Sunday Salon: Last Minute

The clock is counting down to the beginning of a new day and the end of Sunday, and as a last-minute type of person, I'm posting my Sunday Salon ramblings for the late crowd.

Though today has been a busy day with last-minute holiday shopping and preparation, I still managed to finish The Warrior by Kinley MacGregor. I really wish I hadn't wasted my time. That sounds a bit harsh, I know, but for a writer as established as Sherrilyn Kenyon, I was expecting something a little better than this... atrocity!

The novel, set sometime in the reign of Henry V, fallows Lochlan MacAllister as he searches for his missing brother, Kieran. Lochlan runs into Catarina, a bastard of King Phillip of France, as she flees an arranged marriage. That's about all the sense this story makes. The author makes no effort in creating a relationship between the characters and instead leads them into cliché situations that left me rolling my eyes, speechless. Characters seam to be underdeveloped and under used and modern phrases and ideals prevented the story from attaining that authentic feel that make historicals, well, historicals. If that wasn't the worst of it, the ending was just to ridiculous. And the epilog?! Oh, seriously. If your going to cross genres, please do it decently! A hack job like this is what turns readers away from your work!

And to think, I still have to write a review for this one. Ug!

New Year's Resolutions - A look back at 2007

Ok, reading A Red Hot New Year has got me thinking about my new year's resolutions and what needs to be carried over from last you. So I dug through some old posts and found a list I had created to ring in 2007. The conclusion? Well, let's just see.

My New Years Resolutions for 2007

- Complete 1 manuscript (75,000 words or larger)
Nope, Never did complete that.
- Complete and Submit 3 professional short stories
Didn't really do that ether.
- Update web site more often
Oh, drat! Not another one I didn't meet!
- Update blog more often
Yes! Blog has been updated much more than last year. Check!
- Take more photographs
Since I didn't buy that camera I wanted, this one is also a nope.
- Find my own place
At roughly $800 for a one bed room, this one has been a bit harder to accomplish.
- Get 'The Gilded Pen' off the ground
I like to think that I'm almost there. A few more updates and she'll be moving smoothly.
- Read (completely, the whole way through, and enjoy) 50 novels
Hum, 50 novels, let me see... Read at least 35 books that I can remember. Of those I know I enjoyed 23 . So nope. Goal not met.
- Knit a bedspread (or afghan the size of a full size bed)
Oh, I can't believe this is one of my resolutions! I knit a scarf. That's it.
- Knit a pair of socks or slippers
See above.
- Knit something with beads
Scarf did not have beads on it, so nope.
- Send out more birthday gifts/cards
I truly am a horible person. If anything, this year I sent out less.
- Plant a garden
I planted basil, parsley, and some flowers. Not quite a garden but close enough. Check.
- Grow my own Tea
Nope.
- Exercise 30 mins/day, 5days/week
I did for quite a while, then it just got too darn hot! Goal not met.
- Lose 96 lbs
Darn, only lost about 18. Hey, that's better than nothing, right?
- Set more personal deadlines
Check. More Deadlines set. I didn't specify that I hat to meet them.
- Go to bed by 11pm, and wake up by 8am
Why, this one is quite laughable.
- Get out more
Hum, got out less...
- Make more money
Oh, I did this one! I know it's not as much as I would have liked, but it was more than before. Check!
- Be more tidy
Look, another laughable resolution.
- Pay off some bills
Off as in extinct? Nope, there all still here.
- Don't accumulate any more bills that will need to be payed off
Let me think... Well, I didn't get any more credit cards. Does that count?
- Work with my horse so I can ride her
Yah, right. Didn't happen, not going to happen. Let's just forget about it and move on.
- Go through boxes (yah, all those hiding in my closet and under the bed)
Check. Went through boxes. Not all of them, but I did 'go through boxes'...

Wow, there are very many goals completed are there? I guess I'll have to think really hard on next years. Maybe I'll leave out some of those silly ones. In bed by 11pm?! Who was I kidding?!

Midnight Ramblings and Sunday Salon

Seams like I've fallen behind on my plan of posting at least twice a week, but I guess I'm lucky to be posting once a week. I can't really say that I've been busy (I have, ho boy!) as I've been slacking a bit too much lately. There really is no excuse! I did finish Where Angels Go by Debbie Macomber and Onc Bite Stand by Nina Bangs. Still don't know what to think about that last one. Boy, is that review going to be a pain!

Found this on Deb's blog and had to pass it on. Why? Well, for one, it's something that is incredibly easy to do, everyone can do it, it will help save the environment, and is it really all that hard? Okay, okay. I'm also passing it along because one of the prizes is a ChicoBag. I practically grew up in Chico and have to spread some home-town love (no, I don't have a Chico State hoodie, but I do have a ChicoBag!) New American Dream: BYOB.

Oh, and it's Sunday again! Time for Sunday Salon. Too bad I spent all day Saturday reading. I'm a bit pooped on the reading scale. Hum, perhaps it should be changed to Saturday Salon... Yes, people, I want you ALL to change your schedule for me! Muahahahahaha! Ouch! Okay, I'll stop! Please put the bats away!

I've decided to read A Red Hot New Year by Cynthia Eden, Diana Mercury, Virginia Reede, and Denise Rossetti. Ok, so this isn't really something I'd normally read in a 'public' setting, but not only is it past due on a review but it's a new year's piece and there is no sense reading and reviewing it after the holiday. So I'm taking the plunge and reading this collection of erotic short stories for Sunday Salon. Please, no comments from the peanut gallery. I may be a bit kinky, but I'm not that kinky.

I don't really know about Reede's short, Snow Blind. I'm not into more than 2 partners, swingers, 2+-soms, or ... well, you get the pictures. It just gives me the creeps. I don't really think this one will earn any brownie points from me. Well see how it goes in the morning.

Er... did you count all the links I slipped into this post? 11! Wow, talk about annoying!

Sunday Salon: Where Angels Go - 1

Book Title: Where Angels Go
Author: Debbie Macomber
Time spent reading: 2 hrs. 24 mins. (144 mins)
Pages read: 96/297
Back Blurb:

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are back! These three irresistible angels love their assignments on Earth. They especially love helping people who send prayer requests to heaven (even though the Archangel Gabriel, their boss, knows they're going to break his rules)!

This Christmas, Mercy is assigned to bring peace of mind to an elderly man... who discovers an unexpected answer to his prayer.

Goodness is sent to oversee the love life of a young woman afraid to risk commitment a second time.

And Shirley has the task of granting a little boy's fondest Christmas wish.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy go wherever they're needed. These three charming angels often find themselves in trouble., but somehow things always work out for the best--especially at Christmas.

Comments: I'm not sure if it's just me or if this is the way Debbie Macomber normally writes, but I'm not finding this novel to be all that, well, enjoyable. Sure, it's sweet and the writing is very smooth, but the overall execution of the novel is lacking. The angels, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy, are to immature for my liking. I keep seeing flashes of 12 year olds in grown-up bodies who seem to have no control of themselves. Perhaps Touched By An Angel {extra link} has tainted me to all other types, but when I read this novel I expect a bit more decorum and sensitivity from my angels.

The three subplots are different enough from each other to give the novel a bit of substance. I have a bit of a problem with Goodness' assignment. Beth, a young woman who suffers from an old marriage, finds a guy on an online MMO and decides she'd like to meet him. Now, come on! The worst she expects is that he's either 50 years old or married. Not that he's 16, or lives at home in his mother's basement, or that he's some vastly over-weight psycho killer. Nope, never even crossed her mind.

Over all the novel reads like some Saturday morning Christmas feel-good flick. Sure, there are many people who love those, but it's not really something I'd expect to read.

{Vist and Join THE SUNDAY SALON}

Sunday Salon: In Preporation - Dec 9

Going through my TBR pile can be pretty daunting. Finding a thin one for Sunday Salon, nearly impossible. Not this weekend! Two books fairly jumped down on me in their readiness to be read.

With it's pretty deep berry-pink spine and little rose, The Accidental Florist by Jill Churchill was the first novel to catch my eye. The cute little cat on the cover was the kicker. And, hey!, only 219 pages. Nice. So I sit my self down and wait until midnight to crack open the book. I read a few pages and stop. Uh-oh, this isn't good, it's boring! No, no. It has to be me. I just haven't gotten into the grove yet; the sentences will pick up. Page 19. Still dry, still choppy, still boring. Ok, this one's a pass.

Next book is Where Angels Go by Debbie Macomber. Nice little Christmas story which reads much smother. And at 297 pages, a sure shot for Sunday Salon. I only hope it's not to churchy... We'll see.

Sunday Salon: All the Pretty Girls - 2

I always plan to do one of these right, but the day never turns out the way I'd like. As you can guess by the title it's Sunday again and I'm making a last ditch-effort in participating in this week's Sunday Salon.

I finally finished ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS by J.T. Ellison and all I have to say is: Wow. Quite honestly this has got to be one of the most involved stories I have ever read that I could actually stand to finish. Ellison has created a very intriguing plot with many twists and turns, and plenty of gore. The characters where not as 3-dimensional as I am used to and the ending a bit lacking, but the story was still very entertaining. I admit I even felt sorry for the serial killer. If ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS is any indication, J.T. Ellison has a great career ahead of her. For all those who like crime novels, this one's for you.

To finish off Sunday Salon and to start my Monday I've pulled down LAIRD OF THE MIST by Paula Quinn and THE LUXE by Anna Godbersen (teen) from my TBR shelf. Not sure which I'll read first, though. I'm actually in the mood for another crime novel (oh, shocking!)

Happy Saturday

Happy Saturday everybody. That is, if Saturday is a day you can be happy about. Up here, it's cold. Weather.com says it's 47 but feels like 40. Yah, that could be right (those of you in snow-blanketed areas be quiet! It's been in the high 90's low 100's all summer and I haven't adjusted yet!)

I'd also like to say a quick hello to all you Swap-Bot visitors. I hope you enjoy my blog (and if not, please don't throw fruit at it.)

My back is a bit sore form knitting all night. I love knitting and making homemade gifts, but I have to tell you: it can be a bitch. With only 20 days left of Christmas shopping and mailing (no, I don't shop the last days; I don't have a death wish) I really need to get this stuff done. How far am I? No comment.

It was cold last night. The coffee pot became so chilled it shattered when the percolator started. Nice. Woke up to coffee all over my counter and an electronic coffee pot full of coffee, but not in a good way. Had to pull out the old Salvation Army bound one and I'm still waiting for it to finish. Boy do I need my coffee!!

Was a bit board this morning, too. Trying to wake up without coffee or tea can be a pain (why didn't I just make tea? I wanted coffee, I had already started it. There's no giving in here!) So I visited some blogs, took a couple of quizzes (thanks Sarah), and, well, typed this post. I sure hope tomorrow is better.



No surprise here

I Scored a 80%!

A little surprised there


62%How Addicted to Blogging Are YouMeh.


70% GeekOn this one, I'm sure I could have been geekier.

Taking the Mystery out of Suspence

It's warmer today and I like it. For the past week or so it's been in the mid 50's to lover 60's. That's all well and fine, but add to it the biting cold wind and you have a very uncomfortable atmosphere. Yes, I know. Biting cold wind and icy snow are much worse. Shut up, I don't want to hear about it.

I've been keeping my self busy knitting my semi-emo scarf and reading. Is it a coincidence that the book cover and my scarf consist of the same colors? Of course it is. Just because I've been reading a psycho thriller hasn't been putting bad things in my head...

I'm finally up to page 244 of J.T. Ellison's All The Pretty Girls and I think I've figured it out. Damn it. I still have 163 pages till the end and I don't want to go through the whole thing knowing who did it and being pissed off at the characters for not putting their information together to solve the case. Ellison does a great job of creating a scene, of keeping things moving with only minor pauses in stride, and displaying her characters as people, but I don't think I could live through it knowing the outcome so soon. Please, be a surprise ending!!

I've also just received Paula Quinn's Laird Of The Mist (which looks really, really good) and Timothy Knight's Great Kisses... and Famous Lines Right Out of the Movies (which looks like nothing more than a fun page...). Just thought you aught-a know.

Sunday Salon: All The Pretty Girls - 1

You know, Sundays would be so much better if they happened during the week. That, or kids had school on Sunday. Though I must admit this current bunch (only 2) is much more quiet than the other. I currently have two very young teen girls glued to the computer monitors in my living room. Both are doing their own separate things, so there is very little giggling, fighting, or yelling (though one keeps singing... off key, too.) So maybe this Sunday Salon will be better than the last ones.

Today I'm attempting to read All The Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison. I've been reading the book for the last couple of days, so I'm already well into it. Sunday saw me starting on page 160 (wasn't that a cawinky-dink?) and I've read 35 pages. It's a very unique book with many twists. You fallow LT. Taylor Jackson, head of Nashville's homicide division, and her lover/boyfriend John Daldwin; and FBI profiler. What starts as a homicide investigation in Nashville turns into an FBI hunt for a serial killer. But that's not the least of it. Throw in a serial rapist, an up-and-coming drug punk, and what may be a corrupt judicial system and you have one complicated story.

So far Ellison has done a nice job with the characters as well as the setup and plot line. It's a bit confusing some times, trying to keep things straight, but boy is it engrossing. Ellison also throws in mini chapters from both the serial killer's and his victim's point of view, which is a nice touch to the novel.

Now, I just left a new victim slain by the killer and our lovely LT dispensing orders, so I bet get back to reading! Hope everybody else is enjoying a good book.

Happy Turkey Day

Just wishing a happy Turkey Day to all of you out there. Well, a happy day-after Turkey Day. Don't really know why it's called Thanksgiving any more, no body calls it that, no body gives thanks for anything, and no body really remembers how it was all started or why. So from now on, it's Turkey Day.

And in celebration of Turkey Day, or perhaps in preparation for Christmas (Winter-Time-Kids-Stay-Home-No-Quiet Day) I'm browsing some of my favorite online tea shops: Tea Guys, Mountain Rose Herbs, Monterey Bay Spice Company, The Republic of Tea, and The San Fransisco Herb Company. Hey, if there's one habit you have to do in your lifetime, let it be tea drinking.

Also reading All The Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison right now. Boy, this is new. It's like reading an episode of a CSI - Law and Order cross over. I like Taylor and Baldwin so far. And I love that the authors has by-passed the whole 'I like you, you like me, but we're fighting it' thing and dumped them into a relationship.

Now, off to reading and more tea shopping.

Gimmy A Hankie

I'm cold right now. And it's late, but after spending the past two and a half hours between falling asleep, crying, and attempting to finish the book I was reading, I didn't want to wait until morning to give my thoughts. If this post doesn't make much sense, please feel free to keep it to your self...

Someone Named Eva is a deeply moving accounting of a chapter of the Holocaust that is not widely known; the annihilation of Lidice, Czechoslovakia.

While food rations are low and war rages around them, Milada's small village of Lidice is otherwise untouched. Milada herself lives unaware of the death and destruction not to far away, calibrating her birthday with her family and friends and attending school as usual. That is until one night when a troupe of Nazi solders march in, dragging residents from their home, separating the women and children from the men, and forcing Milada and her friends, family, and neighbors into confinement in a school gymnasium. Here, scared for her very life, Milada is examined, measured, and separated from all she knows and sent to a re-education center. where she learns that she fits the Aryan ideal: blond hair, blue eyes, head and nose shape. Through harsh training and constant brainwashing, she is taught to become the perfect Germain citizen.

Many parts of the story seamed to be underplayed for the sake of the young reader, merely underlining the true horror of life during World War 2. We do not learn until the very end, indeed, until the author's own end note, the true story behind Milada's tale. Perhaps it was the authors first-person accounting that hindered the story in such a way--Milada is a young girl who only knows what's around her and she isn't very inquisitive.

On the jacket cover it states: Ages:10-14, Grades: 5-9. And while the book--with its simple structure, wording, and descriptions--attests to the age requirements of it's readers, the soul of the story is a definitely a read for people of all ages. Emotionally touching and historically informative, Joan M. Wolf has created an easy to read story that is well worth the time.

[Someone Named Eve - Joan M. Wolf - Clarion Books - 978-0618535798 - July 2007]

The author was also kind to include a link to the Lidice Memorial web site. Take a look, but don't forget to bring a hankie. [LINK]

Sunday Salon: Someone Named Eva

I know I haven't been doing to well this Sunday, but it's not my fault. Honestly! I was all prepared to read when my brother called to tell me he was coming up. I had everything all ready, too. Tea was poured, radio was playing, book was out (that's the most important part, isn't it?) *insert dramatic sigh here*

Anyways, I've decided to tackle the YA books first since they are the ones past due on reviews. I'm starting with Somebody Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf. It's the story of a young girl amidst the Holocaust. Milada lives with her family in Czechoslovakia when the Nazi invade her home town. Because of her blue eyes and bright blond hair Milada fits the Aryan ideal of a perfect German citizen and is quickly taken to Lebensborn camp where her name is changed to Eva.

I'm rather intrigued by this one. It is inspired by real events and sports a rather nice research history. Now, if only people (despite how much I love them) would leave...

Sunday Salon: In Preporation

Ok, so tomorrow is Sunday and Sunday Salon will once again be in full swing. I know I haven't been doing so well to date, but that's not wholly my fault. If only my mind would get on track when I need it to (or at least mind... no pun intended.) If it did I'd have that novel finished, be half way through with NaNo, and be caught up on my reading. But no, it seams to find it extremely funny to come up with ideas and plans until I finally concede only to dumps them in the middle of the road, running the other way giggling madly. Hum. Reminds me of a 3rd great bully I once knew...

Well, not this time. This time I plan on being prepared. I've taken a page from Clare Dudman and put together a list of short novels for this Sunday; YA, suspense, and fiction. I've done (most) of the dishes, prepared the tea kettle, and loaded the radio (Haydn-Symphony No. 45 "Abschiedssinfonie"). Now I just need to get some sleep so I can function in the morning.

Ice Storm by Anne Stuart, Wife For Hire by Janet Evanovich, A Secret Affair by Barbara Taylor Bradford, Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf

A bit Unlucky

So it has taken me a week but I have finally finished Jana DeLeon's UNLUCKY (No, Jana dear, this is no smear on you, only myself) and I have to say, I haven't ready anything like it for quite sometime.

Mallory Devereaux is unlucky. No, not a simple run of bad luck, but a chronic and devastating rash of bad luck. The merest touch of her hand, the brush of her finger, and heaven forbid, a kiss, can lead to life threatening danger. But Mal knows her limits. She has grown up with this 'affliction' and has learned to use it to her advantage. She's no scamer or shady person, but when faced with a group of dirty Yankies what's a little fun guna hurt?

When she finds out the man who is more like a father to her than her own is about to loose his business to the IRS, Mal puts her bad luck to good use by becoming a 'cooler' on her uncle's casino boat. So she has to flirt with some old men, accidentally touch them and spread her bad luck around, no big deal right? Wrong. Mal's luck works both ways and she's found herself not only working in the middle of a group of criminals, but assigned to work her magic on none-other than Silas Herbert; a man who has been at odds with her family for longer than she can remember. A man who also has a few tricks up his sleeves.

There has to be a bright side to all this trouble, right? Sure there is and this bright side manifests it's self as Jake McMillan (aka Jake Randoll); the hot and sexy dealer at Mal's table who causes her body to warm and crave human touch. What if he also happens to be an undercover FBI agent setting a trap for Silas while making her squirm in her seat? That's ok, she can handle him.

UNLUCKY is a very witty, entertaining, funny, and smoothly written novel, but there was just some stuff that bugged me. Jake, for instance, didn't strike me as a very good FBI agent. He didn't have any contacts on board or in town, he spoke quite openly on his phone when anybody could chance by and hear him, he didn't research his undercover role or the town where he would be playing, and he seamed more like a follower relying on Mallory's plans and ideas than coming up with any of his own. Oddly, he reminded me a bit of the character Colby Granger (Hum...) but a bit more rooky. Mal's bad luck was a great catalyst for many bad accidents, but with that many people mingling on board I expected a little bit more bad luck than I received. Over all it was quite fun. DeLeon did a wonderful job weaving the story together, portraying Mallory as a strong woman, and bringing out the comedy.

Overall review score: hum... 3.5/4 out of 5
[Unlucky - Jana DeLeon - Love Spell - 978-0-505-52729-5- November 2007]

Sunday Salon: Unluky - 1

It being Sunday, even if it is before the butt-crack of dawn, I am posting my preliminary to today's Sunday Salon. While I have a stack of some 30+ books before me I'm only going to choose two as I highly doubt I have the sanity to read more. Of course, sanity is a very tricky thing and one never knows what will happen.

This Sunday's book is UNLUCKY by Jana DeLeon. I will be starting on page 71 of this 308 page romantic mystery from Love Spell, a subsidy of Dorchester Publishing, and hopping I make it to the end.

Everyone in Royal Flush, Louisiana, knows Mallory Devereaux is a walking disaster. At least now she's found a way to take advantage of her chronic bad luck: by "cooling" cards on her uncle's casino boat. As long as the crooks invited to his special poker tournament don't win their money back, she'll get a cut of the profit.

But Mal isn't the only one working some major mojo. There's a dark-eyed dealer sending her looks steamier than the bayou in August. Turns out he's an undercover agent named Jake Randoll, and for a Yank, he's pretty darn smart. Smart enough to enlist her help to catch a money launderer. As they race to untangle a web of decades-old lies and secrets amid a gathering of criminals, Mallory can't help hoping her luck's about to change....

So far, so good. I like the heroine and the supporting characters. The hero... not sure yet, haven't really gotten the chance to know him. DeLeon is doing a fantastic job of picking up strings. I haven't had to hit the book against anything yet. Mallory's 'unlucky magic touch' seams to be a bit on the dissbalievable side. A simple touch 'infects' the recipient with bad luck. And I'm not really a cards kinda gal. The technical stuff tends to go over my head.

As always, if you'd like to join The Sunday Salon, feel free to sign up!

Sowhere Between Too-Late and Too-Early

It's Saturday night and I'm stuck in the house again. I'm always stuck in the house (I honestly can't remember a Saturday that I went out.) It's raining out side, too; cold and wet. Makes tonight the kind of night that urges any sane person to curl up under the flannel blankets, down comforter, and umpteen pets and sleep until tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, I have the soul of a writer and that automatically makes me institutionalizeable . So here I sit, a cold pot of tea before me, a candle burned down past half-mast, and my fingers turning a ghastly shade of pale purple as the blood congeals in my fingertips (oh, look. Now I get something remotely interested typed.)

To keep warm I've been knitting my scarf again. Half a row or so stretches the shoulders, flexes the fingers, and wakes me up enough to stare at the blank page again. And when that doesn't help I turn to reading. On that note, and since it is about 2am on SUNDAY, I suppose I could start Sunday Salon early. I think I'll call it a night after, even if I have to tie myself to the bed (oh, kinky!)

Before I forget. For those of you with a thing for dark jazz, I came across this band today (I like dark, slow, seductive music. It's so very hard to find.) Check out Bohren & der Club of Gore. Their music is definitely worth checking out.

November 8th

Ok, my writing isn't going all that good (hence the very, very sad title to this post!). It's been 8 days since NaNo started and I've written 473 words. Oy! At this rate I'll be finished by November 2009...

New Avon Titles

UPS dropped off a package from AVON today. Wow, 11 novels this month?! Ok, I'll probably only get to reviewing 2 or 3, but thanks for the selection choice guys!

• A Secret Affair by Barbara Taylor Bradford
• Blackthorne's Bride by Shana Galen
  
• Dangerous To Know by Barbara Taylor Bradford
• Forever After by Catherine Anderson
• Halfway To The Grave by Jeaniene Frost
• Holidays Are Hell by Multiple Authors
• Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Pettersson
• In My Wildest Fantasies by Julianne MacLean
• Not The Marrying Kind by Hailey North
• The Taste of Innocence by Stephanie Laurens
  
• Taken By The Night by Kathryn Smith
• Wife For Hire by Janet Evanovich

What's Your IQ?

Ok, wondering around the net again and fell across that damn Tick.com add again. Little black words across the top flash a well known phrase from a well known preschool show "Which one of these things is not like the other?" *sigh* ok, I bite. Take the little test. Cheer and smile when I cross a question I don't even have to pause to answer. Give them my info. Oh, one more page and I'll learn my IQ! Yah, not all that exciting. Then the page pops up and I have my answer:

Congratulations, Amber! Your IQ score is 126

This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others.

Your Intellectual Type is Insightful Linguist. This means you are highly intelligent and have the natural fluency of a writer and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist. Those skills contribute to your creative and expressive mind. And that's just some of what we know about you from your test results.

Ok. I don't really know how accurate that is, but I gata tell you: I like it. Sounds a bit like me, though, doesn't it? Much better than being labeled as a certifiable loon. Of course, what does it mean? Hum. A little fancy finger work though Google (my, doesn't that sound kinky?) and I have an answer: I am smarter than 95% of the population and I have superior intelligence. Please, don't mind my silly little grin. I'm sure it's all quite fake (they do have an option available where you can buy your results and their findings) but it is ego boosting.

Boost your ego, take the test. And, no. I get no commission for sending you there.

Also did the Emtional IQ for some strange reason. Bah, not as fun as the first.

Amber, your Emotional IQ is 115.

This number is the result of a formula based on how many questions you answered correctly on Tickle's Emotional IQ test. But your Emotional IQ score is much more than just a number: it's an indicator of success.

Research has shown that people with high emotional intelligence scores — not necessarily those with the highest IQ scores — tend to be the most valued and productive employees and have the longest and happiest romantic relationships.

So, where are you most emotionally smart? Your test results show that your strongest suit is perception — your ability to pick up on what others are feeling.

Because of this, you are unusually good at reading people's verbal and non-verbal cues. You're especially aware of the subtleties of people's actions, and can feel out the vibe of a situation better than many. That gives you and edge many wish they had. People with high perception skills like yours, however, tend to rely on them to the exclusion of others. As a result, they sometimes have underdeveloped abilities in other realms of critical emotional intelligence like managing emotions, empathy, and being expressive.

To truly excel in life and know how to relate to different people, you need to balance out the different kinds of emotional intelligence.

Research indicates that if people who are strong in perception can work to increase their overall emotional IQ score, they can prepare themselves to handle any interpersonal exchange with amazing skill — especially by learning to be empathetic and by being able to express what it is they are feeling or trying to say.

And the good news is that people who try to improve their emotional IQ have far greater success than people who try to improve their IQ.

It's Sunday Again - TSS

It's Sunday again and I'm in a slump. NaNo isn't going as good as I expected, and I really don't have an urge to read (why, that's quite a shocker, isn't it?!) Perhaps it doesn't help that there are 2 teen-aged boys in my living room playing online games together with rock music blasting around them that they insist on singing along with. Ask them to turn it down, you suggest? Well, obviously you don't live with teenage males. The argument, yelling, and pandemonium that would fallow such a suggestion would result in a headache more atrocious than the one I currently have.

Since it is Sunday and the Sunday Salon is in full swing, I supose I should at least mention that I finished Everything Forbidden by Jess Michaels this morning (hence the over proper language in this post.) For an erotic romance it wasn't half bad, and for an erotic historical romance it was actually quite good. Sure there where some historical allowances but they were very well played (the Sandwich makes an appearance with some liberty to actually historical use.) The sex is very erotic and there is actually a story line that makes sense. That is to be expected since Jess Michaels is a pseudonym for historical author Jenna Petersen. While the characters where a bit narrow minded (sex, sex, sex) and emotions where demonstrated with limited physical descriptions (body thrown back for shock, head tiled for interest, inquiry, and confusion) this novel was enjoyable, interesting, and emotional. I must admit that this is one of the best erotic romances I've read in a very long time.
[Everything Forbidden - Jess Michaels - Avon Red - 978-0-06-128394-9 - November 2007]

Now that that's out of the way, I'm back to writing my reviews so I can start my next book, The Queen's Lady by Shannon Drake. A historical set in the time of Mary Queen of Scots. Of course, like I said, it is Sunday. Cleaning and hose-hold shopping are on the list of things to do. Oh, it never ends!

Check out the Sunday Salon

Writer's Block

NaNoWriMo has started and I have writer's block. Sounds about right. I wonder if Starbucks has outlets so I can plug in the lap top...

Writer's Block

I can't write. Damn it! I CAN'T WRITE! Just my luck, NaNoWriMo starts and I can't write a thing (it's been 3 days and I've written 277 words. At this moment I'm 4724 words behind). Quiet house, warm tea, soft music, fresh air, food, sugar, nothing helps. When I'm not on the computer I feel I need to clean or read or something. Tomorrow is Sunday Salon so I'll probably have a boost of inspiration then. But now? Nope. Nothing.

I did get a copy of Gemma Halliday's Alibi in High Heels. Looks fantastic. I haven't read her work before, but the reviews have made her writing sound irresistible. Looks like they're also planning on turning it into a television series (is it just me, or are a LOT of books going to tv now-a-days?)

Numbed my mind with some of those silly online quizzes. Now I'm numb and bummed. I was amazed at how accurate they where...

You Have a Melancholic Temperament Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything. You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life. You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you. Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace. You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life. Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times. At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you. You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others. You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult. What Temperment Are You?

Your Dosha is Kapha Calm and grounded, you are not prone to mood swings or anger. However, once you do get angry, it takes a lot to cool you down. You tend to think a little slower than most people, but your logic is astounding. Overall, you very loyal and trustworthy. You're not scared of being who you really are. With friends: You enjoy their company, but often listen more than talk In love: You crave connection and affection. It's hard for you to be single. To achieve more balance: Exercise vigorously (especially in the sun) and let go of attachments. What's Your Dosha?

You Are Placid and Peaceful It's not that you're scared of most thrills It's just that you don't need them to be happy You're content with life as is... no need to change it Just make sure to let loose a little every now and then! How Daring Are You?

You've Changed 20% in 10 Years You've hardly changed in ten years, from your lifestyle to those very retro clothes. And unless you were really ahead of your time, you probably need to acquaint yourself with the modern world! How Much Have You Changed in 10 Years?

You Are Really Not Happy You may have noticed that things aren't going too well for you lately. Your life never used to be like this, but it seems like happiness is slipping away from you. You definitely need a change, because whatever you have going on isn't working. It's time for you to shake things up - even if it means totally changing your life path. How Happy Are You, Really?

You Are 20% Happy You know that there's more to life than how you've been living it. Life can be rough at times, but most of your unhappiness is self-inflicted. How Happy Are You?

*sigh* started the NaNo scarf, too:

"November's Agenda" or "How I Plan To Die"

Wow, ominous title, isn't it? If you knew all I had planed for this month I'm sure you'd agree with it. Luckily for you your reading my blog and I plan on telling you all about it.

Okay, so firstly we have NaNoWriMo. Oy! I honestly don't know why I do this every year. I've never completed a novel and probably never will, but I guess I enjoy it no matter how much I whine or complain about it. What is NaNo you ask? National Novel Writer's Month. NaNoWriMo. The concept is for an author, aspiring writer, or whomever, to kick out 50,000+ words (the total for a small novel) before the month is over. No editing, no back tracking, or planing ALLOWED. The novelist is suppose to sit down and write what ever comes to them at the top of their head. Not as simple as you'd expect considering to complete your 50,000+ word requirement you'd need to kick out 1667 words each day! That's like a 6 page term paper, and I know how horrible those where! Ok, fine. I can do it. By my math I would need to spend 2 hours and 47 mins writing (perhaps I should stay away from the math!) Ok, Chuck, got it! I'm on it! Somebody have the wheelbarrow ready to cart me home once this thing is over.

What else is going on... Hum, let's see. Well, I currently have 8 books picked out to read this month. My shipment from Avon hasn't arrived yet and neither have the books I requested from Harlequin, but that doesn't matter. I have 8; that's enough for now.

The estimated reading list is as fallowing:

• Everything Forbidden by Jess Michaels
  
• The Queen's Lady by Shannon Drake
• Lord Of The Faiding Lands by C. L. Wilson
  
• Lady Of Light And Shadow by C. L. Wilson
  
• Heart Of Stone by C. E. Murphy
• Everlasing by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
• Unlucky by Jana DeLeon
• All The Pretty Girls by J. T. Ellison

Sure, no problem. Yah, I like I do this every month (if you haven't noticed, I don't make it that far.)

So now I'm off. A writer's creativity comes in the hours they most need sleep and considering that it's 12:30 and I have a busy day tomorrow, inspiration should flow like water. No wonder creative types are crazy.

NaNo, here we go!

It has begun! Well, more or less. It is now officially November 1st (even if it is 12pm and I haven't seen the warm side of my bed for over 17 hours) and NaNoWriMo has begun! So, what does that mean exactly? What it means is that for the next 30 days any writer friends, authors, or aspiring authors you may have must not be bothered or they will eat you! Okay, maybe eat you, but they'll be very unhappy with you. And don't be disappointed if you don't receive a phone call, letter, an email, or any form of animal delivered conversation from them. NaNo is a very time consuming, stress filled month in which the writer is expected to whip out a novel (at least 50,000 words). That's not so bad, you say? Ha! I dare you to sit behind your desk and write. Go ahead, NaNo is for everybody!

So, for the next month, don't expect much to be posted in the way of intelligent conversation on this blog. Between my normal day job, running the house, and NaNo, I don't expect to have very many brain cells left to communicate anything understandable.

Hum, what does that mean for Thanksgiving? Never mind, we'll figure that out when we come to it.

For all of you participating in NaNo, feel free to let me know and we'll share our pain together.

Happy writing!!
Amber

Blah

Feeling utterly ill; head hurts, nose is getting stuffy, and my neck... oh, don't get me started! I hate being sick!! Sounds about right, though. NaNoWriMo is in4 days and I am not even remotely ready. Well, perhaps remotely. The desk is clean, my messenger bag is stuffed with notebooks, pens, and pencils. All I need now is a re-fillable coffee mug, my tea kettle cleaned, some QUIET TIME, and motivation.

That last one... boy, I'm going to need help with that one.

If you plan on joining NaNo, feel free to let me know! I can always use more friends!

Happy writing,
Amber

Day of S

Ok, so today is Sunday, a day for rest and relaxation, right? Wrong! The site is way behind, the house is a pigsty, and I have so many books that need to be read it's making me dizzy. Well, perhaps it's not the books that are making me dizzy, but this bug I caught. I know it's a bug, most everyone in the house has already had it. Blah! I HATE being sick. I know I should just go to bed and sleep it off, but I can't do that. I don't. I never do. I've downed enough vitamin C to kill a horse, though (can vitamin C kill a horse?) and am drinking water like crazy. That should help, right? *sigh* yah, right. I doubt it.

Today is also the first ever Sunday Salon (boy I hope this doesn't get indexed to the feed) and I really don't feel like reading. I honestly have a stack of books 150+ deep that need to be read, and I can't get up the urge to read a single one of them. As of right now SECRETS OF A PROPER LADY by Victoria Alexander, SUSPECT by Jasmine Cresswell, SEALED WITH A KISS by Carly Phillips, and SEDUCTION'S SPELL by Lynn LaFleur are telling me to read them. We'll see, dear books, we'll see.

Since I don't feel up to doing more than point and click (it took me more than an hour to write this post) I've been hanging around DeviantART. DA is the best place to mindlessly click and get novel inspiration. We'll net mention that looking at artwork created by a 15 year old high-school kid that could put a photograph to shame makes you unbearably jealous. I'm not quiting my day job anytime soon.

Day of S = Sick, Sunday, Sunday Salon, Starving, Sleepy, Sucks.

Time and Me

Damn, I'm running so far behind. I'm 3 books behind schedule and still have the updates of the site to do. Damn, no time for actual writing for me. The person who said they'll wait for a free weekend to write their novel should be slapped upside the head with a shovel.

I currently have 1862 pages of standard book print that need to be read by the end of the month. That calculates to approximately 46 hours and 33 mins of reading (I read 2 pages in 3 mins.) And with 8 days left this month, that's roughly 6 hours reading each day. Yah. No sleeping for me this week! I suppose I can neglect the web site and any graphic design that's requested, but I need to work to make money to pay the rent and my electricity, without which I will get no reading done. I've done the reading by candlelight thing, and it's no fun. I can always try skipping food and sleep, but I'm sure passing out in the middle of, well, anything wouldn't be to good. I guess I better learn to become a faster reader or get some more reviewers added to the site.

In other news, it's ever so slowly inching in to fall here. The leaves are changing and when it's raining, its definitely fall. But other times, such as now, you'd think it was still September. Yesterday was a whopping 84F. and I'm sure today is competing, if not besting, that reading. Ha! and people say there is no such thing as global warming (or cooling). Those disputing that there is a problem should also be slapped upside the head with a shovel.

Closing In

NaNoWriMo is closing in, and I am so not ready! The office is, to put it quite simple, scary (is that a can I just kicked?) The lap top is old, needs to be reformatted, and needs a new battery ($40+) so I don't think I'll be taking IT to the coffee shop anytime soon. That leaves good old pen and paper, though, honestly, how am I suppose to be green when I use up all that paper? Oh, what a conundrum!

As of right now, I'm writing a paranormal romance. I know the market is big for them now but will more than likely drop by the time I have this published, but I believe I have a unique twist that will at least get me acknowledged. And besides, after watching Blood Ties, I want to write this!

Happy writing!

Goodies The Way I Hate Them

I hate my post office. I just HATE it! Why do they have to stuff it full of junk mail--stuff everybody throws away or pushes back out--and ruin the stuff you actually want to keep? Are they too lazy to make sure things don't get munched or do they find some sort of sick pleasure in folding long envelopes and tearing corners?

The wonderful Jeri Smith-Ready sent me a little package with cover-flats of her two books EYES OF CROW and VOICE OF CROW. She also sent an original cover-flat for VOICE OF CROW (image 3) which I like better the the one they chose (and the bro thinks it just creepy. But what does he know?) Well, the damn post office folded the covers in half and stuffed them in my mail box. Completely munched them. I'm hopping a few days of sitting squished between two tea trays under a 5+lb cast-iron tea pot will help flatten them and smooth the kinks out. I am so filing a complaint!

I also received a copy of CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT by Helen Dickson and Michelle Styles which will be released in the UK as a two story novel from Mills and Boon. Michelle had asked me to review her story A CHRISTMAS WEDDING WAGER, a novel to be released December from Harlequin Historicals. I only have 1 novel of holiday significance to review so of course I jumped on this one. I may not be a Christian, but I still enjoy Christmas stories.

I've put SIN AND SCANDAL IN ENGLAND by Melody Thomas aside. Sorry, I just can't read it! I really don't know why, I just cant. A book shouldn't take me more than a week to read, and this one has taken nearly 10 days. When I have over 150 books that need reviewing, a min of 9 per month, I don't have time dragging one I can't finish in 4 days around with me. Nope, sorry. Have to move on. Don't worry, though, the book has been passed down the line. What am I going to read next? Hum...

The Wonder Web

I just love the internet sometimes. Ok, most of the time, but I digress. A TV show had been mentioned at a forum I frequent (Shush, Sapphire! I TRY to frequent it!) and of course it's a show that runs on cable [Blood Ties - Lifetime]. Cheepscate that I am *cough-BROKE-cough* I don't have cable or dish. I'm lucky I even have DSL. Boy, am I lucky I have DSL! A quick search of said show led me to a listing of all episodes aired so far. Free! Yay, an option for tight-fisted little ol' me! So what if each episode is broken into 5 parts; I still get to watch it.

Don't ask me how it was. I didn't get to watch it. There is this little game that is gaining popularity much the way recycling is. And some times it can be incredibly addicting. Second Life is a game you would get if The Sims and an instant messenger mated and produced offspring. Well, sort of. If you're looking for sex, drugs, and virtual depravity, you've found it in Second Life. Ok, so it's not all like that, just the majority (like 85%).

Honestly though, they are becoming a fantastic marketing device. Many *cough-LESS THAN 15- cough* authors have already promoted their books through SL. Bantam Dell has a bookshop there, author M. J. Rose promoted her book The Reincarnationist there, and author Diana Gabaldon just promoted hers. I just love the concept even if it hasn't been promoted very well. It's edgy, fun, and a wonderful addition to an authors web 2.0 promotion arsenal. I'm attempting to open up a small theater for TGP for authors to promote themselves, but I gata tell you it can get expensive. If you want it to look right you have to shell out the dough. And one thing a little place TGP doesn't have is enough money. Or luck.

I've had to re-think The Gilded Pen's teen sub. Turns out some sick freak registered TGPTeen.com to be some sort of teen pornographic site. Ug! Ug, ug, ug, ug, ug! What the **** is wrong with people?! Honestly! So the site is now going to be TGP YA. I don't like the flow of it as well, but the last thing I need is some 13 year old doing a web search and coming up with THAT. Sickos.

Eh...

Posted on my other blog, Bits of Amber, and feel much too lazy to post something meaningful here. Sorry folks! Er... GET TO WRITING! I want you all ready for NaNoWriMo before the moth's over!

Happy writing!
Amber

The Universe

The universe loves to mess with me. At least that's the conclusion I came to today as I slipped into a tank top and walking shoes then headed out the door for a mid-day walk (I don't run, it's bad for your knees and causes your cheeks to sag. Yuck.) only to have the sky open up and spit pea sized droplets at me. Just great. To top it off the little burger shack at the end of the road is having their (some year) anniversary. Just what I need, free Sundays to tempt me when I'm exercising to loose weight. Come on, universe! There has to be a sliver lining here somewhere! Er, no pun intend.

Are two packages sitting on my desk considered as a sliver lining? ONE BITE STAND by Nina Bangs (a paranormal romance about a vampire --again-- and a harpy --that's a first one!-- who have to keep their hands off each other long enough to stop a universal catastrophe) and EVERYTHING FORBIDDEN by Jess Michaels (an historical erotica that I'm hopping does not involve cheating, 3-soms, and one-night-stands--unless, of course, it's with the same guy.) No mangas, though, and I haven't yet received the package from Harlequin with Robin D. Owen's books. I should be receiving an ARC of book 4 (I think) of her series any day now, but I want books 1-3 NOW!

As If I don't have enough books I need to read as it is. The darn things are taking up more space than I have right now. But do you hear me complaining? Oh, shut up! I can hear you! I'm thinking of accepting applications for reviewers then putting them on a one or two month probation reading e-books. Hey, it's just a thought, let me know what you think.

I've been reading SIN AND SCANDAL IN ENGLAND by Melody Thomas. It's not to bad so far. Of course I'm only on page 76, so ask me again in the morning. But I've gata say, there are two things that are buggin' me about this one. First, the cover is a bit... eh. Yah, he's hot, she's gorgeous, and they both just gata hit the sack. So why are they both half naked IN THE SNOW? Men, let me tell you being half naked in the snow is no turn on. Parts start to shrivel in on them selves while other parts tend to turn an unappealing purple. Romp in the snow all you want, but keep the action someplace warm! Secondly, why does EVERY THING have to be mirrored/portrayed/reflected/etc through the eyes? Ug! Authors and perspective authors, come up with other ways to show attraction, emotion, and longing other than eyes and the neither regions and I'll love you forever!

Belated Post. Again.

Wow, it's been nearly forever since I last posted. I know, I'm just terrible at posting on a regular basis. My only excuse is that I've been busy. For starters, The Gilded Pen is picking up speed! I'm utterly excited at the amount of good feedback I've been receiving so far. Makes me darn near proud (and perhaps a bit cocky). Of course the forces-that-be saw it in my best interest to knock me down a peg by messing with my hard drive. No, no, not mess with. Destroy. That's the mildest word I can come up with. The darn think is shot; wiped clean. So I'm back to the old 10 gig until the company sees to have the larger one replaced.

Other than all this trouble, life is (relatively) good. I haven't written like I've planned, but I've lost 15 pounds and I'm ubber happy about it. Besides saving me money on gas and the environment from harmful pollutants, it's good to know that those long walks to the post office and back are paying off! And what with the rainy season upon us, the opportunity to snap a couple of rain and water shots beckons.

And, oh! NaNoWriMo is just around the corner! Are you game? You know I am. I've already started preparing the office (I honestly don't know how it could get so cluttered!) and my mind for the long hours ahead of me. I'm not afraid, though. Okay, perhaps a little bit. I haven't been able to stick to my current schedule of 4k words/week, what makes me think I'll be able to handle 7k+? I can do this though. Deep breath. Yah, right.

Happy writing,
Amber

About

This is going to be an about me page. Yay! You will finally get to learn some cool stuff about yours truly ^^

Archives

Since there is no easy way of getting a direct list to my blogger archives, I'm making a post that will be linked to as an archive list. That is the why this post is here, really.

The good, the bad, and the shorter

Got an ubber-exciting package from Tokyopop in the mail the other day. 5 books to review: Scrapped Princess #1-3, Kino No Tabi #1, and Alex Unlimited, The Vosarak Code. Squee! I love being a reviewer. Getting a package like this just makes all those bad ones bearable. Now don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good books out there and just because I don’t like a couple of them doesn’t mean they are bad. But after reading a book that I gave a 2.5 (out of 5), these just make me feel so much better. The last Tokyopop books I received (The Twelve Kingdoms #1, Life #1, and 12 Days) all received great scores (er... save for THE ONE THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED!).

I’m having a little trouble with the web design, too. I don’t know what I want it to look like! I came up with 3 designs so far. I’ve become sick at looking at the first, the second one looks too much like a blog (but I love it) and the third one seams a little... clustered. Of course, some nifty finger work and the last could work. I’ll probably use it, as it’ll fit everything better than the other ones. Now I just need to figure out a way to incorporate advertising.

Er... how’s my writing going?

...

No comment. Nope, none. Please don’t force it out of me... OK! OK! I’ve done nothing! -cries- Nope, not a thing (ok, 1 thing. I put the layout I came up with on my PDA. Does that even count?) I’m hoping once TGP gets all settled down I can do some more work. Boy, do I hope.

Lastly, I cut my hair! Yep, a good 13 inches. The last time I cut it was... hum.. right before the 9th grade. My grandmother brought me to the salon to get it cut for high school. That was the last time I professionally got it done. I’ve had it trimmed about once a year, but only 2 inches or so. Boy, to think I’ve waited 10 years and only cut 13 inches! It’s still below my shoulder blades, so I might just cut it again at the end of summer. I also died it, a nice temporary burgundy. I like the color, though everybody says it’s too purple. Ha, what do they know? I like it. I might do it purple next time ^_^ we’ll see.

Happy writing, happy reading, happy life!
Amber

The good, the bad, and the shorter

Got an ubber-exciting package from Tokyopop in the mail the other day. 5 books to review: Scrapped Princess #1-3, Kino No Tabi #1, and Alex Unlimited, The Vosarak Code. Squee! I love being a reviewer. Getting a package like this just makes all those bad ones bearable. Now don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good books out there and just because I don’t like a couple of them doesn’t mean they are bad. But after reading a book that I gave a 2.5 (out of 5), these just make me feel so much better. The last Tokyopop books I received (The Twelve Kingdoms #1, Life #1, and 12 Days) all received great scores (er... save for THE ONE THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED!).

I’m having a little trouble with the web design, too. I don’t know what I want it to look like! I came up with 3 designs so far. I’ve become sick at looking at the first, the second one looks too much like a blog (but I love it) and the third one seams a little... clustered. Of course, some nifty finger work and the last could work. I’ll probably use it, as it’ll fit everything better than the other ones. Now I just need to figure out a way to incorporate advertising.

Er... how’s my writing going?

...

No comment. Nope, none. Please don’t force it out of me... OK! OK! I’ve done nothing! -cries- Nope, not a thing (ok, 1 thing. I put the layout I came up with on my PDA. Does that even count?) I’m hoping once TGP gets all settled down I can do some more work. Boy, do I hope.

Lastly, I cut my hair! Yep, a good 13 inches. The last time I cut it was... hum.. right before the 9th grade. My grandmother brought me to the salon to get it cut for high school. That was the last time I professionally got it done. I’ve had it trimmed about once a year, but only 2 inches or so. Boy, to think I’ve waited 10 years and only cut 13 inches! It’s still below my shoulder blades, so I might just cut it again at the end of summer. I also died it, a nice temporary burgundy. I like the color, though everybody says it’s too purple. Ha, what do they know? I like it. I might do it purple next time ^_^ we’ll see.

Happy writing, happy reading, happy life!
Amber

Sword and Sorceress to live again!

As I do most mornings, I stumbled to my computer blurry eyed and flipped on my computer. Well, more like pushed as the computer has a button not a switch, but you get the idea. After starting the internet and my email client, I stumbled into the kitchen to start the kettle and noticed the biggest bon-fire I have ever seen practically in my front yard. Ok, it wasn’t really in my front yard, it was across the street, but fire, when it is that close to my house, is close enough. It was burning in the small area, about a quarter of an acre large, that most people in my neighborhood have been using as a yard waste pile. Lovely, right? A pile of sticks, twigs, leaves, and old Christmas trees (can you imagine how those things went up when they where tossed on the fire?!) accumulating for who knows how long. I guess the owners of this darn place have decided to get rid of it and the quickest way to do that is burn it. Would have been nice if they had told us first. Their suppose to do that, right? -sigh- It’s still smoldering (at almost 10pm). Oh, the genius of some people.

So, a little dumbfounded, I sat in my some what un-comfortable desk chair and checked my email. I bounced back the 50+ pieces of spam, replied to what letters needed a reply and finally started to read my newsletters. Ralan’s news was at the top and at the bottom of that? The announcement that Sword and Sorceress, the anthology originallyedited by the late great Marion Zimmer Bradley. After her passing, the anthology continued to issue 20, filled with Marion’s picks. Issue 21 fallowed by an associate and 22 is now to fallow. Yay! So, now I have roughly a month to produce a 9,000 word short story. No problem, right... er, yah.

Sword and Sorceress to live again!

As I do most mornings, I stumbled to my computer blurry eyed and flipped on my computer. Well, more like pushed as the computer has a button not a switch, but you get the idea. After starting the internet and my email client, I stumbled into the kitchen to start the kettle and noticed the biggest bon-fire I have ever seen practically in my front yard. Ok, it wasn’t really in my front yard, it was across the street, but fire, when it is that close to my house, is close enough. It was burning in the small area, about a quarter of an acre large, that most people in my neighborhood have been using as a yard waste pile. Lovely, right? A pile of sticks, twigs, leaves, and old Christmas trees (can you imagine how those things went up when they where tossed on the fire?!) accumulating for who knows how long. I guess the owners of this darn place have decided to get rid of it and the quickest way to do that is burn it. Would have been nice if they had told us first. They're suppose to do that, right? -sigh- It’s still smoldering (at almost 10pm). Oh, the genius of some people.

So, a little dumbfounded, I sat in my some what un-comfortable desk chair and checked my email. I bounced back the 50+ pieces of spam, replied to what letters needed a reply and finally started to read my newsletters. Ralan’s news was at the top and at the bottom of that? The announcement that Sword and Sorceress, the anthology originally edited by the late great Marion Zimmer Bradley. After her passing, the anthology continued to issue 20, filled with Marion’s picks. Issue 21 fallowed by an associate and 22 is now to fallow. Yay! So, now I have roughly a month to produce a 9,000 word short story. No problem, right... er, yah.

Family Trees and Iced Tea

Family Trees

I can’t believe it. I really can’t believe it (well, I do believe it, but If I keep repeating this phrase to my self I may be able to absolve of all liability). What is it I have done, you ask? Why, the most horrid thing imaginable! I have written the family trees for characters from 4 of my stories, and came up with 7 more stories all of which are connected quite complicatedly) that are just dieing to be told.

Oh, this doesn’t sound so bad does it? Well, think again. With only 3 more months in my self deadline, more ideas is not what I need. I have been attempting to work them out like I usually do, by writing out their ‘blurbs’ and putting them in my idea book, but the more I think on them the more ideas I get. While ideas are great, they won’t get my current piece written and I need to get it written so I can write the other stories.

So now, to get back in the mood of writing my original story, I’m going through about 17 classical CDs pulling off the stuff I like (the darker, more mellow and slow pieces) to put together a writing album. Normally I listen to hard rock or stuff I pull off Anime movies, but since I’m writing a Victorian, I might as well listen to music from the period.

If the Family Trees weren't my only problem, we’ve been experiencing wonderful 60+F weather. When it gets above 60, I pull out the iced tea and crack open the window. When the window is open, the cat’s want to smell the fresh air. Why isn’t I never remember these things? I’d blame the weather for the hibernation of my brain if it wasn’t hibernating all year long. My mistake this time was leaving a full tumbler-type glass full of iced tea on my desk right next to my keyboard while I left the room. Sure enough, P-Bear, my cat, decided “hey, I want some fresh air” and knocked the tea all over the place. Nothing save my keyboard and sanity where harmed. The keyboard I can still use even though it’s causing my sanity to stretch just a little more as I type ! and get bumped down to the next line or use the up arrow and get the help menu. And if that weren’t enough, I have another cup of tea in the exact same spot today... Man, I never learn.

In movie news I came across some thing I find... really cool. Tales from Earthsea - The anime version!! For those of you who don’t know yet, I love anime. I’m in no way a fanatic, just a very big fan. It turns out that Ghibli Studios (which is currently associated with the Disney corporation -who isn‘t?) has or will be coming out with an animated version of Ursula K. Le Guin’s classic Earthsea (if you haven’t read it, you must! It is one of her best). I can not wait to watch this one even though it looks like I‘ll have to wait until 2009! I loved Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away. I’m sure this will be no exception. Man, this only makes me want to get back to my Japanese language studies.

Read the synopsis here: http://www.ursulakleguin.com/GedoSenkiSynopsis.html
View the trailer here (in Japanese): http://www.ghibli.jp/25trailer/

Lastly, but never least, my mother send me a link to a web site with wonderful art: . He has such wonderful and unique backgrounds. If I had more time I’d download everything, but have settled with only downloading a couple. I’m afraid that if I did more than 2, or 3, or 5... I’d keep going until I had everything save sleep and more works on my MS. This little pick below is of his newest background. See? Nice, hu? -link-

As always, happy reading, happy writing, happy life!
Amber

PS. The Gilded Pen’s Grand Opening has been pushed to April
1st due to technical problems. The darn DNS refused to be pushed to it’s new location which means the site will not work until it does.

Family Trees and Iced Tea

Family Trees

I can’t believe it. I really can’t believe it (well, I do believe it, but If I keep repeating this phrase to my self I may be able to absolve of all liability). What is it I have done, you ask? Why, the most horrid thing imaginable! I have written the family trees for characters from 4 of my stories, and came up with 7 more stories all of which are connected quite complicatedly) that are just dieing to be told.

Oh, this doesn’t sound so bad does it? Well, think again. With only 3 more months in my self deadline, more ideas is not what I need. I have been attempting to work them out like I usually do, by writing out their ‘blurbs’ and putting them in my idea book, but the more I think on them the more ideas I get. While ideas are great, they won’t get my current piece written and I need to get it written so I can write the other stories.

So now, to get back in the mood of writing my original story, I’m going through about 17 classical CDs pulling off the stuff I like (the darker, more mellow and slow pieces) to put together a writing album. Normally I listen to hard rock or stuff I pull off Anime movies, but since I’m writing a Victorian, I might as well listen to music from the period.

If the Family Trees weren't my only problem, we’ve been experiencing wonderful 60+F weather. When it gets above 60, I pull out the iced tea and crack open the window. When the window is open, the cat’s want to smell the fresh air. Why isn’t I never remember these things? I’d blame the weather for the hibernation of my brain if it wasn’t hibernating all year long. My mistake this time was leaving a full tumbler-type glass full of iced tea on my desk right next to my keyboard while I left the room. Sure enough, P-Bear, my cat, decided “hey, I want some fresh air” and knocked the tea all over the place. Nothing save my keyboard and sanity where harmed. The keyboard I can still use even though it’s causing my sanity to stretch just a little more as I type ! and get bumped down to the next line or use the up arrow and get the help menu. And if that weren’t enough, I have another cup of tea in the exact same spot today... Man, I never learn.

In movie news I came across some thing I find... really cool. Tales from Earthsea - The anime version!! For those of you who don’t know yet, I love anime. I’m in no way a fanatic, just a very big fan. It turns out that Ghibli Studios (which is currently associated with the Disney corporation -who isn‘t?) has or will be coming out with an animated version of Ursula K. Le Guin’s classic Earthsea (if you haven’t read it, you must! It is one of her best). I can not wait to watch this one even though it looks like I‘ll have to wait until 2009! I loved Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away. I’m sure this will be no exception. Man, this only makes me want to get back to my Japanese language studies.

Read the synopsis here: http://www.ursulakleguin.com/GedoSenkiSynopsis.html
View the trailer here (in Japanese): http://www.ghibli.jp/25trailer/

Lastly, but never least, my mother send me a link to a web site with wonderful art: . He has such wonderful and unique backgrounds. If I had more time I’d download everything, but have settled with only downloading a couple. I’m afraid that if I did more than 2, or 3, or 5... I’d keep going until I had everything save sleep and more works on my MS. This little pick below is of his newest background. See? Nice, hu? -link-

As always, happy reading, happy writing, happy life!
Amber

PS. The Gilded Pen’s Grand Opening has been pushed to April
1st due to technical problems. The darn DNS refused to be pushed to it’s new location which means the site will not work until it does.