As a result of tackling the Teaser Tuesday meme, I wandered down the rabbit hole to this fun reading challenge for 2011 called the A-Z Reading Challenge. You can follow the link to get all the details, but the gist of it all is that you read 26 books, each title starting with a different letter of the alphabet. The goal is to get all 26 letters in. And because nothing if really fun unless you make a serious challenge, I'm going to try to do it with just one author - Andre Norton.
Why Ms. Norton? Because I've read a couple of her books in the past and honestly liked them, because my husband has at least 100 of her books, and, finally, because she wrote 215 books over the course of her career. This certainly ups the odds of finding at least one title for every letter of the alphabet. (We've even got a couple of "X" beginning titles in there, although I'm checking on a "Q".)
Oh, and did I mention the free giveaways the organizer is offering? (Not that I needed to be bribed with the possibility of winning something, but it's a nice addition. ;) So, go check it out and join me in the Challenge.
Oh, and I want to give a shout out to owner of Moonlight Gleam's blog, which is where I found the link to the challenge. I should also mention that she was kind enough to leave a comment about my Tuesday Teaser post. Thanks!
You can catch my list of books probably in a side column, which I'll continue to fill in over the next couple of days as I pour over my husband's stuffed shelf of Norton's. I know I'm starting with the following books:
Android at Arms
The Elvenbane
Voodoo Planet
Wraiths of Time
Zarsthor's Bane
And yes, I'll get back to writing soon. Between being sick and loosing Jeff's dad, it's been a very weird beginning to the new year. However, I really do need to get back to work on Glimmer of Sight, as well as finishing up my NaNo novel from this year. And I'm thinking of trying Script Frenzy in April. And yes, I am crazy....just a little bit. But I've never tried a play before and it might be a fun way to work on dialog and pacing.
Okay, now off to pour over the SIX pages of very tiny print from Wikipedia listing all the books Ms. Norton ever published. And I do mean tiny (6 point type?). The .pdf download is 12 pages. I may need my cheaters to read this puppy. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Teaser Tuesdays - What Are You Reading?
I just stumbled across this blog meme and thought it sounded like fun. It also got me to finally get another post up on here. MizB of Should Be Reading hosts this fun way to learn about more books. Go check it out and then play along.
I'm currently reading two books - the first, Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters by Michael Tierno, was a recommendation of Douglas Clegg. The second, Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White, is what I'm currently reading with a small group of 4th graders. (I've never read it before.)
Aristotle's Poetics teaser:
"The brief images of Harry killing the four people are used to jar his memory (recognition entailing discovery) that he's searching for himself and is the evil Johnny Favorite. Thereupon he undergoes a reversal of fortune (I'm going to Hell)." (pg. 90)
And Charlotte's Web:
"It was still only about four o'clock but Wilbur was ready for bed.
'I"m really too young to go out into the world alone,' he thought as he lay down." (pg. 24)
Now, hopefully I'll remember to do this again next Tuesday!
I'm currently reading two books - the first, Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters by Michael Tierno, was a recommendation of Douglas Clegg. The second, Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White, is what I'm currently reading with a small group of 4th graders. (I've never read it before.)
Aristotle's Poetics teaser:
"The brief images of Harry killing the four people are used to jar his memory (recognition entailing discovery) that he's searching for himself and is the evil Johnny Favorite. Thereupon he undergoes a reversal of fortune (I'm going to Hell)." (pg. 90)
And Charlotte's Web:
"It was still only about four o'clock but Wilbur was ready for bed.
'I"m really too young to go out into the world alone,' he thought as he lay down." (pg. 24)
Now, hopefully I'll remember to do this again next Tuesday!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Welcome 2011!
Well, I survived NaNo another year. And yes, it really was more like survival this year. Some sort of GI virus swept through the household the weekend before Thanksgiving, which left me decided to toss in the towel. However, some folks wouldn't accept that and badgered, er, I mean, encouraged, me to finish it out. I wrote over 22,000 in two days and finished the event in at Donkey Coffee with a couple of friends so tired that I was loopy. I'll need to go back and revisit the novel later, finishing it up and doing some revision before I let anyone really read it, but I still think there's a lot of good material there to work with. (Note to self: Sex scenes get boring to write at around the 5000 word mark.)
I also started another long term sub position at the end of November, which became a regular job for me in mid-December. Yep, I'm not regularly gainfully employed as an educational aide at the school, working mainly in a kindergarten classroom. It's great. And at only 4 hours a day, I still have time for writing and to help our eldest with her online academy work. (And I can start paying on those student loans again. Yes!)
Christmas was great. Since I was working, the normally barely there budget got tossed out the window. We didn't go crazy, but it was nice to have some extra to spend. Drama Queen got her keyboard and some of her American Girl wishlist. Monkey Girl got Steps High from American Girl plus her cell phone. (Look out world, she can text now!)
And then, the week after Christmas, my father-in-law had a heart attack. They life flighted him to Riverside, where he got two stents put in and seemed to be making a recovery. However, his heart never really got its function back. Sometime this past Saturday his body started shutting down. He passed away Sunday morning. I'm in a bit of a disconnect over it all, as the last time I saw him was Christmas Eve as we were opening presents. A particularly lingering upper respiratory infection started to set in the day after his heart attack and I never made it up to Columbus to visit. Nor did the girls. It makes it all a little odd as to how to process everything. And even though he had health issues, it still seemed a bit sudden. I cared a great deal for the man, although we sometimes had our differences. He could be bull-headed and stubborn, but he was also very kind, generous, and caring. And totally dedicated to his family. He will be missed so very much.
Okay, I've got myself all teary-eyed now. Time to end this thing. Here's wishing you all a wonderous new year.
I also started another long term sub position at the end of November, which became a regular job for me in mid-December. Yep, I'm not regularly gainfully employed as an educational aide at the school, working mainly in a kindergarten classroom. It's great. And at only 4 hours a day, I still have time for writing and to help our eldest with her online academy work. (And I can start paying on those student loans again. Yes!)
Christmas was great. Since I was working, the normally barely there budget got tossed out the window. We didn't go crazy, but it was nice to have some extra to spend. Drama Queen got her keyboard and some of her American Girl wishlist. Monkey Girl got Steps High from American Girl plus her cell phone. (Look out world, she can text now!)
And then, the week after Christmas, my father-in-law had a heart attack. They life flighted him to Riverside, where he got two stents put in and seemed to be making a recovery. However, his heart never really got its function back. Sometime this past Saturday his body started shutting down. He passed away Sunday morning. I'm in a bit of a disconnect over it all, as the last time I saw him was Christmas Eve as we were opening presents. A particularly lingering upper respiratory infection started to set in the day after his heart attack and I never made it up to Columbus to visit. Nor did the girls. It makes it all a little odd as to how to process everything. And even though he had health issues, it still seemed a bit sudden. I cared a great deal for the man, although we sometimes had our differences. He could be bull-headed and stubborn, but he was also very kind, generous, and caring. And totally dedicated to his family. He will be missed so very much.
Okay, I've got myself all teary-eyed now. Time to end this thing. Here's wishing you all a wonderous new year.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Writing Playlist
Thought I'd share the music I'm currently writing to. It isn't stuff I'd normally listen to, to be honest. I tihnk I may need to burn a cd of it for the car, though, because I'm really enjoying it.
If novels had soundtracks, the one for mine this time around would be "Into the Night", by Santana, featuring Chad Kroeger. That, however, isn't necessarily on my writing playlist. It just sums up the story really well.
The playlist:
1. Freefall by Pitch Black
2. Shining by David Morley
3. Beautiful Things by Andain
4. The Longest Road by Morgan Page, featuring Lisse
5. Fight for You by Morgan Page
6. Agnus Dei by Morgan Page (/Apparently no video is available on You Tube for this one.)
7. Only Human by Morgan Page
Enjoy!
If novels had soundtracks, the one for mine this time around would be "Into the Night", by Santana, featuring Chad Kroeger. That, however, isn't necessarily on my writing playlist. It just sums up the story really well.
The playlist:
1. Freefall by Pitch Black
2. Shining by David Morley
3. Beautiful Things by Andain
4. The Longest Road by Morgan Page, featuring Lisse
5. Fight for You by Morgan Page
6. Agnus Dei by Morgan Page (/Apparently no video is available on You Tube for this one.)
7. Only Human by Morgan Page
Enjoy!
Some Minor, But Important, Characters
The first couple of these are true bad guys.
Bel
Bel is basically a bully, with power. He can be very cruel and vicious, which is how got not only got to where he now is but also how he's managed to stay there for a few thousand years. He's used to getting what he wants, when he wants, as long as he doesn't step on the toes of those higher up the power food chain.
He now considers Mina to be an ungrateful, traitorous bitch for her desertion and is rather ambivalent about getting her back, not that he wouldn't welcome her back into his bed, after she was suitably humiliated and punished of course. As long as Selena is meeting his carnal needs, he's rather content. And he does keep his opinion to himself. He didn't get to where he was by being stupid.
Selena
Selena is the boss of her own coven, but she wants an alliance with Bel's coven, which she is willing to forge via his bed. She's pretty sure that Mina's return will dislodge her from there and would rather not see that happen.
She either wants to see Mina not return or, even better, return in total disgrace and humiliation. Basically, Selena is a politically grasping, vindictive, hell's fire bitch, with an agenda.
Nefriah
Nefriah is the angel who watches over Mina. He's extremely benevolent and has great faith in the goodness of others, even demons. He very much wants to see her succeed.
God has great faith in Nefriah and his instincts. They've very rarely been wrong throughout the millenia.
Bel
Bel is basically a bully, with power. He can be very cruel and vicious, which is how got not only got to where he now is but also how he's managed to stay there for a few thousand years. He's used to getting what he wants, when he wants, as long as he doesn't step on the toes of those higher up the power food chain.
He now considers Mina to be an ungrateful, traitorous bitch for her desertion and is rather ambivalent about getting her back, not that he wouldn't welcome her back into his bed, after she was suitably humiliated and punished of course. As long as Selena is meeting his carnal needs, he's rather content. And he does keep his opinion to himself. He didn't get to where he was by being stupid.
Selena
Selena is the boss of her own coven, but she wants an alliance with Bel's coven, which she is willing to forge via his bed. She's pretty sure that Mina's return will dislodge her from there and would rather not see that happen.
She either wants to see Mina not return or, even better, return in total disgrace and humiliation. Basically, Selena is a politically grasping, vindictive, hell's fire bitch, with an agenda.
Nefriah
Nefriah is the angel who watches over Mina. He's extremely benevolent and has great faith in the goodness of others, even demons. He very much wants to see her succeed.
God has great faith in Nefriah and his instincts. They've very rarely been wrong throughout the millenia.
Novel Notes
No, I have not fallen off the face of the Earth, although it sometimes feels like it. Next year I shall treat doing NaNo and YWP as a full time job and act/prepare accordingly. Wow, it's been a busy month keeping everything straight.
Speaking of keeping everything straight, I worked out these notes two weeks ago and keep forgetting them at write-ins. So, I'm treating all of you to my little character treatments by using this blog post as a place to stash them where I can access them again at a write-in if I need to. It's been quite frustrating not having them when I want - almost as frustrating as being so behind in my word count..
Children of Lilith
Exactly what the term implies - they are the children of Lilith that she took to Hell with her when she cast her lot in with Lucifer back at the beginning of time. Definite anger issues run in the family. They are also very beautiful, even if it is usually only skin deep. While no one in Hell ever really trusts anyone else, Liliths' Children tend to form alliances with and side with one another before other types of Fallen.
They also tend to have a bit of a disdainful attitude towards humans, although some of that is out of jealousy. However, they also consider humans to be a great source of amusement. Some of their attitude towards humanity is also a bit of a front for feelings of insecurity. After all, in some small way, they are still partly human because Lilith was originally human.
Lilith has also instilled a great distrust/loathing in them of God, who they feel abandoned their mother in favor of Adam. They do not like feeling inferior to others, although that's a bit unavoidable in Hell.
Finally, Children of Lilith aren't technically "Fallen" since Hell has been their only home. They have no real idea of what Heaven is like other than what the truly fallen have told them. They tend to serve as Temptors in the physical realm - lust, glutton, etc...
Wilhemina "Mina" Stanilos (main female character)
Mina is a Child of Lilith who decided to become redeemed about 9 months ago. She's still not fully trusted by many in the Angelic Host.
She was one of the best Temptors in Lust that Hell possessed.
Her former lover, Bel, is a sort of "boss" over a group of demons (coven). He specializes in tempting others with promises of power. Mina was with him as a means of protection, since none of the others would mess with her as much if she was with him.
Mina is curious for a demon and has never completely bought all of the hype about the freedom they're given in Hell. It took a long time but she eventually became dissatisfied enough to seek out something else.
Her mentor and primary contatct in the Angelic Host is Nefriah, who has great faith in her desire to be/do good.
Mina has dark, thick black hair, green eyes, and full red lips. Her complexion is pale and creamy. She's slender, but not skinny, and full of curves. She stands at about 5'4".
Devin "Newcombe" (main male character)
Devin is also a Child of Lilith who can exude the charm and sophistication of a James Bond if necessary. (Actually, he could probably make Bond look like a rank amateur if he really wanted to.) He is also part of Bel's coven.
Devin has been attracted to Mina for a long time, but could never act on it because of Bel. He's finding himself torn between successfully getting Mina back for Hell and dragging things out as long as possible. Also, he's having issues with how happy Mina seems to be and is a little torn by his need to destroy that. He also figures, correctly, that she'll never forgive him for it.
Devin has dark brown hair just long enough for some curls to form. His eyes are a greenish/gold and he's got a strong, wirey build, even though he's not necessarily a "big" guy. He stands about 5'9". Oh, and he's also a Lust Tempter and quite good at what he does.
Speaking of keeping everything straight, I worked out these notes two weeks ago and keep forgetting them at write-ins. So, I'm treating all of you to my little character treatments by using this blog post as a place to stash them where I can access them again at a write-in if I need to. It's been quite frustrating not having them when I want - almost as frustrating as being so behind in my word count..
Children of Lilith
Exactly what the term implies - they are the children of Lilith that she took to Hell with her when she cast her lot in with Lucifer back at the beginning of time. Definite anger issues run in the family. They are also very beautiful, even if it is usually only skin deep. While no one in Hell ever really trusts anyone else, Liliths' Children tend to form alliances with and side with one another before other types of Fallen.
They also tend to have a bit of a disdainful attitude towards humans, although some of that is out of jealousy. However, they also consider humans to be a great source of amusement. Some of their attitude towards humanity is also a bit of a front for feelings of insecurity. After all, in some small way, they are still partly human because Lilith was originally human.
Lilith has also instilled a great distrust/loathing in them of God, who they feel abandoned their mother in favor of Adam. They do not like feeling inferior to others, although that's a bit unavoidable in Hell.
Finally, Children of Lilith aren't technically "Fallen" since Hell has been their only home. They have no real idea of what Heaven is like other than what the truly fallen have told them. They tend to serve as Temptors in the physical realm - lust, glutton, etc...
Wilhemina "Mina" Stanilos (main female character)
Mina is a Child of Lilith who decided to become redeemed about 9 months ago. She's still not fully trusted by many in the Angelic Host.
She was one of the best Temptors in Lust that Hell possessed.
Her former lover, Bel, is a sort of "boss" over a group of demons (coven). He specializes in tempting others with promises of power. Mina was with him as a means of protection, since none of the others would mess with her as much if she was with him.
Mina is curious for a demon and has never completely bought all of the hype about the freedom they're given in Hell. It took a long time but she eventually became dissatisfied enough to seek out something else.
Her mentor and primary contatct in the Angelic Host is Nefriah, who has great faith in her desire to be/do good.
Mina has dark, thick black hair, green eyes, and full red lips. Her complexion is pale and creamy. She's slender, but not skinny, and full of curves. She stands at about 5'4".
Devin "Newcombe" (main male character)
Devin is also a Child of Lilith who can exude the charm and sophistication of a James Bond if necessary. (Actually, he could probably make Bond look like a rank amateur if he really wanted to.) He is also part of Bel's coven.
Devin has been attracted to Mina for a long time, but could never act on it because of Bel. He's finding himself torn between successfully getting Mina back for Hell and dragging things out as long as possible. Also, he's having issues with how happy Mina seems to be and is a little torn by his need to destroy that. He also figures, correctly, that she'll never forgive him for it.
Devin has dark brown hair just long enough for some curls to form. His eyes are a greenish/gold and he's got a strong, wirey build, even though he's not necessarily a "big" guy. He stands about 5'9". Oh, and he's also a Lust Tempter and quite good at what he does.
Monday, November 1, 2010
National Novel Writing Month 2010
Yep, it's that time again. November is upon us, which means a bunch of crazy folks are trying (and succeeding!) at writing novels. And once again, I'll be among them. I absolutely love November and National Novel Writing Month.
It's only 9am and already one writer has been talked down from the edge and there are two writing events in the next two days - three if you count my lunch time write-ins over at the elementary school with the Writer's Club kids. Of course, I still haven't written word one on my own novel yet. Maybe I should go get to work on that.....
Happy November, ya'll.
It's only 9am and already one writer has been talked down from the edge and there are two writing events in the next two days - three if you count my lunch time write-ins over at the elementary school with the Writer's Club kids. Of course, I still haven't written word one on my own novel yet. Maybe I should go get to work on that.....
Happy November, ya'll.
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