Note to Self

Next time I'm taking a few notes for a writing project, remember to use my writing journal. I'm less likely to lose it than the note pad I did use this time, saving myself an hour of searching around for it!

Characters

Well, I've done up character sketches of Lilly Sinclair, who is the main character and narrator of my book, as well as Blake Cressley, the evil bad guy. Jake, our hero, will show up here eventually. He's going to prove a little trickier, as he's got a much longer history than Lilly. When he does show up on the blog, it'll probably be in bits and pieces. Don't want to give away any of the fun of discovery you'll have in the book.

I've also added "Lilly's Reading List" to the sidebar. It'll grow as I reacquaint myself with these short stories, although I've honestly not read all of Dracula or Frankenstein. I'll need to fix that when I have time.

And now I at least need to try to tackle the last of the editing. The goal is to finish the book this month. Some of us local NANO alumns have decided to use February to either finish up projects or kick-start new ones. I'm looking forward to the challenge, as well of the joy of finding out what happens in the book between where I'm not at and the ending.

Enjoy. And tomorrow, or Friday, I'll try to post a crafty project or something, just to change things up a bit.

Character Sketch: Lillian Elinor Sinclair "Lilly"

Our heroine.

- Lilly's on the petite side at 5'4".
- She's slender with a curvy frame.
- She has an oval face, reddish brown hair, and hazel eyes. Lilly is definitely pretty.

Lilly Sinclair is a fairly confident young woman. She is the youngest of 3, having both an older sister, Catherine, and a brother, Matthew. Her sister is married, with 2 kids of her own, and works as a nurse in Columbus, OH. Matt is in the Air Force and is currently stationed in Texas. Her parents have permanently retired to Florida.

Lilly received a BA in English from Muskingum College. She is currently studying for her master's degree in gothic literature from Wright State University in Fairborn, OH. She's almost finished, with only the completion of her thesis, and it's defense, to go.

Lilly began working for Isaac Shapiro at his bookstore when was 17 and has been working there ever since. Isaac looked on Lilly as a granddaughter or favored niece, to the point of leaving her most of his estate upon his death. For her part, Lilly dearly loved Isaac. She hasn't really nearly begun to really get over his violent death.

Isaac is also the one who talked Lilly into returning to college for her master's degree. She took a year off after the beloved grandmother's death, but is otherwise doing well.

Lilly was living with her grandmother after moving home from Muskingum. Her parents were alredy in Florida by that point. Her grandmother left her the house upon her death. Lilly's taken exceptional care of it since then, considering it one of her haven's from the rest of the world.

Snow and Ice

I've been wanting to learn how to use photos in my blogs posts, because, well, let's face it - blogs with pics are more fun to read. The snow and ice this past week - the big winter storm that hit this area - made for some lovely photography.

This is our front yard, just to the right of the front door. You can't really see the street here, but trust me, it's completely white. We were at a level 3 snow emergency that day (Wednesday) and both The Kate and Mr. Incredible were home from work for the day.

This is the apple tree in our backyard...or rather, it was the apple tree in our backyard. Two or three hours after this was taken, the tree tumbled forward from the base of the trunk. The girls later used it for a cool, icy tree house. And those white blurry things in the photo? Those are the size of the snowflakes. Yeah, they really were that big.

I took this one just yesterday, late in the afternoon. Sunlight on ice-encrusted tree limbs is one of my favorite images.

And of course, I'm saying this from the warmth and security of my dining room. We were very lucky during this storm as we didn't loose power, like so many others in our area. A few hours without cable or internet was a very small price to pay.

I'm just praying there's school tomorrow, and really, there should be. After a week off, the girls need to get back into their routine and go learn something...

Robin Williams and Politics

Need I say more? I do. Well, he's performing in Great Britian and the Prince and Duchess are there. Oh, and he pretty much gives it to at least the last three presidents. And it's really, really funny, because it's Robin Williams.

http://politicalirony.com/2008/11/30/robin-williams-on-obamas-election/

Character Sketch: Blake Cressley, the Bad Guy

Blake Cressley - the bad guy

- just under 6" tall
- short cut, medium brown hair shot through in places w/ grey
- cold blue eyes
- medium build - He's solid, neither slender or heavy-set

Blake is always well-groomed - expensive hair cuts; tailor-made suits; simple, yet expensive gold jewelry

Cressley carries himself with a definite air of confidence and self-assurance. He is a successful businessman in the Dayton area. He is also a major player on the criminal scene. Blake Cressley is not a man lightly crossed, because doing so usually ends with a fatality.

When he wants something done, he usually puts out word to the streets. There are some who report to him, or at least to his lieutenants. The first goons Lilly encounters falls into this category. Tim and his cohort, whom Lilly has a run in with later on falls into the second category of goons who hear the word on the street and act accordingly. Their payoff is collecting the bounty/reward for the job and/or earning favor with Cressley.

When necessary, Cressley is also willing to get his own hands dirty. His vicious murder of Isaac Shapiro is proof enjoy of that.

Now he's got his sights on poor Lilly. Cressley is certain she can lead him to the Calyx Cup, an ancient artifact he believes will make him immortal. And obviously, he's willing to torture, rape, and kill to get it.

Writer's Journal - Day Five

Last night, I thought I'd spend today writing about hauling my father to a medical appointment, but I'm really not in the right frame of mind for something that introspective and depressing.

Maybe, since it was the day for Hope & Change (i.e. the Inauguration), I should write something along those lines, but...Nah. Not in the mood.

So, what am I going to write about? Buying new underwear. Yep. It's a lofty topic by gum. You see, our washing machine is still out of commission. Kate has been finding it easier

[It was at that point that I realized I was just too danged tired to continue writing...sorry. Maybe if enough folks are kind enough to leave comments, I'll finish the underwear shopping story....*grin]