Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Since our local cable service is giving us a free preview of the Noggin channel, this means only one thing to me: Degrassi, The Next Generation. I make no bones about the fact that I was already an adult by the time the first round of Degrassi shows came on the air, but as soon as I found out that some of the original "kid" characters were going to be on the new show as adults, I was already hooked. Joey and Caitlin, definetly. I always thought something could stir between Spike (actually Christine, for those not familiar with the series) and Snake (aka Archie) though they ran in different c=5
Since our local cable service is giving us a free preview of the Noggin channel, this means only one thing to me: Degrassi, The Next Generation. I make no bones about the fact that I was already an adult by the time the first round of Degrassi shows came on the air, but as soon as I found out that some of the original "kid" characters were going to be on the new show as adults, I was already hooked. Joey and Caitlin, definetly. I always thought something could stir between Spike (actually Christine, for those not familiar with the series) and Snake (aka Archie) though they ran in different circles in school, and now in their adult years, with Spike/Christine the mother of young teen Emma (whom she had when a teen herself) and Snake/Archie a teacher at the same school he attended, it's bliss. Especially since I just so happened to stumble across the episode with their wedding in it. The episode is called "White Wedding," and that, my friends, is a romance.
Two, actually, as Joey and Caitlin are putting out feelers after they crashed and burned as teens in lurve, and are both single again, both back in town. Showing my age, yes, but love stories are timeless, and that one hour of film fed my romantic creative brain. So may have to look into getting that channel just for that.
Yeah, I think there are some kids on the show that are doing stuff, too, but I'm watching the adults. Knowing the characters' history from when they were young teens and up to their current thirtysomething selves resonates with me. I want to know and let readers know, my characters that well. One scene that especially snagged that feeling was at Snake's bachelor party, when he and Joey were talking, and though a new viewer wouldn't notice, this longtime fan did. There was a gaping hole there, the third musketeer, so to speak, Wheels (Derek) was missing. Shunned by his former friends when he caused a drunk driving accident after graduation, Wheels (pardon the pun) continued to spin out of control. We know he's been in jail, we know he's been injured, but the worst pain of all is that we know he needs that friendship, and it would be hard to regain.
Of course the VCR was down so I couldn't tape it. Grumblesigh.
Nag group tonight. Agent-who-has-my-full has been duly nudged, now it's in her court. Sending out queries for My Outcast Heart, the colonial, but for some reason, a colonial-set story, told in first person, with a subtle spiritual thread, is kind of hard to place. As my friend Edna would say, "oh, well." Keep pitching it until someone catches, and keep writing on the stories I have to tell. I probably could write a funny Regency, but I'd hate it, and that wouldn't be doing anyone any favors. So on I charge, back in century 17, headed for Holland.
Two, actually, as Joey and Caitlin are putting out feelers after they crashed and burned as teens in lurve, and are both single again, both back in town. Showing my age, yes, but love stories are timeless, and that one hour of film fed my romantic creative brain. So may have to look into getting that channel just for that.
Yeah, I think there are some kids on the show that are doing stuff, too, but I'm watching the adults. Knowing the characters' history from when they were young teens and up to their current thirtysomething selves resonates with me. I want to know and let readers know, my characters that well. One scene that especially snagged that feeling was at Snake's bachelor party, when he and Joey were talking, and though a new viewer wouldn't notice, this longtime fan did. There was a gaping hole there, the third musketeer, so to speak, Wheels (Derek) was missing. Shunned by his former friends when he caused a drunk driving accident after graduation, Wheels (pardon the pun) continued to spin out of control. We know he's been in jail, we know he's been injured, but the worst pain of all is that we know he needs that friendship, and it would be hard to regain.
Of course the VCR was down so I couldn't tape it. Grumblesigh.
Nag group tonight. Agent-who-has-my-full has been duly nudged, now it's in her court. Sending out queries for My Outcast Heart, the colonial, but for some reason, a colonial-set story, told in first person, with a subtle spiritual thread, is kind of hard to place. As my friend Edna would say, "oh, well." Keep pitching it until someone catches, and keep writing on the stories I have to tell. I probably could write a funny Regency, but I'd hate it, and that wouldn't be doing anyone any favors. So on I charge, back in century 17, headed for Holland.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
I have found it is absolutely impossible to be either sad or uncreative while bouncing on a trampoline. If also playing the maracas (I'm dogsitting for a couple who are both musicians, so yes. there are instruments all over the place.)the effect is doubled, and if bouncing, maraca-ing and rewriting the end of a book I gave up on reading because I had a feeling the ending was going to go a certain way, and that's one of my pet bugaboos, the effect is positively exhilirating. Must get mini trampoline for own home. Maracas optional. Though we do need dogs as soon as we are in a place big enough for one. Actually, make that two. Dogs are pack animals, so must have at least two for a pack.
But anyway. There I am, bouncing, maraca-ing, watching Jazz doggy snooze through the whole mess in the corner, mulling over in my mind where I would have taken the right turn at Albequerque (apologies for anyone who may have seen me misspell your home town) and get the giant message that yes, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. I'd forgotten how good it feels to get the body moving to free the creative centre in the brain. Add must get bike to list of future purchases. Spurred, naturally, by the fact that my critique partner, friend, and collaborator on the big historical epic, Elise, is now the proud owner of both bike and laptop (the other thing on the top of the list) Not jealousy, but direction. I love seeing how other writers do things, and get ideas to incorporate into my own process.
Have not actually written, except emails, blog entries, and letters, this weekend, but I planned it that way. My weekend with the girls before they go to their new homes, so they get my attention. (Though if the new owners need a dogsitter, I am available.) But that hunger. that desire to not only follow my characters around, but climb inside their skins, and take a look through their eyes (cue Phil Collins) is there in full force.
I figured out over the past week that one of the things I haven't been doing lately that I was doing in my ten to twenty pages a day days, was consistently reading excellent historical romances. Meaning the stuff that resonates with me, the larger than life, broad sweeps across continents and years, heroes and heroines who are alphas both, with the requisite clash before they fit. Not "I hate you, let's boink" but two individuals who have to smooth out a few things before they can fully trust and commit to another person. Which always makes for a good story in my book. Pun intended.
I do have notes I made during the Wednesday night critique group meeting, and my assignment for the week. One scene that gets Simon and Jonnet to Breda, Holland. Can be two pages, or twenty pages, or anything in between, but the scene must be complete. I have a list of things I need to explore by that point in their relationship and journey, and am looking forward to the actual writing. Need to crawl the library for some research stuff, so can probably do that while laundry is spinning tomorrow. But first, dogs need a long walk.
But anyway. There I am, bouncing, maraca-ing, watching Jazz doggy snooze through the whole mess in the corner, mulling over in my mind where I would have taken the right turn at Albequerque (apologies for anyone who may have seen me misspell your home town) and get the giant message that yes, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. I'd forgotten how good it feels to get the body moving to free the creative centre in the brain. Add must get bike to list of future purchases. Spurred, naturally, by the fact that my critique partner, friend, and collaborator on the big historical epic, Elise, is now the proud owner of both bike and laptop (the other thing on the top of the list) Not jealousy, but direction. I love seeing how other writers do things, and get ideas to incorporate into my own process.
Have not actually written, except emails, blog entries, and letters, this weekend, but I planned it that way. My weekend with the girls before they go to their new homes, so they get my attention. (Though if the new owners need a dogsitter, I am available.) But that hunger. that desire to not only follow my characters around, but climb inside their skins, and take a look through their eyes (cue Phil Collins) is there in full force.
I figured out over the past week that one of the things I haven't been doing lately that I was doing in my ten to twenty pages a day days, was consistently reading excellent historical romances. Meaning the stuff that resonates with me, the larger than life, broad sweeps across continents and years, heroes and heroines who are alphas both, with the requisite clash before they fit. Not "I hate you, let's boink" but two individuals who have to smooth out a few things before they can fully trust and commit to another person. Which always makes for a good story in my book. Pun intended.
I do have notes I made during the Wednesday night critique group meeting, and my assignment for the week. One scene that gets Simon and Jonnet to Breda, Holland. Can be two pages, or twenty pages, or anything in between, but the scene must be complete. I have a list of things I need to explore by that point in their relationship and journey, and am looking forward to the actual writing. Need to crawl the library for some research stuff, so can probably do that while laundry is spinning tomorrow. But first, dogs need a long walk.
Friday, June 25, 2004
Found a lovely place that will probably be my "base camp" while dogsitting this weekend. Jazz and Skweeker, my charges, are content to lie about on whatever floor is nearest me (or a breeze, but preferably both) so they're easily adaptable. Since their humans are moving soon, the master bedroom where I usually sleep when overnight sitting is otherwise occupied, and they put me in the kids' room. Niiiiiice soft bed there. Bunkbed, actually, and man oh man did I love my bunkbed when I was a kid. Top and bottom both have their appeal, and with the hope chest next to the bed at perfect level to hold my horde of books, I am one happy woman.
Currently finishing Madeline Hunter's THE SEDUCER, and next will likely be Haywood Smith's QUEEN BEE OF MIMOSA BRANCH. Though her previous books had been historical romances, set in a variety of eras/places, which I loved, loved, loved, Ms Smith switched to women's fiction after some personal changes, so I'm curious to see how much of what I liked about the other books carried over to this new genre. After that, it's back to historicals again. Most likely the first book in Jane Kirkpatrick's early frontier series. Would have to step over two sleeping dogs to get to my book bag to check the title, so will do that later.
Kirkpatrick is one of the few writers who will entice me to read outside of my preferred eras, and for the most part, it's easier for a CBA writer to do this for me than an ABA one. Still not sure why, other than the CBA books have the spiritual component. I love the way Jane Kirkpatrick weaves it in seamlessly and intricately. Nobody wants to be bonked over the head with anything. That's how I want to get my content in; as an inherent part of the book and characters and their love story.
Have blocked out some time (doggies willing) for work on my next Simon and Jonnet scene, as my critique group is fully capable of doing me the promised bodily harm if I do not. They are a true blessing and a great motivator.
Currently finishing Madeline Hunter's THE SEDUCER, and next will likely be Haywood Smith's QUEEN BEE OF MIMOSA BRANCH. Though her previous books had been historical romances, set in a variety of eras/places, which I loved, loved, loved, Ms Smith switched to women's fiction after some personal changes, so I'm curious to see how much of what I liked about the other books carried over to this new genre. After that, it's back to historicals again. Most likely the first book in Jane Kirkpatrick's early frontier series. Would have to step over two sleeping dogs to get to my book bag to check the title, so will do that later.
Kirkpatrick is one of the few writers who will entice me to read outside of my preferred eras, and for the most part, it's easier for a CBA writer to do this for me than an ABA one. Still not sure why, other than the CBA books have the spiritual component. I love the way Jane Kirkpatrick weaves it in seamlessly and intricately. Nobody wants to be bonked over the head with anything. That's how I want to get my content in; as an inherent part of the book and characters and their love story.
Have blocked out some time (doggies willing) for work on my next Simon and Jonnet scene, as my critique group is fully capable of doing me the promised bodily harm if I do not. They are a true blessing and a great motivator.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Tush in chair, fingers on keyboard. Where I am in the current WIP, (Isle of Man, England, Netherlands, end of English Civil War) my heroine is about to spill the beans on something even I didn't know. Which is both scary and great. I'm walking the fine line between "whoa, you never told me that happened" and "well, of course it did, it's perfectly logical." Which of course touches on the hero's protective instincts, his drive to take care of those for whom he's responsible.
It flows out of the characters naturally (even the actions of an important secondary character who is not present for this conversation) and it works, so of course my first instinct to to make a sound somewhere in the neighborhood of "eeeeek" and hide behind a file cabinet. Which will not happen because A) my writing group wants to see this scene tomorrow, and I know at least one of them is capable of physical violence, and B) I don't have a filing cabinet.
Having studied, in my checkered past, early childhood education (before I figured out it would involve me spending long periods of time alone with herds of small children; no thanks) I'm reminded of the kiddy song "Going on a Bear Hunt." In the song (may also have been a story book) a family is going on (you guessed it) a bear hunt. They face a series of obstacles like snowstorms, wind, waves, etc.
The chorus, which comes up with every obstacle, goes:
Can't go around it
Can't go over it
Can't go under it
Have to go through it
So here I go.
It flows out of the characters naturally (even the actions of an important secondary character who is not present for this conversation) and it works, so of course my first instinct to to make a sound somewhere in the neighborhood of "eeeeek" and hide behind a file cabinet. Which will not happen because A) my writing group wants to see this scene tomorrow, and I know at least one of them is capable of physical violence, and B) I don't have a filing cabinet.
Having studied, in my checkered past, early childhood education (before I figured out it would involve me spending long periods of time alone with herds of small children; no thanks) I'm reminded of the kiddy song "Going on a Bear Hunt." In the song (may also have been a story book) a family is going on (you guessed it) a bear hunt. They face a series of obstacles like snowstorms, wind, waves, etc.
The chorus, which comes up with every obstacle, goes:
Can't go around it
Can't go over it
Can't go under it
Have to go through it
So here I go.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Since I am currently at the mercy of the eight-pound cat in my lap who can somehow increase her mass at will, here's a list of what I netted at the library sale this Saturday:
The Ideal Husband -- Shari Anton (medieval)
Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch -- Haywood Smith (women's fiction)
Doing Good -- Pamela Morsi (Women's fiction)
The Fairy Godmother -- Mercedes Lackey (fantasy, Harlequin Luna)
A Garden in the Rain -- Lynn Kurland (modern/medieval time travel)
The Seducer
The Charmer
The Saint
The Sinner --above four Madeline Hunter, early 19th cent historical series
Speak to Me of Love -- Robin Lee Hatcher (CBA historical, late 19th century)
The Ideal Husband -- Shari Anton (medieval)
Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch -- Haywood Smith (women's fiction)
Doing Good -- Pamela Morsi (Women's fiction)
The Fairy Godmother -- Mercedes Lackey (fantasy, Harlequin Luna)
A Garden in the Rain -- Lynn Kurland (modern/medieval time travel)
The Seducer
The Charmer
The Saint
The Sinner --above four Madeline Hunter, early 19th cent historical series
Speak to Me of Love -- Robin Lee Hatcher (CBA historical, late 19th century)
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Huzzah! Successful library book sale haul today. Brought in all of Madeline Hunter's 19th century quartet, all in new condition, for fifty cents a pop, plus assorted other historicals and inspirationals both paperback and hardcover. A couple books for the husband, an art gallery book for Dad, and most of all, managed to not turn around and thump the romance-bashers standing behind my friend Linda and me in line to get in.
I really don't get genre-bashing, as a whole. You don't like something, fine. Don't read it. Free country. Personally, I don't "get" straight mysteries or appreciate straight fantasy or SF the way some of my friends do, but I don't feel the need to talk them down, loudly, especially in front of people who are obviously buying them.
Hearing things like "Author X writes the mysteries, and those are good, but then she writes love stories...you know, sex things. I bring those back or throw them out." Well, okay, then. As my DH would say "Have at it, Sparky." Read and let read. Nice to know that was one less person grabbing for the historicals.
I really don't get genre-bashing, as a whole. You don't like something, fine. Don't read it. Free country. Personally, I don't "get" straight mysteries or appreciate straight fantasy or SF the way some of my friends do, but I don't feel the need to talk them down, loudly, especially in front of people who are obviously buying them.
Hearing things like "Author X writes the mysteries, and those are good, but then she writes love stories...you know, sex things. I bring those back or throw them out." Well, okay, then. As my DH would say "Have at it, Sparky." Read and let read. Nice to know that was one less person grabbing for the historicals.
Huzzah! Successful library book sale haul today. Brought in all of Madeline Hunter's 19th century quartet, all in new condition, for fifty cents a pop, plus assorted other historicals and inspirationals both paperback and hardcover. A couple books for the husband, an art gallery book for Dad, and most of all, managed to not turn around and thump the romance-bashers standing behind my friend Linda and me in line to get in.
I really don't get genre-bashing, as a whole. You don't like something, fine. Don't read it. Free country. Personally, I don't "get" straight mysteries or appreciate straight fantasy or SF the way some of my friends do, but I don't feel the need to talk them down, loudly, especially in front of people who are obviously buying them.
Hearing things like "Author X writes the mysteries, and those are good, but then she writes love stories...you know, sex things. I bring those back or throw them out." Well, okay, then. As my DH would say "Have at it, Sparky." Read and let read. Nice to know that was one less person grabbing for the historicals.
I really don't get genre-bashing, as a whole. You don't like something, fine. Don't read it. Free country. Personally, I don't "get" straight mysteries or appreciate straight fantasy or SF the way some of my friends do, but I don't feel the need to talk them down, loudly, especially in front of people who are obviously buying them.
Hearing things like "Author X writes the mysteries, and those are good, but then she writes love stories...you know, sex things. I bring those back or throw them out." Well, okay, then. As my DH would say "Have at it, Sparky." Read and let read. Nice to know that was one less person grabbing for the historicals.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
I'm getting ready to read the very end of Laura Kinsale's fabulous Shadowheart which I read immediately after her equally fabulous For My Lady's Heart and for the first time in a while, writing feels, for lack of a better word, right. Call it kindred spirits, or inspiration, or divine intervention but it gave me the shot in the arm I needed.
Which was especially nice after a long meander through the local Barnes & Noble, with a peek at the new Romance Writing for Dummies book. I didn't get it (yet) but gave it a thorough perusal, and it will come home as soon as the budget can take it. (Hey, I have a library book sale coming up this weekend, and I live for those)
This may drive me to ferret out some old keepers from my vaults. Nothing resonates with me more than a hero and heroine who fit into one cohesive whole, who could never have lived in any time or place but the one they inhabit, and it has to be this man and this woman or dash it all. I like to use the phrase one man, one woman, one lifetime. Especially when the two together are stronger than either apart, and they take on the world as a team.
Plus real danger. Not "will never be allowed at (insert society party/place here) again" but "may die," or "country may lose war" or "home may be destroyed" or "may spend rest of life with wrong person." Or a combination of above. Something that will have a deep and lasting impact. I want to make my couples work for that HEA.
Which was especially nice after a long meander through the local Barnes & Noble, with a peek at the new Romance Writing for Dummies book. I didn't get it (yet) but gave it a thorough perusal, and it will come home as soon as the budget can take it. (Hey, I have a library book sale coming up this weekend, and I live for those)
This may drive me to ferret out some old keepers from my vaults. Nothing resonates with me more than a hero and heroine who fit into one cohesive whole, who could never have lived in any time or place but the one they inhabit, and it has to be this man and this woman or dash it all. I like to use the phrase one man, one woman, one lifetime. Especially when the two together are stronger than either apart, and they take on the world as a team.
Plus real danger. Not "will never be allowed at (insert society party/place here) again" but "may die," or "country may lose war" or "home may be destroyed" or "may spend rest of life with wrong person." Or a combination of above. Something that will have a deep and lasting impact. I want to make my couples work for that HEA.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Ah, puter, sweet puter. After most of a week of catsitting (and much sidewalk tromping betwixt two catsitting gigs) I am getting reacquainted with the keyboard. Which is a good thing.
Just turned in an interview with ebook author Belinda Palmer to A Hint of Seduction emag. I love the interview process. I have often said I will talk to anyone about anything, and now I'm getting paid for it. So good deal all 'round.
Also did a little poking with Belinda, who is the marketing director for Wings e-press, whom I'd queried with MY OUTCAST HEART. She didn't see it on the readers' list, so quite likely my message got lost somewhere in the shuffle and I should query again. Which I will do. If I get a no from them, then there's an editorial assistant at Berkley building her own client base, and I've been invited to try there. But dance with the one you came with first, and all.
Still no news on the agent front. It's been a while, so I think one more polite noise and then shoot for some other opportunities for agents.
Much writing-related business going on today. I'm awful at writing my own bio/byline, and Gina at AHoS wants one, so this is where nail-chewing and stammering come in. In the end, I'll get it done, but oy. The process.
Just turned in an interview with ebook author Belinda Palmer to A Hint of Seduction emag. I love the interview process. I have often said I will talk to anyone about anything, and now I'm getting paid for it. So good deal all 'round.
Also did a little poking with Belinda, who is the marketing director for Wings e-press, whom I'd queried with MY OUTCAST HEART. She didn't see it on the readers' list, so quite likely my message got lost somewhere in the shuffle and I should query again. Which I will do. If I get a no from them, then there's an editorial assistant at Berkley building her own client base, and I've been invited to try there. But dance with the one you came with first, and all.
Still no news on the agent front. It's been a while, so I think one more polite noise and then shoot for some other opportunities for agents.
Much writing-related business going on today. I'm awful at writing my own bio/byline, and Gina at AHoS wants one, so this is where nail-chewing and stammering come in. In the end, I'll get it done, but oy. The process.
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