Archive for the 'life' Category
It’s Starting to Look a Lot Like Spring
I just finished watching the weather forecast for the week, and the predicted sunshine and temperatures above zero have put my in a very good mood. Sure, I like winter, but it’s March now, and I’m ready for spring.
Another reason I’m in such a good mood is the five heart review The Curse of Culcraig received from The Romance Studio. ”I loved this excellent romantic suspense novel. It reminded me of an old-time Gothic horror story with the addition of some contemporary sex scenes. The plot was well developed and the mystery just the right mixture of of intrigue and apprehension. The murderer, when revealed, was so skillfully portrayed as a true psychopath that I got goosebumps…The blending of history and the here and now works as superbly in the mystery as it does in both the hero’s and the heroine’s lives. The setting of the small Scottish town of Culcraig comes to life, full of superstition and rural charm. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking some spine-chilling suspense.”
This week I plan to wrap the last of the changes for Blood and Bone, and *gasp* create a synopsis for the The Devil’s Eye and The Devil’s Shadow. I know what I said about plotting, but because of trying my hand at a series. I need to organize some of the details to be sure the story arch works for both books.
So I’m off to get started, I’ll be back tomorrow with a few tips for synopsis writing. Until then…
Mood: Excellent
Music: Sister Christian, Night Ranger
Posted by Dawn Brown @
1:43 pm |
First Review for The Curse of Culcraig
Happy New Year!! Mine is off to a great start. The Curse of Culcraig just recieved its first review from You Gotta Read Reviews. ”Dawn Brown writes an excellent romantic suspense book. I throughly enjoyed reading her story. She spun a story with true love and murder. Ms. Brown had twists and turns and the mystery really lasted until the end of the book…” You can read the review in its entirety here.
The kid is back to school today, my neck seems to be better–touch wood–and I’m back to work. I’m sooo close to finishing Blood and Bone. It’s actually proving to be running a little longer than I’d anticipated. Still, I’m making it my top prority, so I should be done by the end of the week. Fingers crossed. As much trouble as this story has given me, I really do love the chemistry and conflict between these charaters.
Now, I’m off to get to work. See ya Wednesday. 
Mood: Up
Music: I Alone, Live
Posted by Dawn Brown @
2:44 pm |
Did Everyone Have a Lovely Holiday?
I did…with the exception of my neck. Today is the first day in two weeks that I woke up without so much as twinge . I almost afraid to say so in case I jinx myself. I’m going to try to take easy this time. No moving furniture, or vacuuming for a few days I think. 
Anyway, Christmas was very nice. Spent time with family, ate delicious foods and enjoyed myself immensely. DH bought me the Sony E-reader, which I was very excited about. Not only was I hoping to find one under the tree, but, as an e-published writer, I can’t tell you how happy I am to see E-readers on the shelves of Canadian stores. Every time the add played on T.V. I’d do a little happy dance.
Though I have to admit, I wasn’t entirely sure I would enjoy reading on an e-reader. I’m a big fan of books. I enjoy browsing bookstores, like the feel of a book in my hand and the look of a book on the shelf.
To be honest, I haven’t noticed huge difference as far as reading goes. The e-reader is lightweight, and once I start reading, I don’t even think about the difference between the page versus the screen. The only minor downfall is I can’t use it if I want to read in the bath. And as I read a lot, I’ve had to become very selective about the books that make it my keeper shelf. I think the e-reader will help to cut back on the number of books that land on my will-never-read-again-and-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-now shelf. Which is a good thing, really.
Anyway, I hope you all enoyed your holidays. After avoiding the computer for so long, I have a lot to get caught up on. Wish me luck.
Music: Tangerine – Led Zeppelin
Mood: Good.
Posted by Dawn Brown @
2:37 pm |
Remember Those Old Christmas Specials?
December 11, 2009 | family, life
So, earlier this week, after we’d finished dinner, one of those old Christmas specials that DH and I watched as children came on. I think it was Santa Clause is Coming to Town. Anyway, we called the kid down to watch it, but he really had no interest and went back upstairs to play. I was surprised. When I was a kid, I could hardly wait to watch all the Christmas specials that came on during the season. This sparked a conversation between DH and I over which specials were our favorites, and which one’s had been an absolute must for us to see every year. In the end, I came up with three that if I missed, well, Christmas just didn’t quite feel the same.
Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer. Watching this is as an adult, I can’t help but cringe at the blatant sexism, and Santa is kind of a jerk but what would Christmas be without Rudolph rescuing all those misfit toys.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. Maybe it’s because there was a Peanuts special for every holiday from Valentine’s Day to Arbor Day,(and here’s the link lest you think I exagerate) but this one always seemed to mark the beginning of the holiday for me.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. I still love this one. Oh, and I absolutely loathe the motion picture version, but I will spare you my rant. Dr. Suess’ classic story narrated by Boris Karloff, it just doesn’t get any better. Though, when I was young I always felt a little sorry for Max the dog.
So those are my top three. What Christmas specials did you have to see growing up?
Posted by Dawn Brown @
2:02 pm |
A Day Late and a Dollar Short
I realize I’m behind, but this week it seems to be the story of my life. I had actually planned to use yesterday as a sort of catch up day, but the kid was home with a stomach ache–of which I am still questioning the validity–and instead I’m even further behind.
My nice little NaNo cushion has been all used up, and I’m behind there too. Grrr. I’m going to see if I can catch up over the next day or so. Or maybe just return to my normal schedule and wrap up Blood and Bone. Hmm, tempting.
On the upside, my author copies of The Curse of Culcraig arrived on Friday. And they look amazing. I’m so pleased. I’d hoped to post a pic, but that may have to wait until later in the week.
Now, I’m off to see if I can get myself organized and caught up. Wish me luck.
Mood: Grumpy
Music: Welcome to the Black Parade, My Chemical Romance
Posted by Dawn Brown @
2:46 pm |
Things Are Coming Together
Lots of good things happening right now.
My editor at Samhain has announced a very cool contest with a great prize for later this month. Also, I’ll be putting together a few contests of my own for the launch of The Curse of Culgraig. So keep checking back to learn more.
I just hit 19K and change on my NaNoWriMo story. Yay! The good thing about writing at a break neck speed, there’s no time for the self-doubt demon to pop up and tell me that my opening is dull or my characters are flat, or any of the other little nit-picks that would usually have me halting progress and going back to rework or scrapping it altogether. My daily work goal is 2K, double what I normally try to write in a day, and I’m thinking I may try to maintain it even after NaNo is over…but, we’ll see. Ask me again at the end of next week.
I’m neglecting Blood and Bone terribly, but I suspect I needed the break. I’m hoping I’ll be able to get a little more done this afternoon.
The counter and back splash has finally been installed in my kitchen. WooHoo!!! You remember my kitchen, don’t you? That renovation we started back in June, and we’re still working on. But the end is truly in sight. All that’s left is the baseboards and painting the kitchen chairs. And even without those things done my kitchen looks amazing. I promise I will post pics when it’s done.
Mood: Up
Posted by Dawn Brown @
1:51 pm |
You Know It’s Not Going to be a Great Morning When…
…the sun isn’t even up and I’m shovelling up garbage off the back deck. The raccoons managed to get into the raccoon-proof green bin (is anything really raccoon proof?) last night, and dragged the contents across the deck. I realized something was up this morning when HellHound wouldn’t come back in after I let him out for a pee. He was too bus enjoying his garbage buffet. Blech!
Writing went well for most of last week, but I was away on the weekend so I’m trying to gain my rhythm again. If I manage to finally finish Blood & Bone before the end of the month, I’m thinking about giving NaNo another try next month.
Edited: I would like to add that my day has improved considerably. As I was about to take DS to school, there was a package in my door. A belated birthday gift. Inside, the entire set of Charlaine Harris’s True Blood novels–I’m so the last person to jump on this novel/show bandwagon. Also, a copy of Romance Sells with my ad for Living Lies in it arrived. The ad looks awesome. Maybe, it’s going to be a better day than I thought.
Posted by Dawn Brown @
12:09 pm |
It’s been a while…
…since we last spoke. And I apologize for being so inconsistent with my blog postings. ‘Tis the season, I suppose.
Today is garbage day. And why, you might ask, is that significant? It’s really not, but as the truck rumbles outside my house, HellHound is barking like a crazy dog. For some odd reason, he hates the garbage men with all the fiery furry of hell. Once we return the recycling bins to the backyard, he slinks up to them sniffing carefully as if he thinks a garbage man will jump out of one of the bins at him. My point is, though, it’s a thin one at best, I’ve come to hate garbage day.
Blood and Bone continues to move at a snail’s pace, but at least it’s moving. I’ve stopped obsessing about it, though–well, as much as I can stop obsessing over anything. The truth is, after making some rather large character and pacing changes, the ripple effect that followed has meant I’ve had to scrap a lot and add a lot of new stuff now that I’m nearing the end. I’m no longer just editing, I’m almost back in first draft waters, and that’s why I’m not getting through this at the pace I would like. But I am moving forward, and that’s what matters. (Or so I keep telling myself.)
On the other hand, the WIP continues to move. I really like this story. Very Gothic and scary, with a big paranormal element. Lots of fun to write. Also, now that I’m not thinking so much and listening to the characters more, I can not tell you all the twists and turns they’re introducing to me.
Mood: Good.
Music: Fix You, Coldplay
Posted by Dawn Brown @
1:17 pm |
Movie Rant
Last night we went to the movies. Now before I go any further, I should explain that going to the movies is one of my least favorite things to do. If I’m going out, I prefer something with more social interaction, and I find theatres crowded and loud. So the only time I do go to the movies is if it’s something I really, really want to see, or if it’s something that DS wants to see. Last night it was the latter. We went and saw Night at the Museum 2. How was it? A lot of the same gags as the first one, but less story. Hank Azaria was quite funny, though.
Anyway, on to my rant. What is wrong with people these days? When did poor manners and inconsideration become the norm? I’m referring most specifically to the woman and her young child sitting behind me who constantly kicked and bumped into the back of my seat. Said child was really probably too young to be at the movie, and that was probably why she was standing up, walking around behind my seat and talking for the duration. Also when the woman would answer her daughter’s questions, she spoke as if she were sitting in her own living room and everyone wanted to hear what she had to say.
Which brings me to my next rant. What is it with people bringing infants to the movies? I can pretty much guarantee that they are not enjoying themselves as is proven by their crying from beginning to end. And why would they, really? Movies are loud. All that noise probably hurts their little infant ears.
If your child is too young to really enjoy the whole big screen experience, wait for movie to come out on DVD or take them to the drive-in, then they can make all the noise they want. Less agravation for everyone.
Mood: Annoyed
Posted by Dawn Brown @
11:00 am |
Counting Down
Well, the days are going by quickly and the end of month is only twenty-one days away. This may seem like a lot, but with the end of the school year fast approacing it really isn’t. Especially when I have sooo much I want to get done before then. Last week, I was not terribly productive. I managed to get a some work done on the WIP, (which I’ll tell you more about tomorrow) but not much else. Kitchen, grumble.
So this week, I am determined to get through at least five chapters for Blood and Bone. I so want to have this pretty much finished by the time DS is finished so that all I’m working on over the summer is WIP. Keep your finger crossed for me. Also, I hope to keep plugging away with 1,000 words a day on the WIP. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes.
The kitchen is coming along, but as dh and I are doing it ourselves (okay, dh is doing most of it) it’s taking a while. The chaos is starting to get to me a little, and even I’m starting to get sick of take-out for dinner. On the up side, we’re finished painting the walls, and the back splash went up behind the stove. WooHoo!! Next it’s the chair rail, then sanding and painting the trim.
Posted by Dawn Brown @
12:27 pm |
