Grr…American Idol

February 27, 2008 | TV

Okay, I promised myself (after giving up on the show mid-season last year) that I would no longer watch American Idol. But what with the lack of anything else on TV on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, I find myself tuning in. And worse, I find there’s a couple of contestants I like enough to continue watching at least until they get voted off. Still, it’s only the second week and I’m already so annoyed with the show that I’m blogging about it. Yeah, somehow I don’t see myself lasting to the end.

My top complaints:

First, watching people have their dreams dangled before them while they’re berated on national television under the guise of ‘constructive criticism’ grows wearisome quickly. I don’t see the humor in it. Second, I found listening to the judges fall all over themselves to praise the kid who sang Imagine at the end irritating. Yes this kid has a great voice, but it’s still a boy’s voice. I think a few more years to let the voice mature some might not be a bad thing. And third, there are certain songs in this world that should not be tampered with (as Madonna taught us when she butchered American Pie) and John Lennon’s Imagine is at the very top of that list. It does not need to be made ‘current’ or ‘relevant‘ or any of the other catch phrases the judges are are so fond of throwing around this season. The song is perfect the way it is.

And finally, I can’t believe I’ve actually taken ten minutes out of my day to write about this. ;-P

Random Stuff

February 26, 2008 | Books, Writing, family

DS is home with the flu. He’s been sick since he woke up Saturday morning. Today the fever is gone, but he’s still looking a little pale and hollow eyed. Still, he’s also feeling well enough that he’s bored with video games and TV. A good sign.

Obviously I’m not getting as much done on my rewrites as I would like. Sigh. I am, however, still making notes on a new WIP. I’ve come across two potential snags in my story, one I think I’ve solved and the other I’m still trying to work through. I’m also attempting to do a little more research at the beginning of my novel this time (rather than when I’m finished) in an effort to cut back on the number of write-arounds I need to between the first and second draft. This is the lesson I take from Blood and Bone.

I just finished reading Knaves Honor by Margaret Moore. I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I finished it in less than week. I don’t often read historicals, but I like hers. Now, I’m reading Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning. I’ve never read anything by her, but a friend recommended her. I’m only on chapter three, but so far I’m intrigued.

That’s it for now.

Where Do Your Ideas Come From?

February 20, 2008 | Writing

I know this is a question that annoys most writers, but not me. Perhaps if I ever achieve Stephen King’s or Nora Roberts’ fame, I’ll change my mind. The truth is, I find the evolution of idea to full blown book fascinating. The whole process inspires a certain awe, especially when I’m standing with a completed manuscript in hand. I think back to the first kernel of an idea that might have occurred months or even years before sitting down to write, and I’m somewhat amazed at how this tiny idea morphed into a 400 page book.

On the other end of the spectrum is when I take that first stab at turning an idea into a story. After all, the idea is only the first step. I still have to find the right setting, create the right characters, back story, conflict, and then tie it all together. While exhilarating and exciting, it can be overwhelming and frustrating too.

That’s where I am today, that step right after brainstorming where the first hint of self doubt creeps in like a cool draft from previously unseen cracks. Is this idea big enough to build an entire book? Are my characters interesting? Are their back stories cliché, or so over the top a reader couldn’t relate to them? Are the scenes I’m visualizing too much? Or worse, are they predictable? Will I ever be able to tie it all together so it makes sense?

This is a very delicate point in giving birth to a new novel. It would be only too easy to say I couldn’t do it. But deep down I know I can. I’ve done it before. I’ll keep pushing and digging, and there will be a moment when it all clicks. The idea will no longer be just an idea I have for a story, but a story that I’m writing.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2008 | Uncategorized

Your Candy Heart Says “Get Real”

You’re a bit of a cynic when it comes to love. You don’t lose your head, and hardly anyone penetrates your heart. Your ideal Valentine’s Day date: is all about the person you’re seeing (with no mentions of v-day!) Your flirting style: honest and even slightly sarcastic What turns you off: romantic expectations and “greeting card” holidays Why you’re hot: you don’t just play hard to get - you are hard to get

Multitasking is Overrated

February 12, 2008 | Uncategorized

Sorry I’ve been a touch absent lately. I’ve just spent the past week trapped in bookkeeping hell and I’m only emerging now. After spending more than a few weeks trying to do a little of everything and finding I was getting nothing done, I decided to dig in, do one thing at a time and get these loose ends tied up at last. And now, I’m finally done–for the moment anyway.

This week I’ll be catching up on writing, but one project at time. No more of a little here and little there.

I had just about finished with The Witch’s Stone, but at the last moment decided to add another scene. So that’s this week’s job to finally return that story to the completed file. Next week, back to Blood & Bone.

I must admit, I’m looking forward to writing again. After spending the past seven days reconciling accounts, spending time in the attic lost in a story is VERY appealing.

Patience

February 3, 2008 | Books, Movies

Have I mentioned that patience is not my strong suit? Recognising this particular character flaw in myself, I usually take certain steps to avoid situations where I must show considerable patience. For instance, when buying books to read, if a book is part of a pair or a trilogy, I usually wait until all the books are available before buying the first.

Sadly, I broke my own rule and bought Nora Robert’s Blood Brothers–the first in the trilogy and the only one out. I read the book over the weekend and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, now I have to wait until the second book comes out. And I must have read the release date for the second book wrong. I thought it was due out in March, but when I double checked, I learned that it was actually not due out until May. Grrr. When will I learn?

Okay, enough whining.

I’ve managed to catch some really great movies lately. Watching movies that I really enjoy gives me the same thrill as reading books that land on my keeper shelf. The first was a French film called Ils (translated to Them). This movie is non-stop tension from start to finish. I watched this at home alone and it scared the bejesus out of me. Loved it. The second was Half Light. A spooky mystery set in Scotland. My favourite. How could I not love it? And last, Hot Fuzz. Sooo funny. If you like dark, silly humor, you will love this.

That’s it for today.