Midnight Research

I've been doing research this week of the... unique kind. After browsing the blogs of some of my favorite authors and noticing how many of them have published well over 10 novels in less than 5 years while I have yet to publish one, a spark has been lit within me. Jealousy and envy have officially renewed my passion to complete my own novels. So begins a new round of research.

This time I've been researching the early erotic novel. Yes, I know! This is quite a shocking subject for me to be researching, but my new novel demands to be told. What's left to do but cave, do the research and tell it? What I have found so far is a collection of rather... interesting titles; The Gentleman's Bottle companion and Songs of Innocence and of Experience just to name a few. It's always interesting what comes up with a little aggressive digging. Always interesting, I'm hopping that this will be one of my more entertaining ideas.

Of course, doing research of any kind after midnight will leave one hopping for the best. With the mind as foggy and sleep deprived as mine is, I can almost believe it, too.

From 3rd Grade to Japan?

I've been thinking for a while now that I wouldn't mind becoming a teacher. Notably a teacher of 3rd grade as I'm very good with younger children. I can talk to them, encourage them, play with them, and teach them without looking down at them or letting them run all over me. I also think they feel comfortable in my presence (which was again confirmed the other day when two young boys walked up to me and just started chatting away despite my black nails and black eyes). So why not? There aren't enough teachers that can stand children as it is. And me? I'm nothing more than a big kid at heart.

Now, before I ever got fully settled with this decision, I looked at my writing and the huge stack of books on my desk and thought: but I really want to be a writer! What am I thinking? I LOVE writing. I want to be published. I want to be a professional, sitting in my little corner looking out at the world. I want to go down to the local coffee shop or the park and just sit back, day dream, and write! Teaching would just get in the way. So I pushed the teaching idea aside and focused on my writing. Yes, I know. Little good that is doing me as I have yet to FINISH a single damn thing...

Which brought me to my current path. Research can be such a wonderful thing sometimes; a pain in the ass at others. I believe I spent 4 hours looking up upper-secondary schools in Japan for my current novel. Conclusion: Uuugg... For those in a similar boat (really, though, who but me is this nuts?) here's some links: Secondary Education In Japan (wiki), Another Wiki (with a really long name!) , and The JET Program.

Now, that last one brought the 'Why not be a teacher' in me out again. The JET Program is a pragram (duh) for anyone who would like to teach English in Japan and make money doing it with no previous teaching or Japanese language knowledge. I've known of this program for a while now and have been considering it for just as long. It was probably the whole "How can I get to Japan with out it costing me so damn much?" mentality. That or the "Ug! I have to wait half a year for the next season to be fan subbed?!" Anyways, I found them again and started thinking. Why not? I'd love to visit Japan, I wouldn't mind teaching, and hey, I'm young. Four years getting a degree in English (or something) with being a TA interspersed then I'd be set.

Of course that just puts me back at my 'I want to be a writer!' but for now, this is more interesting. So I'll be thinking about it. It is 4 1/2 years away. At least! That means I'll be 30... Hum... that seams a little old to be an 'exchange teacher'... Well, I'll still think about it. You never know, I may be published by then and going to Japan for research.

Some more links for those interested: A current JET teacher, A former JET, Lucky Isle-a current JET, BigDaikon (a JET forum).

Boy, I really do ramble, don't I? And what the heck is up with all the italicizing?! As usual I don't apologize for any misspellings, grammatical errors, or views of opinion. I wrote it knowing it was going to be seen. I can live with the criticisms.

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.

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.

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.

Some Small Updates

Ok. Summer's here, if not officially, and work has begun in earnest. I've completed several wonderful book banners (oh, all the wonderful stories to read next month!) and am enjoying myself!

Unfortunately, the caused my writing to slip a little, as well as my posting. I missed a couple of Mondays (again) and have nothing to report -sigh- I have been sketching out a couple of synopsis thanks to the help of the wonderful Deborah Hale. Seeing the synopsis for Wizards Ward helped so much. Now all I need to do is jump on and into the story.

I've been reading Kingmaker's Sword by Ann Marston (again) and the need for more romantic conflict is lighting a fire under my @$$. The story is wonderful, but she leaves out a lot of romantic tension when I'm expecting it. Being a romantic, I feel the need to put my own story to virtual paper, romantic tension, dragons, magic and all.

Now, I'm going to make my self an ice mocha, a bagel and turkey sandwich, then sit down and start typing. My goal is a short 2.5 months way, so I better get to work!

Happy Writing,
Amber

A Little Set Back

Well, I've been writing fairly consistent. At least 200 words/day. Not as good as I'd like, but better than nothing. Of course, life has stepped in again.

My filly is 2 and 1/2 years old, now, and seriously needs to begin her training. That means moving her down here. Unfortunately, the job I was trying for didn't want me and I'm back to the hunting scene. Worse, my car is on the frits so I need to stick with something in town. Ha! Lets just say I have better luck with my web design than finding an in-town job. That's ok, everything in strides. I've lowered some prices, created some new business cards, and have submitted to search engines. Now all I can do it wait.

But that's not why you are reading this, is it? I didn't think so; so on to the writing!

My historical decided to spit something back at me. The character I added to the plot to give the main characters... friction, has decided he doesn't like that roll. Well, fine! I decided to throw him into the second half of the story; concerned about one sister, in love with a close friend, and accused of sniffing at the main heroine's skirts! If he wasn't so noble, he'd probably have a few less bruises. But that's ok, the 'friend' needs something to yell at him about. I still haven't figured out exactly why the villain is doing what he is, well, doing. -sigh- I wish he would just tell me.

The Fantasy is doing ok, too. I've come up with ideas for 4 more stories after this one, with the possibility of a 5th. What's great is that the ideas are flowing like water! My notebook is full of plot summaries, character sketches, and notes. And the first story is moving nicely, too. I now know why the hero is what he is, how the heroine got to be in her position, and how they meet. I also know who the villain is, though I don't know everything about him as of yet. He's quite mean.

Right now the sun is warming up the orange blossoms on the tree out side my window, and the wind -cool yet warm- is bringing it into my room. It's very pleasant and thought inspiring; time to write!

Happy Writing,
Amber Jennell

A good swift... Kick!

So much for my writer's competition. For the month of March, my muse had fled and I failed to write a single word towards my 50k goal. -Sigh- I guess that happens. There where things I could have done; forced my self to write, rewrote/revised sections of my story, or jumped into something new, but I didn't feel like it. Such a scary thought, that. I did not feel like writing. Just typing the words makes me shudder. All things considered, I have been out of sorts. I've been spending the month job hunting, and since I don't have a car I've only been applying to in-town positions, which limits my options quite a bit. I've also been working on my web page. Created some new web sets and such, as well as applying for my domain name.

Since it is a new month - ok, the second week of a new month - I've decided to jump start my writing. For three hours a day (no excuses) I will be writing. Writing, writing, and nothing but writing. If I am lucky, this will give me that little boost I need to get down to business. Besides, it's not like I have nothing to write about. The story to my LUNA is still workable, and I have even come up with a prequel short story. Now all I need to do is decide which aspect I want to use. Perhaps I'll use them both and see which one turns out the best. You never know, I may decide to turn one of them in to the sequel (always a nice possibility).

As another excuse to get my writing back on track, I've been picking up books and reading them (something I hadn't not done last month - shame on me). Since I haven't been in the mood for anything specific, I've been reading everything. Just this morning I finished Shari Anton's "Knave of Hearts". Well, there's a spark! Oh, drat, but in the direction of Medieval Historicals, not fantasy. Of course, I just received my copy of Sarah Zettel's "For Camelot's Honor". That should push me in the write direction.

Happy writing,
Amber Jennell

P.S. (yes, I am adding a post script to my blogg entry)
If anybody is interested in a web set/ or re-design of a current web site, feel free to visit my site: http://amberjennell.tripod.com. I am offering a 10% discount to all my loyal blogg readers. Yes, that means you!! Don't you feel special?

A Writing Update

Well, I know it's been a while. Life, it would seem, does not stop for anybody. After some gentle prodding from friends, I have decided to post again, and let you know how the writing its going.

For the past two months, I've been working on a Regency. It was moving nicely until i finished chapter 3 and thought "Hey! I need to add this person!" The person is a perfect addition to the story, his presence will cause the hero to fume a little, and the heroine to stall in professing her love. Ah, a little friction, a little conflict.

Also, I've started to write out the outline for my LUNA fantasy. The idea is moving nicely; adding concepts and situations. I'm even working on the character sketch; getting to know my hero, heroine, sub-hero and sub-heroine, as well as the ... ahem... villein!

I'm competing in a writer's competition next month. I've pledged to write 50k words. Youch! Since I've only been writing 400 words a day, jumping up to 1500 a day is going to be a feat. Keep you fingers crossed for me!

Happy Writing,

Amber