It's a Writing Thing

Torchwood Day 5 - here there be spoilers & reaction

2009-07-11T00:17:04Z

Everything I'm about to post is a spoiler and my personal reaction.

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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I am very very angry at RTD right now. Seems he bought into the whole myth of "if it's an adult show, then there must be unleavened angst, death, destruction and pain". IMHO, for good writing, that's only *partially* right. There must be pain, challenges, real danger - BUT...for a show like Torchwood, Doctor Who and others like it - there must ALWAYS be hope at the end.

Hope is what makes a watcher/reader feel as if the journey, no matter how difficult, was worth it. Hope is what makes us, though sad at events, think that we have well, HOPE. Ending a series in utter despair? NOT AMUSING. AT ALL. In fact, it's a coward's way out - let's just kill everyone and have the erstwhile hero run away: NOT a valid ending. (Season 6 Oz, anyone?)

Yes, it is the writer's choice, and I'm usually the LAST person to 2nd guess writing decisions. I cried and wailed when some of my favorite characters in books were killed off - books written by friends, even. But, in the overall story arc, it made sense. THIS DID NOT MAKE SENSE. What was RTD trying to show us? That Earth, our governments, our leaders are nothing but shite and this planet is shite and that everyone we love dies or becomes a coward?

This ending just left a VERY bad taste in my mouth. Ashes and dust. I think I want to go watch something beautiful and fun...perhaps an episode or two of Merlin.

FUCK.

Et le gagnat Est...And the winner is

2009-07-02T13:51:45Z

Thanks to the random number generator, the winner of the Canada Day contest is HockeyVampiress!!!!

HV - I shall contact you via email.

Thanks to all of you who participated. Some very eloquent and lovely thoughts about Canada in yesterday's post.

Stay tuned for more summer book giveaways!

Lapin, lapin, lapin or O, Canada! (a.k.a. Book Giveaway!)

2009-07-01T12:30:32Z

First of the month, first of July and HAPPY CANADA DAY!

In case you hadn't figured out by now, I have this amazing love affair with Canada. Don't remember exactly when it started, but I can give you the below:

Top Reasons I <3 Canada (in no particular order):

* Montreal, Quebec, French Canada (I studied French in school from age 12 on up. I don't know if it's because Canada was closer than France, but part of my studies always included French Canada. Quebec seemed like such a marvelous place).

* Mounties. (Please, as if that needs an explanation)!

* California. (Yeah, you read correctly. When I was 19, I spent a month in California and met some girls from Vancouver, which at the time, sounded like such an exotic place. They, in turn, thought the same about me. In fact, both of them really thought I lived on a ranch and rode my horse to school. In college. In San Antonio. The 8th largest city in the US. Ah well, I was equally as ignorant, but happily learned).

* Charles deLint (From the first book I read Greenmantle, I knew that if I could just get to Canada, to Ottowa and Tamsin House, i could step through those magical doors and find myself somewhere fabulous).

* Tanya Huff (Henry Fitzroy, werewolves, and Vicky Nelson. Toronto. Need I say more)?

* Niagara Falls (When I was 13, I was on a school field trip - the geography & history clubs - to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. I remember 2 things vividly. Going to Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum and the really really cute bus driver. WHAT? I was thirteen!!).

* Coureurs de bois (Romantic explorers. Enough said).

* Great Big Sea (because their music is so freaking fabulous).

* Vancouver. (I absolutely fell in love with this city when I visited last year).

* William Shatner (No, really. He was the first actor that I learned was Canadian-- in a show I was fannish about, that is. I'm sure there were tons more, but he was the reason I came to notice...)

* The Canadian 37..25..43 - oh, hell, the number keeps changing (all those great character actors that appear in numerous shows filmed in Vancouver & Toronto...which brings us to...)

* Callum Keith Rennie, Paul Gross and c'mon: Due South, of course. (That show had *everything* cool about Canada).

On that note and without further ado (drumroll and bagpipes, please)...Comment below and tell my one thing you think is fabulous, cool or brilliant about our neighbour to the north and one of you few, you lucky few, you band of (ahem, never mind)...will win an advanced copy of my newest book (out in November), Blood Kin, third in the Blood Lines series and takes place primarily in Vancouver, BC. Winner will be chosen via random number generator.

Good Luck et bonne chance, mes amis!

ETA: If you don't have a LiveJournal or Open ID account, please comment anonymously, but leave your first name and some way to ID you if you should win ("Pam" alone won't work, but "Pam D" would). THANKS!

DC area Metro riders, please check in

2009-06-22T22:54:49Z

And let us know you're ok.

Especially if you ride Red Line. I'd like to know you made it home okay before/after crash.

Cecilia Tan talks about fanfic - and totally rocks!

2009-06-22T12:05:37Z

In a comment to a post about fanfic in Justing Larbalastier's blog:

"Fanfic is the equivalent of what musicians and visual artists are often encouraged to do, which is imitate the style of others on the way to developing their own. And no one thinks it’s weird or a waste of talent for someone who plays the saxophone or sings or plays the piano, to sit down at a party and play a song that someone else wrote, not for money but just to entertain the people around them or maybe just to please themselves."

This is awesome and succinctly captures exactly what I believe. Go forth and read.

Joyous Solstice and happy Dad's day!

2009-06-21T14:04:51Z

Happy solstice to you all and hope the sun brings you brilliance in your life!! I'm hoping the sun finds its way to this soggy, moldy Mid-Atlantic area. :)

For all you dads out there, especially my own amazing stepdad, hope your Father's Day is fantastic!!!

This entry was originally posted at http://chickwriter.dreamwidth.org/281718.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

In which I write about research, I continue to write book 4 and I nap

2009-06-20T16:44:13Z

Over at fangs_fur_fey , the topic of the month is Research. I posted my take on this over here.

Book 4 (BLOOD HEAT) is in progress, a steady drip of words, shaping into the story that will become a book. I had a wonderful epiphany yesterday while at our local Barnes & Noble, having lunch with a colleague. I'd gone there to buy maps--one of Texas and one of Wales. I've got a ton of online resources, but I wanted the visual of a road map that I could open up, scribble on and perhaps even cut up.

The Texas map is for BLOOD HEAT, which will take place back at the ranch (to steal a cliche) and in nearby Guadalupe County, at Canyon Lake. The map of Wales is dual purpose: a future trip being planned by me, birki_lib and my BIL and for a future book (assuming I sell more of this series).

As J and I were eating, I was discussing if/how I could have a particular scene happen on screen. Did it belong in the book? Should it have already happened? We were also discussing Texas high school football (which had come to mind, as my car audio book is currently Living Dead in Dallas, and I'd just gotten to the scene where Sookie goes to the local football game and sees Bill with Portia. That in turn, led me to think about Friday Night Lights, and how I could incorporate this icon of Texas tradition into one of my books. Even though Keira and the gang live in a small town whose school is too small to support a football team, it's highly unlikely they're not exposed to the insanity.

Then it struck me. I could set the character interaction I needed at a nearby HS football game, with added bonus of introducing a crucial plot point. SCORE! (or, I suppose I should say TOUCHDOWN!) I promptly grabbed the paper tray liner, borrowed J's pen, and scribbled down the essentials. Cracked me up, because this is the first time I've written down something like this on the proverbial nearby napkin (or equivalent). I *always* carry at least 2 notebooks and several pens...in my backpack. But, since we were just going to grab a quick lunch and do a map run, I only had my mini-bag with me, not wanting to haul around the backpack. ::g::

Now, I only have to figure out why there'd be a football game held in June (exhibition game? fundraiser for uniforms/band equipment?)...and I suppose that I'll have to do some more research. Despite my long-term Texanity, and my somewhat unwilling partitipation in pep squad at one of my schools, my knowledge of football is extremely limited. Thank goodness I have friends that are more interested in sports than I am. Thanks to J's help, I know that one of the characters I'm going to introduce in this scene will need to be a running back (based on his size/build).

Words scribbled for the day, so I'm going to watch a movie then take a nap. Damned rain came back so I'm totally lethargic and feeling lazy. SUN, PLEASE!

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Sadness

2009-06-15T13:16:41Z

Woke up to the news that minotaurs had passed away. I never knew him well, but he was a familiar face at every fan con I attended. His humor and smiling face will be missed by many.

Moar Moar Moar

2009-06-11T23:51:09Z

Hola kids, fangrrls, fans and general public types.

My wonderful editor, Ms. Paula Guran, has updated the Juno Books site and posted a page about Blood Kin and an excerpt from the book. Go. See. Read!

In other news, work continues to be busy. Book 4, working title Blood Heat, is in progress. Been keeping a fairly low profile overall. Just darned tired. Sleep is a good thing.

Currently reading: Street Magic by Caitlin Kittredge (blackaire). My only real reading time is before work in the morning. I'm loving this book so much, I've practically had to set a timer to make me stop reading so I can leave for the office. Get it. Read it.

Just bought a ton of new books, but sadly, won't have a heck of a lot of time to read them until after Blood Heat is finished. Oh well. Life of a writing chick. ::g::

Happy Thursday, all!

Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-06-10T16:07:54Z

16:59 English Grammar ? - I approve you & John going to the store. I approve your & John going to the store. Neither? Both? Halp!! #
20:52 Days quota done + some. Sweet! Now to relax and watch something silly. #
08:29 Because it matters: iamdrtiller.com/ #iamdrtiller #

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Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-06-09T16:10:33Z

14:07 Just got my True Blood season 1 DVDs!! #
19:49 The word counts have started. 1920 on BLOOD HEAT, just the beginning... #
07:37 Productive night last night. Storm throughout night and into morning. More signs? Nah. Just spring weather. #

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Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-06-06T16:06:15Z

21:24 Just posted cover of BLOOD KIN @ my blog. bit.ly/YZX6W #
07:37 Morning, tweeps! I'm off to salon for pampering, then meeting up w/friend for 'ritas. And...there will be SUN. NO RAIN. SWEET! #

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Fresh off the scanner...

2009-06-06T01:20:44Z

Here it is, folks - the brand spanking new cover for Blood Kin. *

If you care to see the full thing (front & back) - go here.

*Courtesy of fab editor, Jennifer Heddle @ Pocket Books, who sent me cover flats, along with the copy edited ms.

Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-06-05T16:08:12Z

19:48 Home. Rain. TJs stop on the way. Should be writing. oh yeah, @caitkitt - of course I can do the time warp! #avoidancetherapy #
00:54 Insomnia = teh suck. :( #
07:32 Morning, tweeps. More rain, yes indeedy. Total opposite to weather conditions in my fictional town. A sign? #

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Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-06-04T16:06:07Z

15:49 Dear UPS. Why so mixed up? 1 pkg delivered to me. Why showing as 3rd attempt? Are there 2 with same #? Enquiring minds want to know. #
18:01 w00t!!! New Hampshire FTW!!! bit.ly/3Ywpq #
18:48 Yikes! Big storm. Mondo rain. Drove thru some of it. Glad I made it home. #
22:20 Copyedits: Luckily, very few requested changes. Most ok. Some usage I kept. Done, baby, done. Email off to editors. #
11:25 RT @kazdreamer Oh noes! David Carradine has died... *sniff* I am very sad about this news: tinyurl.com/r54m6c #

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Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-06-03T16:06:13Z

20:04 Rec'd: one copy edited ms of Blood Kin. Plans: changed. #
20:41 RT @MiracleLaurie bit.ly/1alnJa via @addthis holy crap! can't even believe I was nominated! :) GO VOTE GO VOTE!!! #
20:43 RT @dhewlett follow @MSF_usa for a great charity and a real force for good in this world. #
07:53 Allergy week continues. Downs Claritin. Off to day job, then 2night, more copy edits review on Blood Kin. Glamourous life of author, eh? #

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Thoughts about identity

2009-06-03T15:32:27Z

I just posted over at fangs_fur_fey - some thoughts and questions about identity on the Web.

Come on over and discuss with us.

Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-06-02T16:07:57Z

14:46 Winner of Friday book contest: Terrence Kissack (posting on Facebook). Please e-me your snail mail and I'll send you a book. #
18:38 Not going to grocery = delivery dinner. Note to self: go to TJs tomorrow. #
20:01 TV show Life is fab!! Now watching S2. #
07:34 Reconnecting on Facebook with loads of HS and college buds. Total blast from the past! #

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Obama declares June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride Month

2009-06-02T12:14:00Z

(thanks to sansa1970 for the link)

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- A PROCLAMATION

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

source: White House press release

And the winner is....

2009-06-01T18:47:15Z

Thanks to my random number generator, the winner of the Friday book contest:

Terrence Kissack (posting on Facebook). Please e-me your snail mail and I'll send you a book.

Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-05-30T16:05:34Z

13:46 Friday book contest!! Tweet, post to my LJ. Win copy of Matters of the Blood. Read how: bit.ly/s6WFK #fridaybookcontest #
15:08 Just got 401K statement. I am NEVER going to be able to retire. So far, last 2 periods. LOST > 25% #
18:52 RT LyleMasaki #FAILFOX SYTYCD presents homophobia as entertainment tinyurl.com/qsqdbc Unacceptable. tinyurl.com/mlqnss #
08:42 I'm up. I'm up. I'm up...maybe? Well, in comfy chair contemplating brekkie, anyway. #
11:32 Organizing Photobucket pics & albums. #

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Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-05-29T16:09:36Z

13:50 I am not at BEA. I want to be at BEA. Perhaps next year. #
19:03 Just got heads up from Mme Editrix. Copyedits for BLOOD KIN headed my way. #
22:08 I have this hugely annoying urge to organize...EVERYthing. And oddly enough, I'm not on deadline. What's in the air? #
07:44 Friday contest! Tweet/post favorite line of UF book TODAY to win copy of my 1st bk. Direct msg 2 me so I see tweet/post. #fridaybookcontest #

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Friday book contest!!

2009-05-29T11:51:39Z

It's the last Friday of May. The last weekend I have given myself off from full-on writing.

To mark this watershed, I've decided to run a Friday Book Giveaway contest.

Comment below, tweet to me (@chickwriter) or post on my Facebook wall, a line or two that you particularly liked, hated, touched you, etc. from an urban fantasy book. Tell me why it made you feel that way and please identify book title and author (unless it's a hate and you'd rather not).

if you tweet, I'll settle for just the line(s).

If you comment here and don't have an LJ account or OpenID, please make sure to sign your comment with at least your first name. :)

I'll choose a winner via random number generator.

Go forth and comment!

Hey, it's twitter time!

2009-05-28T16:10:19Z

13:25 RT @libbabray: Blog about Proposition 8: bit.ly/sPNfE (this is a gorgeous essay, a must read) #
21:10 Site updated. Time for some food and reading. www.thelima.com/ #
07:43 Ah, sun, you are but a fair weather tease and no more. T'storms predicted for later. My pounding head agrees w/forecast. I is barometer. #
09:19 Arrive @ work. No Internet. Then poof, it's back. So desu. These things happen. #

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Libba Bray's brilliant essay about Prop 8

2009-05-27T17:45:24Z

Read it at her LJ

Busy at the workplace, but needed to spread the love.