression. I enjoy the weekly plots, but I admit...I'm more character oriented than action.
I looooove Person of Interest. That's one show that doesn't need sex or graphic violence to succeed. Granted, HR is a bunch of really nasty guys but what they do to others is 'off camera'. You don't have to see it to know what's happened. Hand-to-hand combat is more honorable, when you have to face your opponent, when you realized he was real and felt the same things you did. It gave a different perspective, as opposed to fighting an unseen enemy.
The POI characters are pretty much down-to-earth (except for Root who is in another world) Finch, the computer genius pretty much directs everything while Reese takes care of business. Have you noticed how Reese has never raised his voice for any reason? Has never become angry? He must be a strong believer in 'Don't get mad--get even." Carter and Zoe give the story class. Unemotional Shaw hasn't figured out how to be classy but her attempts can be amusing. (the episode where the three ladies were out to trap a serial killer). It was also fun watching partners Fusco and Carter try to keep the other from knowing he/she worked with Finch and Reese.
At the beginning of the season, there was speculation that Reese might have a love interest. I figured it might be Zoe. She's a lot like Reese in the way she approaches problems to be solved and there is a bit of chemistry there. (It started showing (as well as their dry wit) when they went undercover as a married couple.) But there was something about Carter. She grew to respect Reese, even if she didn't necessarily approve the way he got the job done. Then respect became something more akin to friendship where they worried about each other as fellow team members.
This week's episode, everybody expected Fusco to bite the dust. After all he was the one captured and about to die. He managed to get free. The scene switched to Carter leaving the police station with Reese. They talked for a moment then there was gunfire. I stared at the screen. "Tell me they didn't do that. They didn't kill Carter." Sure enough. They did. Since that episode aired it seems everyone has been talking about it. Few if anyone saw it coming.
And that's the whole point. You can get to know characters on TV, in the movies, in books and somewhere along the line certain ones become favorites. There's just something about them that resonates with the viewer/reader, something they can relate to. When that character is eliminated, for whatever reason, you have a strong reaction for good or bad. And talking about it draws more interest. It's a cycle that gives the creator a direction to go in based on response and keeps viewers/readers coming back. Response is what makes the whole industry tick.
As long as there are writers may they always keep in mind the value of surprise.
Here's to the unexpected twist. May it always keep us coming back for more.
I looooove Person of Interest. That's one show that doesn't need sex or graphic violence to succeed. Granted, HR is a bunch of really nasty guys but what they do to others is 'off camera'. You don't have to see it to know what's happened. Hand-to-hand combat is more honorable, when you have to face your opponent, when you realized he was real and felt the same things you did. It gave a different perspective, as opposed to fighting an unseen enemy.
The POI characters are pretty much down-to-earth (except for Root who is in another world) Finch, the computer genius pretty much directs everything while Reese takes care of business. Have you noticed how Reese has never raised his voice for any reason? Has never become angry? He must be a strong believer in 'Don't get mad--get even." Carter and Zoe give the story class. Unemotional Shaw hasn't figured out how to be classy but her attempts can be amusing. (the episode where the three ladies were out to trap a serial killer). It was also fun watching partners Fusco and Carter try to keep the other from knowing he/she worked with Finch and Reese.
At the beginning of the season, there was speculation that Reese might have a love interest. I figured it might be Zoe. She's a lot like Reese in the way she approaches problems to be solved and there is a bit of chemistry there. (It started showing (as well as their dry wit) when they went undercover as a married couple.) But there was something about Carter. She grew to respect Reese, even if she didn't necessarily approve the way he got the job done. Then respect became something more akin to friendship where they worried about each other as fellow team members.
This week's episode, everybody expected Fusco to bite the dust. After all he was the one captured and about to die. He managed to get free. The scene switched to Carter leaving the police station with Reese. They talked for a moment then there was gunfire. I stared at the screen. "Tell me they didn't do that. They didn't kill Carter." Sure enough. They did. Since that episode aired it seems everyone has been talking about it. Few if anyone saw it coming.
And that's the whole point. You can get to know characters on TV, in the movies, in books and somewhere along the line certain ones become favorites. There's just something about them that resonates with the viewer/reader, something they can relate to. When that character is eliminated, for whatever reason, you have a strong reaction for good or bad. And talking about it draws more interest. It's a cycle that gives the creator a direction to go in based on response and keeps viewers/readers coming back. Response is what makes the whole industry tick.
As long as there are writers may they always keep in mind the value of surprise.
Here's to the unexpected twist. May it always keep us coming back for more.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
What Language Do You Speak?
Language is fascinating. There are hundreds of languages and dialects around the world, each one with their nuances and little quirks. In some cases there are lots of similarities. For example, if you speak Spanish, it would be rather easy to pick up Portuguese. Many of the words are alike but then, once upon a time, Portugal was part of Spain.
Gaelic is another example. It goes back hundreds of years and at one time when some of the Picts decided to go off on their own, their version of the language changed until today when we have Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic. There are lots they share but each also has its differences. Personally, I love to listen to the Scottish Gaelic. I may not understand any of it but I like the sound of it. With the English ruling the country, the Gaelic, for the most part has been allowed to die out. The language hasn't been passed down to each new generation. There is a group of people, though, who have been working to bring back it back. I hope they succeed.
No matter where you go in the world, I think the most asked question is "Do you speak English?" More than three quarters of the world's population know at least a smattering of the language, enough to get by on while the majority of us speak it fairly well. English is considered to be the hardest language to learn, as a second language. There are a ton of rules to learn and every one of them has its exceptions. Some of those exceptions probably have their own exceptions as well. Not a wonder people have such a hard time learning English.
If you weren't born learning English, then I can understand the frustration. I'm one of those people who doesn't learn languages easily, the secret being that you have to think in that language, not translate in your head. I just couldn't get the hang of that concept and kept trying to mentally translate the words. It certainly slowed down my learning process. (Not a wonder I couldn't get through Spanish in college) If I were to try again to learn a language, I think I'd do much better now than I did twenty years ago. (Didn't help either that other students in the class already had Portuguese, although they often confused the two.. That put them way ahead of me.)
I love the little quirks. In Britain, the boot is the trunk of the car, the bonnet is the hood, boots are wellies, umbrellas are brollies, a baby carriage is a pram and what we call soccer, they call football. Actually, that one makes a lot of sense, the rest...not so much. But that's language for you. Which brings me to a final point.
If those terms are part of the English language, then why don't we use them here? I don't know what anyone else might suggest but I have a simple answer...
I speak AMERICAN!
Gaelic is another example. It goes back hundreds of years and at one time when some of the Picts decided to go off on their own, their version of the language changed until today when we have Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic. There are lots they share but each also has its differences. Personally, I love to listen to the Scottish Gaelic. I may not understand any of it but I like the sound of it. With the English ruling the country, the Gaelic, for the most part has been allowed to die out. The language hasn't been passed down to each new generation. There is a group of people, though, who have been working to bring back it back. I hope they succeed.
No matter where you go in the world, I think the most asked question is "Do you speak English?" More than three quarters of the world's population know at least a smattering of the language, enough to get by on while the majority of us speak it fairly well. English is considered to be the hardest language to learn, as a second language. There are a ton of rules to learn and every one of them has its exceptions. Some of those exceptions probably have their own exceptions as well. Not a wonder people have such a hard time learning English.
If you weren't born learning English, then I can understand the frustration. I'm one of those people who doesn't learn languages easily, the secret being that you have to think in that language, not translate in your head. I just couldn't get the hang of that concept and kept trying to mentally translate the words. It certainly slowed down my learning process. (Not a wonder I couldn't get through Spanish in college) If I were to try again to learn a language, I think I'd do much better now than I did twenty years ago. (Didn't help either that other students in the class already had Portuguese, although they often confused the two.. That put them way ahead of me.)
I love the little quirks. In Britain, the boot is the trunk of the car, the bonnet is the hood, boots are wellies, umbrellas are brollies, a baby carriage is a pram and what we call soccer, they call football. Actually, that one makes a lot of sense, the rest...not so much. But that's language for you. Which brings me to a final point.
If those terms are part of the English language, then why don't we use them here? I don't know what anyone else might suggest but I have a simple answer...
I speak AMERICAN!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
ORB - Love It Or Hate It
Every writer knows you have to do at least some research to produce a good story. I admit, I'm not big on that part of the process but I won't deny the truth of it.
I don't do outlines. Back in grade school we were taught how to outline. It was an interesting challenge, learning how to pick out all the relevant points of a topic and put them in outline form. From there you were expected to write a paper. That was all well and good, until we were expected to outline everything. I mean every subject required it. I got to the point where, even to this day, the idea of writing outlines makes me shudder with revulsion.
Writing an outline says you know what your writing project is about. The closest I come to it now, is to write a bunch of questions. In a way, I envy those writers who know exactly what they want to write and can go to it, start to finish. That takes us to the next step of research. Research, supposedly, should be done at the beginning of a project. You can't research something if you don't know what you want or what you're looking for. You have to have some starting point for information, some sense of direction. I have neither.
I'm a seat-of-the-pants/patchwork writer. When I'm ready to start a writing project, I have no idea where I'm going with it. I get the inkling of an idea ... a statement, a line of dialogue, something that has no context whatsoever. It's allowed to flow on its own for a while, like a few drops of dye added to a patch of oil. It doesn't mix but it can form some interesting patterns. At some point it's going to start working together. That's what happens to my ideas. Writing a half dozen or so scenes that appear to have no relevance to one another can be a challenge. After all, where's the theme, the point of writing anything at all, the connection to make it all work? It's the kind of challenge I like.
What I don't like about research is the way it can be distracting. You look up a date, an event, a mini-bio of a particular person. One thing leads to another then another, and before you know it, you're out on a research limb. What you end up looking at/reading might have nothing whatsoever to do with what you started out researching. While it may be fun, and interesting, it's a definite distraction ... unless you found a way to use the unexpected info. On that note, there have been times when the off-beat info was more helpful than the original idea. At some point a scene or two will develop to give more authenticity to whatever is shaping up.
So what do you do with a bunch of scenes that appear to have no relevance to one another? You try to put them in the most logical order. Believe me, the order doesn't always work. I've been known to shuffle around scenes like puzzle pieces. You keep moving them into one place or another until the fit works. Once that's done, then the bridge building begins. That can be fun.
Bridges are structures meant to connect places and things. By taking certain elements from one scene and elaborating on them a bit more I can segue them into the next. Maybe the bridge has a small plank missing to create a sense of mystery or expectation. As long as the rest of the bridge is solid, it can work. I know, it's only as strong as its weakest plank but hopefully it'll dare you to keep going. When the bridges are built, the initial journey is complete.
And there you have it. ORB. Outline/Research/Bridges. While we love it or hate it, its worth will vary from one writer to the next. We can't completely do without it.
I don't do outlines. Back in grade school we were taught how to outline. It was an interesting challenge, learning how to pick out all the relevant points of a topic and put them in outline form. From there you were expected to write a paper. That was all well and good, until we were expected to outline everything. I mean every subject required it. I got to the point where, even to this day, the idea of writing outlines makes me shudder with revulsion.
Writing an outline says you know what your writing project is about. The closest I come to it now, is to write a bunch of questions. In a way, I envy those writers who know exactly what they want to write and can go to it, start to finish. That takes us to the next step of research. Research, supposedly, should be done at the beginning of a project. You can't research something if you don't know what you want or what you're looking for. You have to have some starting point for information, some sense of direction. I have neither.
I'm a seat-of-the-pants/patchwork writer. When I'm ready to start a writing project, I have no idea where I'm going with it. I get the inkling of an idea ... a statement, a line of dialogue, something that has no context whatsoever. It's allowed to flow on its own for a while, like a few drops of dye added to a patch of oil. It doesn't mix but it can form some interesting patterns. At some point it's going to start working together. That's what happens to my ideas. Writing a half dozen or so scenes that appear to have no relevance to one another can be a challenge. After all, where's the theme, the point of writing anything at all, the connection to make it all work? It's the kind of challenge I like.
What I don't like about research is the way it can be distracting. You look up a date, an event, a mini-bio of a particular person. One thing leads to another then another, and before you know it, you're out on a research limb. What you end up looking at/reading might have nothing whatsoever to do with what you started out researching. While it may be fun, and interesting, it's a definite distraction ... unless you found a way to use the unexpected info. On that note, there have been times when the off-beat info was more helpful than the original idea. At some point a scene or two will develop to give more authenticity to whatever is shaping up.
So what do you do with a bunch of scenes that appear to have no relevance to one another? You try to put them in the most logical order. Believe me, the order doesn't always work. I've been known to shuffle around scenes like puzzle pieces. You keep moving them into one place or another until the fit works. Once that's done, then the bridge building begins. That can be fun.
Bridges are structures meant to connect places and things. By taking certain elements from one scene and elaborating on them a bit more I can segue them into the next. Maybe the bridge has a small plank missing to create a sense of mystery or expectation. As long as the rest of the bridge is solid, it can work. I know, it's only as strong as its weakest plank but hopefully it'll dare you to keep going. When the bridges are built, the initial journey is complete.
And there you have it. ORB. Outline/Research/Bridges. While we love it or hate it, its worth will vary from one writer to the next. We can't completely do without it.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Not Only Typos...
I was just reading a blog by Elaine Viets (it's posted on www.killzoneauthors.blogspot.com ) and I have to agree with her. I've been a copyeditor for over twelve years, and yes, typos aren't easy to pick out. It takes going over your work several times to find all those little mistakes and even then there's a tendency to miss things like 'ot' instead of 'to'. Transposing letters isn't the only problem missed. There's another problem I've noticed that I haven't heard any comments about.
That's the tendency to leave out words.
Like most writers, I read. A lot. Realizing there are words missing irks me to no end. Too many times I've had to go back and reread a sentence before it makes sense. That can pull you right out of the story. Not good. Again, it's the little words like 'going the store' or 'jumping conclusions'. It isn't always 'to' that's left out. There are other words that get dropped and I have to wonder why.
At first I thought it might be a print typo. Those are bound to happen no matter how many times you go over a manuscript. It almost seems as if some words are left out to avoid hyphenating a word at the end of a line. (When was the last time you saw a hyphen at the end of a line?) Or the words are stretched out on a line so they fit margin to margin. Okay, so maybe you need a shorter word in the sentence to avoid the hyphen, or maybe a couple longer words will keep that last word in one piece or send it to the next line while preventing spaces from becoming elongated.
I realize there are set margins when it comes to print but wouldn't it be better to find another word to fit the sentence/space? Think of it as a vocabulary challenge ... a word builder. A brain game. Stretch your imagination to come up with different ways to say what you want so it fits the print set-up and keeps the work intact.
The challenge can help us keep going as writers, but it can also keep readers coming back for more.
That's the tendency to leave out words.
Like most writers, I read. A lot. Realizing there are words missing irks me to no end. Too many times I've had to go back and reread a sentence before it makes sense. That can pull you right out of the story. Not good. Again, it's the little words like 'going the store' or 'jumping conclusions'. It isn't always 'to' that's left out. There are other words that get dropped and I have to wonder why.
At first I thought it might be a print typo. Those are bound to happen no matter how many times you go over a manuscript. It almost seems as if some words are left out to avoid hyphenating a word at the end of a line. (When was the last time you saw a hyphen at the end of a line?) Or the words are stretched out on a line so they fit margin to margin. Okay, so maybe you need a shorter word in the sentence to avoid the hyphen, or maybe a couple longer words will keep that last word in one piece or send it to the next line while preventing spaces from becoming elongated.
I realize there are set margins when it comes to print but wouldn't it be better to find another word to fit the sentence/space? Think of it as a vocabulary challenge ... a word builder. A brain game. Stretch your imagination to come up with different ways to say what you want so it fits the print set-up and keeps the work intact.
The challenge can help us keep going as writers, but it can also keep readers coming back for more.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Meet My New Heroine
My name is Topaz McAllister. Ever since I was quite young, I've worked by my father's side, learning all I can to run the ranch. Pa was never blessed with a son to take over and of his three daughters, I'm the only one who wants to carry on his legacy.
Well, maybe not the only one. My half-sister Emma has her own dreams and with some careful planning, they could come true. I intend to do what I can to help her, but the time isn't yet right. Pa doesn't think it's a good idea while Victoria, Emma's mother, is determined Emma should be a fine lady. If she only knew...
We've had a few hot days and today is the worst. Being out in the open the sun beats down on you relentlessly. The water in my canteen is warm and tastes terrible but I can't go without. Now that I'm thinking about it I know of a place that is pleasantly cool. A place only one other person knows about since he's the one who discovered it.
After all these years I still kind of miss Jesse but at the same time I still feel angry when I think about him. We were thick as thieves but about ten years ago he left the ranch and never came back. I'm not sure I could forgive him for leaving without saying goodbye. That doesn't matter now. Maybe someday I'll be able to think about him and smile at the memories.
Just up ahead I can hear water rushing and roaring. There's a waterfall that gives off a fine spray and it feels so good on hot days. Don't get me wrong, the ranch hands know about this place, but they don't know what's beyond it. I do.
There's a pathway made of stones that disappear in the pounding water. The foam makes the stones slippery and you have to be very careful. You could slip and fall, and drown before you even knew what was happening. My cow pony is close enough to the water to get a drink and there's plenty of grass to chomp on. I can trust him not to go anywhere. In the meantime, I'm taking that slippery path to a cooler spot.
You learn to respect the fall and the power it holds. Moving carefully I step along the stones until I can squeeze behind the watery curtain to the small cave it hides. There's an immediate difference in the temperature. It must be a good twenty degrees cooler in here. The fact that it's dark helps too. The earth is slightly damp but it feels good as well. There's a pool of water a little further back and it's cold enough to ease a parched throat. After I take a drink and fill my canteen I breathe a deep sigh of contentment and relax.
I can't believe I dozed off like that. From the angle of the sun it must be late afternoon. I hate to leave this cool cave to go back into the heat, but there's no help for it. There's work to be finished. I have to admit I feel much better having spent some time here. One of these days I'll have to come back to re-explore the secrets of this place. Who knows, maybe a few of the dreams I've had here will come true.
Well, maybe not the only one. My half-sister Emma has her own dreams and with some careful planning, they could come true. I intend to do what I can to help her, but the time isn't yet right. Pa doesn't think it's a good idea while Victoria, Emma's mother, is determined Emma should be a fine lady. If she only knew...
We've had a few hot days and today is the worst. Being out in the open the sun beats down on you relentlessly. The water in my canteen is warm and tastes terrible but I can't go without. Now that I'm thinking about it I know of a place that is pleasantly cool. A place only one other person knows about since he's the one who discovered it.
After all these years I still kind of miss Jesse but at the same time I still feel angry when I think about him. We were thick as thieves but about ten years ago he left the ranch and never came back. I'm not sure I could forgive him for leaving without saying goodbye. That doesn't matter now. Maybe someday I'll be able to think about him and smile at the memories.
Just up ahead I can hear water rushing and roaring. There's a waterfall that gives off a fine spray and it feels so good on hot days. Don't get me wrong, the ranch hands know about this place, but they don't know what's beyond it. I do.
There's a pathway made of stones that disappear in the pounding water. The foam makes the stones slippery and you have to be very careful. You could slip and fall, and drown before you even knew what was happening. My cow pony is close enough to the water to get a drink and there's plenty of grass to chomp on. I can trust him not to go anywhere. In the meantime, I'm taking that slippery path to a cooler spot.
You learn to respect the fall and the power it holds. Moving carefully I step along the stones until I can squeeze behind the watery curtain to the small cave it hides. There's an immediate difference in the temperature. It must be a good twenty degrees cooler in here. The fact that it's dark helps too. The earth is slightly damp but it feels good as well. There's a pool of water a little further back and it's cold enough to ease a parched throat. After I take a drink and fill my canteen I breathe a deep sigh of contentment and relax.
I can't believe I dozed off like that. From the angle of the sun it must be late afternoon. I hate to leave this cool cave to go back into the heat, but there's no help for it. There's work to be finished. I have to admit I feel much better having spent some time here. One of these days I'll have to come back to re-explore the secrets of this place. Who knows, maybe a few of the dreams I've had here will come true.
Friday, July 12, 2013
How Bad Can It Get?
I realize summer isn't the greatest time to look for something to watch on television. Sure you might be able to catch an episode you missed of your favorite show. (I always manage to catch the ones I've already seen).
The last few years, many summer reruns have been replaced by short season shows that don't make the fall schedule. And some of those shows have run successfully for a few seasons, like The Closer which went off the air when Kyra Sedgewick decided it was time to move on. Her show was replaced by its spinoff, Major Crimes (which IMHO is just as good). There are other good shows that have short seasons you wish they were longer. But that isn't my point here.
My point is made-for-TV movies. Last night there wasn't much worth watching so TV viewing was switched over to the SyFy channel. Sharknado??? Okay, something in the line of disaster movies I hadn't yet seen. I'm usually willing to give a new title a shot.
Somebody should have shot it. Actually they did. The heroine was able to blow the heads off a couple of the big guys. (They were man eaters so what did she have to worry about <snicker>) These huge fish are transported throughout Los Angeles by means of a tornado? (Come on guys, hop on board. There's a huge buffet just waiting for us in LA). In the meantime they're swimming around pools, sewer systems and flooded streets waiting for the next hapless snack.
I don't mind an occasional dumb movie but this one was the dumbest I have ever seen. Is there anything Hollywood hasn't yet done with sharks, crocs, piranhas and snakes? Either they need some new writers or they need writers who can come up with something that's a bit more thought provoking. Viewers (at least this viewer) wants to be entertained and occasionally challenged (with a good action, suspense or thriller) A good science-fiction would be nice, as long as it makes some sense and lets you ask "What if?"
For some years there's been a problem referred to as 'dumbing down America' in which the reading levels have been lowered and the challenge of reading is disappearing. It seems like the quality of many movies is following the same road. They really don't give us anything to think about. Watch it and forget it. If that's how it is, why bother?
Is there something to be done about it? I have no idea since there are so few complaints. In the meantime, I'll just go back to reading my suspense novels and watching "classic" movies.
The last few years, many summer reruns have been replaced by short season shows that don't make the fall schedule. And some of those shows have run successfully for a few seasons, like The Closer which went off the air when Kyra Sedgewick decided it was time to move on. Her show was replaced by its spinoff, Major Crimes (which IMHO is just as good). There are other good shows that have short seasons you wish they were longer. But that isn't my point here.
My point is made-for-TV movies. Last night there wasn't much worth watching so TV viewing was switched over to the SyFy channel. Sharknado??? Okay, something in the line of disaster movies I hadn't yet seen. I'm usually willing to give a new title a shot.
Somebody should have shot it. Actually they did. The heroine was able to blow the heads off a couple of the big guys. (They were man eaters so what did she have to worry about <snicker>) These huge fish are transported throughout Los Angeles by means of a tornado? (Come on guys, hop on board. There's a huge buffet just waiting for us in LA). In the meantime they're swimming around pools, sewer systems and flooded streets waiting for the next hapless snack.
I don't mind an occasional dumb movie but this one was the dumbest I have ever seen. Is there anything Hollywood hasn't yet done with sharks, crocs, piranhas and snakes? Either they need some new writers or they need writers who can come up with something that's a bit more thought provoking. Viewers (at least this viewer) wants to be entertained and occasionally challenged (with a good action, suspense or thriller) A good science-fiction would be nice, as long as it makes some sense and lets you ask "What if?"
For some years there's been a problem referred to as 'dumbing down America' in which the reading levels have been lowered and the challenge of reading is disappearing. It seems like the quality of many movies is following the same road. They really don't give us anything to think about. Watch it and forget it. If that's how it is, why bother?
Is there something to be done about it? I have no idea since there are so few complaints. In the meantime, I'll just go back to reading my suspense novels and watching "classic" movies.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Where'd The Time Go???
Hard to believe that half the year is gone. It seems as if only yesterday I was setting goals for the year. Now that I look back at the last six months I find I'm far from a half-way point in getting done what I set out to do.
I know you have to make allowances for things to happen. That's how life is. In some cases I like to invoke Murphy's Law. You know the one that states if something can go wrong, you can count on it happening. Well, that's the gist of it, anyway. Murphy seems to enjoy taking his vacation time here but I think he's long past due to get the boot. If only he would stop being elusive long enough to allow me to do the deed. Then maybe something would get finished around here. I'd rather be yelled at by unhappy characters than have to deal with unwanted shenanigans or unhappy events.
Summer is the season when I get the least done. I'd rather have dry heat than live with humidity. This is the time when I feel as if my brain has gone to mush...or water-logged. Every day that passes is a day closer to more comfortable weather and productive time. I can't say I don't get anything done, because I do accomplish some things. When I can't sleep because of the muggies I sometimes pull out a craft project and work on it for a while. (I've got a half dozen lap afghans done). Come autumn I expect to be starting a new project -- a quilt for a wedding gift.
In the meantime, I let those pesky characters have their say, hoping they'll come up with something interesting. I've been waiting ten years for one in particular to speak up and he's finally decided to open his mouth. Slowly, but surely he's voicing his frustration over his situation, or rather, the lack of action on the part of others. (Who knows? Maybe Murphy has been harassing him as well) I suppose the lack of verbalizing from the others means they're about as mushed brain as I am.
At least I have another six months to put together their hopes, dreams and frustrations. Who knows... maybe by the end of the year I'll have at least caught up on my goals. And if there is any justice, Murphy will be gone and leave us in peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a sneak peek to "Lady of My Heart". It follows "To Every Love There Is a Season."
Since I cannot have one daughter, I will take the other. To come after us will guarantee her death.
The words kept going round and round in the stable boy's head, like a cart whell on a rutted road -- hard and pitiless. Geoffrey tried to push them out of his mind, push away the anger that accompanied them. There was no question as to who had abducted the duke's younger daughter. The problem was no one could find them. That fact alone rekindled Geoffrey's temper. Why had no one heard the least bit of gossip? Why could no one find even a single hint of where Lady Katherine might have been or where she might be going? After all, Nicholas would never consider traveling without a dozen soldiers for protection. He could defend himself, inadequately, but nothing more. And to keep Kitty from trying to escape from him? No, Nicholas would depend on others to do what he should be able to do himself.
Or would he?
I know you have to make allowances for things to happen. That's how life is. In some cases I like to invoke Murphy's Law. You know the one that states if something can go wrong, you can count on it happening. Well, that's the gist of it, anyway. Murphy seems to enjoy taking his vacation time here but I think he's long past due to get the boot. If only he would stop being elusive long enough to allow me to do the deed. Then maybe something would get finished around here. I'd rather be yelled at by unhappy characters than have to deal with unwanted shenanigans or unhappy events.
Summer is the season when I get the least done. I'd rather have dry heat than live with humidity. This is the time when I feel as if my brain has gone to mush...or water-logged. Every day that passes is a day closer to more comfortable weather and productive time. I can't say I don't get anything done, because I do accomplish some things. When I can't sleep because of the muggies I sometimes pull out a craft project and work on it for a while. (I've got a half dozen lap afghans done). Come autumn I expect to be starting a new project -- a quilt for a wedding gift.
In the meantime, I let those pesky characters have their say, hoping they'll come up with something interesting. I've been waiting ten years for one in particular to speak up and he's finally decided to open his mouth. Slowly, but surely he's voicing his frustration over his situation, or rather, the lack of action on the part of others. (Who knows? Maybe Murphy has been harassing him as well) I suppose the lack of verbalizing from the others means they're about as mushed brain as I am.
At least I have another six months to put together their hopes, dreams and frustrations. Who knows... maybe by the end of the year I'll have at least caught up on my goals. And if there is any justice, Murphy will be gone and leave us in peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a sneak peek to "Lady of My Heart". It follows "To Every Love There Is a Season."
Since I cannot have one daughter, I will take the other. To come after us will guarantee her death.
The words kept going round and round in the stable boy's head, like a cart whell on a rutted road -- hard and pitiless. Geoffrey tried to push them out of his mind, push away the anger that accompanied them. There was no question as to who had abducted the duke's younger daughter. The problem was no one could find them. That fact alone rekindled Geoffrey's temper. Why had no one heard the least bit of gossip? Why could no one find even a single hint of where Lady Katherine might have been or where she might be going? After all, Nicholas would never consider traveling without a dozen soldiers for protection. He could defend himself, inadequately, but nothing more. And to keep Kitty from trying to escape from him? No, Nicholas would depend on others to do what he should be able to do himself.
Or would he?
Friday, May 31, 2013
Here, There Be Dragons
Actually, that should be dragon, singular and there is one here. It still has a mind of its own.
Some months ago, there was a thread going on about the pros and cons of using a speech program to get some writing done. I already had the tenth edition but hadn't made sufficient use of it to be able to judge how well it worked. Then one day I put it aside and forgot about it... until recently.
Sometimes I wondered why I upgraded it to Version 11. Granted, there was a special offer and I told myself I should put it to work. Of course, I didn't listen to me. I seldom do.
Earlier this week I brought it out again, determined to get the hang of the program and make good use of it. The hype says your word productivity will increase, and that it has. What I got done, so far, in a couple hours, is what usually takes me all afternoon to accomplish. I still have plenty of time to work on another file.
While I'm dictating to the little critter I find words popping onto the screen that have nothing whatsoever to do with the story and sound nothing like what I said. (try not to breathe into the mic. it may very well show up on the screen as a string of "him"s.) A fun lesson is teaching the dragon to clean up after itself. Unwanted words can be a mess. Then there's the "Please say that again" that appears on the screen in a little box. It makes me wonder if the little beast is hard of hearing because when it asks that, I haven't said anything. Maybe it hasn't yet learned patience.
And maybe it's a matter of both of us needing to be trained to work together. You know how that goes... The ad may say you can train it to recognize your voice, but like a real pet, it has a mind of its own. It's going to insist on doing its own thing and get you to follow. That's okay. I've always imagined having a pet dragon.
Break time has been more than sufficient for a snack and drink so I should get back to teaching little Drago a new trick. And, by the way... if you should just happen to see any scorch marks, you'll know the lesson hasn't gone very well.
Some months ago, there was a thread going on about the pros and cons of using a speech program to get some writing done. I already had the tenth edition but hadn't made sufficient use of it to be able to judge how well it worked. Then one day I put it aside and forgot about it... until recently.
Sometimes I wondered why I upgraded it to Version 11. Granted, there was a special offer and I told myself I should put it to work. Of course, I didn't listen to me. I seldom do.
Earlier this week I brought it out again, determined to get the hang of the program and make good use of it. The hype says your word productivity will increase, and that it has. What I got done, so far, in a couple hours, is what usually takes me all afternoon to accomplish. I still have plenty of time to work on another file.
While I'm dictating to the little critter I find words popping onto the screen that have nothing whatsoever to do with the story and sound nothing like what I said. (try not to breathe into the mic. it may very well show up on the screen as a string of "him"s.) A fun lesson is teaching the dragon to clean up after itself. Unwanted words can be a mess. Then there's the "Please say that again" that appears on the screen in a little box. It makes me wonder if the little beast is hard of hearing because when it asks that, I haven't said anything. Maybe it hasn't yet learned patience.
And maybe it's a matter of both of us needing to be trained to work together. You know how that goes... The ad may say you can train it to recognize your voice, but like a real pet, it has a mind of its own. It's going to insist on doing its own thing and get you to follow. That's okay. I've always imagined having a pet dragon.
Break time has been more than sufficient for a snack and drink so I should get back to teaching little Drago a new trick. And, by the way... if you should just happen to see any scorch marks, you'll know the lesson hasn't gone very well.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Are We Sending Bad Messages?
A few days ago Disney announced they had changed the appearance of their latest female character, Merida, and showed a side-by-side makeover.
Now, when they first introduced this gal in the animated movie, Brave, she was feisty, not willing to settle into a typical female role. Her attitude was "someday, but not now." You have to admire the gal for wanting to find her own path at least for a while. She didn't feel the need for a Prince Charming in her life.
The controversy over the change is a valid one. The 'new' Merida is older, more mature, and appears sexy and sophisticated. Is this the kind of message we want to give our daughters...that sexy and sophisticated are the only things worth pursuing? It takes away from the individual and denies girls the right to be themselves. (It doesn't mean boys aren't faced with similar challenges.) This kind of 'indoctrination' begins in early childhood.
Toddlers and tiaras? The first five years is when kids should be learning to play and get along with others their age, making friends. Instead, they're being taught to compete. Is this what we want for our kids? Our grandkids? The first five years of a child's life is when their personality is set. By the time they begin school, there's little if anything, to be done about the person they've become.
The first five years are the most important when it comes to kids beginning to discover who they are. We should be nurturing that process, encouraging their interests and ensuring they don't move onto a false turn or wrong path. There's a big difference between nurturing and molding, and sometimes, as a parent, it's hard to know the difference. We try to mold them with values so they can grow up to be good people. But we also want to encourage some individuality. We're not cut with cookie cutters. Neither should our kids be expected to fit certain molds.
There isn't much we can do about perceptions of the world in general. We can only deal with our small personal worlds and the little ones who populate it. When my boys were small I often heard, "I can't wait till I grow up." My response to them? "Don't be in a hurry. Enjoy being a kid as long as you can because once you grow up, you're a grownup for the rest of your life."
Get lost in the mists of time.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Getting Past the Wall
Sooner or later every author hits that proverbial wall and gets stuck with their writing. Lately, I've been stuck on a plot and nothing seems to work to get it moving again. The solution? Find something to do that is far from writing so you can go back to it with a fresh look.
I've been workin on a baby afghan and finally got it finished up with another project in mind. There's a new pattern (new to me at least, but the technique isn't new) I've been dying to try out. So last night I got out a pair of knitting needles and a skein of yarn that was only good for practicing on, and I set to work.
(My fictional hero is giving me the silent treatment.)
One thing I don't like about knitting in rows is having to turn the work every time you get to the end of the row. It's especially a pain if you're working with more than one skein because every time you turn the work, the yarns get twisted. I'd heard about a way to purl stitches so you don't have to keep turning your work. It was frustrating at first since I couldn't follow the video (it was on my laptop) and I finally gave up on it. I put the work aside and picked up the book I've been reading. Suddenly I had one of those 'aha' moments and went back to the knitting. The purl stitches were so easy I wondered how I could have been so dim-witted and unable to figure it out earlier. But figure it out I did and managed to get a few rows done.
(In my eyes, said hero isn't looking quite so heroic with his attitude. He's still ignoring me for whatever reason. I can do the same.)
When I was satisfied I had the 'reverse' purl down pat, I turned my attention to the other stitch I wanted to learn. The pattern is called 'entrelac' and looking at the instructional chapter of the book I was using, I was amazed at all the different ways it could be done. I'd only seen it done in knit/purl. It looks something like a basketweave but is done differently. Craft directions don't always make sense to me so I have to read it, one stitch at a time until I see the results.
The sample called for twenty-four stitches but I added on a few more and made it thirty-two. All the better to see how it shapes up. The first directions are for setting up the triangles for the bottom edge. Because of the way it's done it's bunched up and you don't get a really good look but it's enough to know if you've succeeded. The corner triangle was a wee bit more challenging but I had to give myself a pat on the back for getting that done as well.
Wow! Two techniques in one night. That's a record for me.
As to the writing... Have I figured out yet what's wrong with the current plot? Nope. The hero's still refusing to say anything. I suppose I can either stand in front of this wall and wait for him to express himself, to discuss his problems. Or I can ignore it and him in favor of working on something else entirely.
All I can say is, he'd better start talking soon or he's going to find himself being replaced by a more co-operative hero.
I've been workin on a baby afghan and finally got it finished up with another project in mind. There's a new pattern (new to me at least, but the technique isn't new) I've been dying to try out. So last night I got out a pair of knitting needles and a skein of yarn that was only good for practicing on, and I set to work.
(My fictional hero is giving me the silent treatment.)
One thing I don't like about knitting in rows is having to turn the work every time you get to the end of the row. It's especially a pain if you're working with more than one skein because every time you turn the work, the yarns get twisted. I'd heard about a way to purl stitches so you don't have to keep turning your work. It was frustrating at first since I couldn't follow the video (it was on my laptop) and I finally gave up on it. I put the work aside and picked up the book I've been reading. Suddenly I had one of those 'aha' moments and went back to the knitting. The purl stitches were so easy I wondered how I could have been so dim-witted and unable to figure it out earlier. But figure it out I did and managed to get a few rows done.
(In my eyes, said hero isn't looking quite so heroic with his attitude. He's still ignoring me for whatever reason. I can do the same.)
When I was satisfied I had the 'reverse' purl down pat, I turned my attention to the other stitch I wanted to learn. The pattern is called 'entrelac' and looking at the instructional chapter of the book I was using, I was amazed at all the different ways it could be done. I'd only seen it done in knit/purl. It looks something like a basketweave but is done differently. Craft directions don't always make sense to me so I have to read it, one stitch at a time until I see the results.
The sample called for twenty-four stitches but I added on a few more and made it thirty-two. All the better to see how it shapes up. The first directions are for setting up the triangles for the bottom edge. Because of the way it's done it's bunched up and you don't get a really good look but it's enough to know if you've succeeded. The corner triangle was a wee bit more challenging but I had to give myself a pat on the back for getting that done as well.
Wow! Two techniques in one night. That's a record for me.
As to the writing... Have I figured out yet what's wrong with the current plot? Nope. The hero's still refusing to say anything. I suppose I can either stand in front of this wall and wait for him to express himself, to discuss his problems. Or I can ignore it and him in favor of working on something else entirely.
All I can say is, he'd better start talking soon or he's going to find himself being replaced by a more co-operative hero.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Meet Pauline Holyoak
Meet, award - winning,
Canadian author, Pauline Holyoak
As far back as I can remember the
pen and paper have been my faithful companions and story telling my forte. As a
child I would sneak away from the mundane adult world, find a private retreat
(usually behind the garden shed) and imagine. There in my own little sanctuary
I'd conjure up all kinds of intriguing tales and colorful characters. In my
teen years my journal became my confident, revealing all my hidden secrets,
private fantasies and wild notions within its pages. Later I started to write
poems, articles and short stories, and pondered the thought of becoming a
writer.
When I moved toCanada
I decided to take a comprehensive writing course to improve my technique. With help from a proficient and supportive tutor, who told me I had a gift, I began to cultivate my skill. My articles started to sell and I received an assignment from a major Canadian magazine.
The first book in my Merryweather
Lodge trilogy was the Readers Favorite 2011 Silver Award Winner for paranormal fiction.
I have also written two children’s books and had twenty five articles and
editorials published.
Every summer, when I was a child,
we would visit my aunt and uncle at their quaint little cottage on Salisbury
Plain. It was called Scotland Lodge and was situated not far from the
historical Stonehenge . My uncle worked as a
farm hand for the local squire. My aunt tended the manor house. It was there as
I roamed free, deep within the English countryside, that I experienced joy,
enchantment and some very strange and frightening occurrences. It was like a
fairytale kingdom with a sinister twist. The memories of my summers at Scotland
Lodge stayed with me, as a sort of nagging unsolved mystery all my life. A few
years ago I revisited my childhood wonderland (the old place still emanates a
strange and eerie essence) and was led by some mysterious force into concocting
this story and writing this trilogy. It is from my mystifying experiences at
Scotland Lodge that this story has emerged.
Read about her, “spine-chilling trilogy.” It was inspired by
her own experiences at a remote little cottage near Stonehenge .
Merryweather Lodge
“This author paints each page
with fantasy, colorful characters, and haunting events that would light up a
movie screen.”
I grew in Southeast England , in a coal mining village lovingly
nicknamed, “The place that time forgot.” Go to my website, click on ‘Articles’
and find out why. I immigrated to Canada Alberta
I immigrated to Canada
When I moved to
I decided to take a comprehensive writing course to improve my technique. With help from a proficient and supportive tutor, who told me I had a gift, I began to cultivate my skill. My articles started to sell and I received an assignment from a major Canadian magazine.
I often get asked. “What inspired you to write this
trilogy?”…
Blurb: It’s Christmastime
at Merryweather Lodge. Emily has returned to the old cottage from her home in Canada
Excerpt: I heard
voices, lots of voices, some in a language I didn’t understand. “Find her you
imbeciles. She has come back and she cannot escape. There is nowhere for her to
go.” I recognized that voice but - could be - ? Shadows of screaming vultures
circled overhead. The air was crisp and biting.
I moved back from the stone and gazed around the area. The ancient
monoliths were smooth and uniform, in a perfect circle. Fires inside the circle
lit the sky and the air reeked of wood smoke, sweet herbs, and death. I rose
from the ground and peeked around the blue stone. There were clusters of people
- some in long white robes, others wore dark hooded cloaks. One of the groups closest to me was
performing some sort of slaughtering ceremony. I cringed at the gruesome site.
Merryweather
Lodge – A quaint little cottage, steeped in history, shrouded in secrets, its
aura a paradoxical essence of heaven and hell. Come with me to the West Country
in England
Merryweather Lodge – Ancient
Revenge and Merryweather Lodge – Malevolent Spirit
Visit Pauline at her website www.paulineholyoak.com Book three
coming soon…
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Things You Learn At a Wake
In spite of the title, this isn't going to be a morbid point of view. Rather it's an observation and a recent surprise.
Growing up I attended wakes of family friends. Back then, you paid your respects to the family before you sat quietly in the funeral parlor. When you spoke, it was in whispers and mostly in reference to the dearly departed.
Now things and attitudes have greatly changed. You still pay your respects to the family, but the gathering is more a celebration of life. You get reacquainted with family and friends you haven't seen in years. You learn of marriages, how the next generation is all grown up and there are new grandkids. (That can make you feel old.) You share 'Remember when' moments and recall other family members who are gone. There were two passings in my family in two weeks' time. The second passing brought together cousins and other relatives we hadn't seen since we were children.
As it turns out, one of those cousins has an interest in geneology and enough curiosity to do a bit of a search on the female side of the family. Armed with a swab for DNA this cousin found out some interesting facts about our ancestry.
We always knew our family came from Azorean background but I always wondered if maybe there was something more. The writer in me imagined there was. Usually, you discover this sort of thing while you're still young but sometimes you don't know where the information can be found when your sources no longer exist. (At least, that's the understanding.) Every kid is curious about their family. When I was quite young, people used to ask if I was Mexican. No, I assured them I was strictly of Portuguese descent. Imagine my surprise when I found out differently.
From what this cousin discovered, our mothers' (sisters) lines carry genetics of English, Irish, and a bit of Hungarian. There's also some pirate ancesters which could explain the Algerian blood in the family. I'd love to know if any of those pirates were famous. How neat would that be? With more background information, I could have a field day with story creation.
I've written medieval romance set in England but have never written anything about Irish. Maybe it's time to change that. As fascinating and informative as this revelation has been, I have one thing more to say about it...
What! No Scots?
Growing up I attended wakes of family friends. Back then, you paid your respects to the family before you sat quietly in the funeral parlor. When you spoke, it was in whispers and mostly in reference to the dearly departed.
Now things and attitudes have greatly changed. You still pay your respects to the family, but the gathering is more a celebration of life. You get reacquainted with family and friends you haven't seen in years. You learn of marriages, how the next generation is all grown up and there are new grandkids. (That can make you feel old.) You share 'Remember when' moments and recall other family members who are gone. There were two passings in my family in two weeks' time. The second passing brought together cousins and other relatives we hadn't seen since we were children.
As it turns out, one of those cousins has an interest in geneology and enough curiosity to do a bit of a search on the female side of the family. Armed with a swab for DNA this cousin found out some interesting facts about our ancestry.
We always knew our family came from Azorean background but I always wondered if maybe there was something more. The writer in me imagined there was. Usually, you discover this sort of thing while you're still young but sometimes you don't know where the information can be found when your sources no longer exist. (At least, that's the understanding.) Every kid is curious about their family. When I was quite young, people used to ask if I was Mexican. No, I assured them I was strictly of Portuguese descent. Imagine my surprise when I found out differently.
From what this cousin discovered, our mothers' (sisters) lines carry genetics of English, Irish, and a bit of Hungarian. There's also some pirate ancesters which could explain the Algerian blood in the family. I'd love to know if any of those pirates were famous. How neat would that be? With more background information, I could have a field day with story creation.
I've written medieval romance set in England but have never written anything about Irish. Maybe it's time to change that. As fascinating and informative as this revelation has been, I have one thing more to say about it...
What! No Scots?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
It's Nathan's Turn
Meet Nathan Granger, the hero of Fool's Gold and the only man who manages to get under Candace's skin. Read what he has to say about Candace and life in general.
I'm a blacksmith...or at least I used to be before everything was taken from my family. Nobility tends to do that. They take from those they don't like and give to their favorites. It's hard to find work when you no longer have your tools. Fortunately for me, I have other skills as well, so I manage to find other work here and there to keep body and soul together.
In spite of the hardships, nothing pleases me more than to cause problems for Baron Lynsdale. He's responsible for the loss of my father's trade, and as a result, mine as well. It seems I complicated his day when I overheard a conversation going on in the kirk. After what I'd heard, I thought I'd interfere and make a bit of trouble for the baron by laying claim to his bride-to-be. That in itself would have been entertaining but it seems I got more than I expected. The baron doesn't often fight to get back something that's taken from him. He is more the kind to wait and exact retribution when it suits him. But there's something about this woman that has him looking for ways to get her back. And he seems rather desperate to succeed.
Candace is the prickly type. I see it as a means of protecting herself, from what I'm not sure, besides the baron. She's been talking about some gemstones. I've heard about them but I've never believed in their existence. But if they don't exist, why is the baron so determined to get Candace back? She certainly isn't the home and hearth kind of woman. And a nobleman would never think to wed a scullery maid. She can't even cook. She's totally lacking in the skills every woman learns at her mother's side. The only thing she seems to know how to do with any skill, is get into trouble.
Life has suddenly become rather interesting and eventful but I shouldn't say too much. I can tell you that there's an unexpected revelation that will, in due course, be made known. It will make important changes in our lives. I could lose everything that's come to matter to me, but it's Candace's decision. What will she choose?
I'm a blacksmith...or at least I used to be before everything was taken from my family. Nobility tends to do that. They take from those they don't like and give to their favorites. It's hard to find work when you no longer have your tools. Fortunately for me, I have other skills as well, so I manage to find other work here and there to keep body and soul together.
In spite of the hardships, nothing pleases me more than to cause problems for Baron Lynsdale. He's responsible for the loss of my father's trade, and as a result, mine as well. It seems I complicated his day when I overheard a conversation going on in the kirk. After what I'd heard, I thought I'd interfere and make a bit of trouble for the baron by laying claim to his bride-to-be. That in itself would have been entertaining but it seems I got more than I expected. The baron doesn't often fight to get back something that's taken from him. He is more the kind to wait and exact retribution when it suits him. But there's something about this woman that has him looking for ways to get her back. And he seems rather desperate to succeed.
Candace is the prickly type. I see it as a means of protecting herself, from what I'm not sure, besides the baron. She's been talking about some gemstones. I've heard about them but I've never believed in their existence. But if they don't exist, why is the baron so determined to get Candace back? She certainly isn't the home and hearth kind of woman. And a nobleman would never think to wed a scullery maid. She can't even cook. She's totally lacking in the skills every woman learns at her mother's side. The only thing she seems to know how to do with any skill, is get into trouble.
Life has suddenly become rather interesting and eventful but I shouldn't say too much. I can tell you that there's an unexpected revelation that will, in due course, be made known. It will make important changes in our lives. I could lose everything that's come to matter to me, but it's Candace's decision. What will she choose?
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Meet Candace McAvoy
Candace McAvoy is the heroine of the second book in the McKinley's Jewel series. See what she has to say about her adventure in the past.
First off, I wouldn't call myself a heroine. I got caught in the past and can't find a way back to my own time. In my time I'm known for being a big flirt. I admit it's got me into some trouble but I don't let that bother me. I know exactly where to draw the line and I never let anyone cross it. I haven't figured out what I'm looking for. I only know what it is I don't want. You'd think that in itself would be a help but it hasn't been.
I've been stuck in the past for a couple months now and that Baron Lynsdale has been trying to get information from me that I don't have. He thinks I'm hiding the McKinley jewels. It doesn't matter that he has no rights at all to them but as long as he thinks I know where they are he's not about to leave me alone. I'd rather stay in the kitchen where I've been working as a scullery maid (not my choice of occupation) than have anything to do with him. (This place could use a social director) Of course, the choice isn't mine and I'm about to get married. Can you picture me, a modern gal, tied to an overweight, overbearing member of the nobility? Not on your life, but trapped as I am between him and his brother-in-law who happens to be the current laird...I don't see a way out of this mess.
Of course, the hero comes along just in the nick of time. I have to admit, he's a good looking guy in spite of his rough edges. I wouldn't call him handsome, but if he can get me out of this mess, it would be a first. I've never had a man defend me before and I should have known better. Nate Granger is like all the rest of them. He's got his ulterior motive too. How do I keep getting into these messes?
Like it or not, I'm stuck with Granger. The only advantage is that at the moment he's the lesser of two evils. Now if I could get free of him and find my way back to my own time. I'd be thrilled. But you know what they say about being careful what you wish for?
You'll have to read Fool's Gold to find out if I manage to escape the past, and Nate with it. I can tell you this. There are a couple unexpected surprises in the story.
First off, I wouldn't call myself a heroine. I got caught in the past and can't find a way back to my own time. In my time I'm known for being a big flirt. I admit it's got me into some trouble but I don't let that bother me. I know exactly where to draw the line and I never let anyone cross it. I haven't figured out what I'm looking for. I only know what it is I don't want. You'd think that in itself would be a help but it hasn't been.
I've been stuck in the past for a couple months now and that Baron Lynsdale has been trying to get information from me that I don't have. He thinks I'm hiding the McKinley jewels. It doesn't matter that he has no rights at all to them but as long as he thinks I know where they are he's not about to leave me alone. I'd rather stay in the kitchen where I've been working as a scullery maid (not my choice of occupation) than have anything to do with him. (This place could use a social director) Of course, the choice isn't mine and I'm about to get married. Can you picture me, a modern gal, tied to an overweight, overbearing member of the nobility? Not on your life, but trapped as I am between him and his brother-in-law who happens to be the current laird...I don't see a way out of this mess.
Of course, the hero comes along just in the nick of time. I have to admit, he's a good looking guy in spite of his rough edges. I wouldn't call him handsome, but if he can get me out of this mess, it would be a first. I've never had a man defend me before and I should have known better. Nate Granger is like all the rest of them. He's got his ulterior motive too. How do I keep getting into these messes?
Like it or not, I'm stuck with Granger. The only advantage is that at the moment he's the lesser of two evils. Now if I could get free of him and find my way back to my own time. I'd be thrilled. But you know what they say about being careful what you wish for?
You'll have to read Fool's Gold to find out if I manage to escape the past, and Nate with it. I can tell you this. There are a couple unexpected surprises in the story.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Down Time? What Is It?
Down time. At some point, everybody needs down time to take a break from what they do. It recharges our batteries, rejuvenates our thought processes and generally promotes over all well being. Most people will do something entirely different from their life's work, like take a trip, work in a garden, read a book or just veg in front of the television.
So what makes writers so different? We spend a great deal of time writing, then look to do something else for a short time so the brain can take a much needed break. What do we do? For the most part we get involved in something else creative. Granted, it isn't writing but it's still creative.
Have you ever looked at an author's bio? Or if you've created one for yourself have you looked--really looked--at the information you've written? Have you noticed how similar your information is to that of other authors? It's uncanny. Or is it? It just varies on the way we approach it.
When I'm not writing, I'm doing something in craft work. Right now I'm working on some shawl/lap afghans for some friends of mine, trying to come up with a simple, light weight pattern. After a few tries I finally hit on something that works. Then there's the "crib-size" quilt (covers the top of a twin bed) I've been quilting. I have to get it finished before I can get started on the full size one I want to make for my son and his future wife. Then there are the two afghans that are still in pieces and have to be sewn together for an auction in late April. Before these projects are finished, I'll have a list of new ones I'll be itching to get to. Then late at night I might spend an hour or so reading and even then the writer section is still working.
It seems like the creative side of our brains never truly gets any rest. Even in sleep we dream of plots and characters. What if our creative brain is divided into compartments? Each one has a little man who is assigned a specific task. When one or two are working, the rest of them might get break time...or more likely they're taking notes. Have you ever noticed how you can be doing one thing and the writer compartment will always find a way to intrude? Well, maybe intrusion is a little harsh but let's face it. That part of us doesn't have the simplest understanding of what it means to take a break.
Then again, if we were able to shut down, even temporarily, consider all the great, weird, complex, crazy, ideas that might never be thought of or the plots that might never be created. Down time? We might need it but our actions and interests for the most part say we're not particularly concerned. Down time is mainly for those who have yet to get a handle on multi-tasking (another creative sport) but sooner or later the majority of us manage to live with only a hint of it.
Have you had your down time today?
So what makes writers so different? We spend a great deal of time writing, then look to do something else for a short time so the brain can take a much needed break. What do we do? For the most part we get involved in something else creative. Granted, it isn't writing but it's still creative.
Have you ever looked at an author's bio? Or if you've created one for yourself have you looked--really looked--at the information you've written? Have you noticed how similar your information is to that of other authors? It's uncanny. Or is it? It just varies on the way we approach it.
When I'm not writing, I'm doing something in craft work. Right now I'm working on some shawl/lap afghans for some friends of mine, trying to come up with a simple, light weight pattern. After a few tries I finally hit on something that works. Then there's the "crib-size" quilt (covers the top of a twin bed) I've been quilting. I have to get it finished before I can get started on the full size one I want to make for my son and his future wife. Then there are the two afghans that are still in pieces and have to be sewn together for an auction in late April. Before these projects are finished, I'll have a list of new ones I'll be itching to get to. Then late at night I might spend an hour or so reading and even then the writer section is still working.
It seems like the creative side of our brains never truly gets any rest. Even in sleep we dream of plots and characters. What if our creative brain is divided into compartments? Each one has a little man who is assigned a specific task. When one or two are working, the rest of them might get break time...or more likely they're taking notes. Have you ever noticed how you can be doing one thing and the writer compartment will always find a way to intrude? Well, maybe intrusion is a little harsh but let's face it. That part of us doesn't have the simplest understanding of what it means to take a break.
Then again, if we were able to shut down, even temporarily, consider all the great, weird, complex, crazy, ideas that might never be thought of or the plots that might never be created. Down time? We might need it but our actions and interests for the most part say we're not particularly concerned. Down time is mainly for those who have yet to get a handle on multi-tasking (another creative sport) but sooner or later the majority of us manage to live with only a hint of it.
Have you had your down time today?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Resolutions vs Goals
Every year between Christmas and New Year's, (usually not till New Year's Eve for us procrastinators) most folks are thinking about the resolutions they plan to make. There are the typical... to lose weight, find a job, or a better one if you're fortunate to still be working. I used to make about the same ones every year and hope that the new year would see me keeping those resolutions. It never fails...the resolutions fall by the wayside before two months of the new year are gone. There's just something about making resolutions to yourself that don't always work out.
My Oxford Word Finder defines resolution as "a thing resolved on; an intention". In place of resolution we could use words such as: commitment, pledge, promise, word of honor, oath, vow, undertaking, obligation, intention. Every one of them evokes determination to achieve some kind of result. Give me a few weeks and I'll have forgotten what the resolutions were, never mind my failure to keep them. The next step is guilt setting in. You know what they say about good intentions...
So I got to thinking there had to be a better way. I thought about setting goals. After all, we don't set resolutions as writers...we set goals. Is there a difference? I believe there is. Going back to my trusty Word Finder, a goal is described as: "the object of a person's ambition or effort; a destination; an aim. Other words we could use might be: object, aim, purpose, end, objective, target, ambition, ideal, aspiration.
Comparing the two, I find I like setting goals better. Resolutions sound like gavel-pounding promises that will come back to bite you if you fail to keep them. There's just something about goals that doesn't seem so harsh, or hard to keep. If you fail them, it's more like "I'll have to try harder next time," and there's no real 'guilt' attached.
Last year was the first time I tried goal setting, and although I only set one I was pleased to have achieved it. This year I'm doing it again and set a couple more. I expect one goal will be much easier to reach than the second but they're still goals.
In conclusion...I resolve, to the best of my ability, to achieve the goals I have set.
My Oxford Word Finder defines resolution as "a thing resolved on; an intention". In place of resolution we could use words such as: commitment, pledge, promise, word of honor, oath, vow, undertaking, obligation, intention. Every one of them evokes determination to achieve some kind of result. Give me a few weeks and I'll have forgotten what the resolutions were, never mind my failure to keep them. The next step is guilt setting in. You know what they say about good intentions...
So I got to thinking there had to be a better way. I thought about setting goals. After all, we don't set resolutions as writers...we set goals. Is there a difference? I believe there is. Going back to my trusty Word Finder, a goal is described as: "the object of a person's ambition or effort; a destination; an aim. Other words we could use might be: object, aim, purpose, end, objective, target, ambition, ideal, aspiration.
Comparing the two, I find I like setting goals better. Resolutions sound like gavel-pounding promises that will come back to bite you if you fail to keep them. There's just something about goals that doesn't seem so harsh, or hard to keep. If you fail them, it's more like "I'll have to try harder next time," and there's no real 'guilt' attached.
Last year was the first time I tried goal setting, and although I only set one I was pleased to have achieved it. This year I'm doing it again and set a couple more. I expect one goal will be much easier to reach than the second but they're still goals.
In conclusion...I resolve, to the best of my ability, to achieve the goals I have set.
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