Thoughts on the Day

 

It's Martin Luther King Day. Let's all take a moment to consider why this day is important, and to acknowledge that while we have come far, we have much farther to go. 

Char

One Helluva Week

 

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Been a rough week, right? I'm not getting political because no one cares what my views are, I don't want to hear criticisms for my views, and I don't care what anyone else thinks; how I vote is private. All I'm going to say is that I'm exhausted from the turmoil and tuning into the news through the day to see what tragedy has now happened or is expected to happen. 

With all that, it's hard to think of what to blog about, so let's take current events in contemporary books. I wonder how many authors are writing, or will write, about the Covid-19 pandemic. Not me. Nor will I read any books about it because I'm living it and really, going on a year of lockdown and/or limited movement in public spaces, dealing with selfish people hoarding, the foot dragging of officials, and the devastating economic results, I want to forget this as soon as possible. It's like writing off a losing season when I was on my high school track team. Or my beloved Patriots missing the playoffs- I just want to put it in the rearview mirror. Now I did write a book (FYI looking for an editor or agent...) called the Frankenstein Vendetta which has a scene where the monster comes across a town dying from the plague- but it's set in the 1700's when those things happened more frequently, and I wrote this before the Covid pandemic.

I'm not going to read or write about coups either because I don't write politically based novels anyway, and I'm still scared/angry/disgusted/shocked etc. over the treasonous events in our Capitol. I can't imagine any story line in this whole nightmare of death, destruction, treason, and upheaval that would make me want to write or read about it. No doubt someone can, but this is too close to home for me. It's different when it's Tom Cruise taking on shadowy government figures because that's fake.

Honestly, I rarely write novels based on current events. A lot of my friends do, whether fiction or non-fiction. By the time the books come out in droves, I've already noted and moved on. If vampires are the hottest thing, I write anti-vampire or avoid it all completely. I like going against the grain, the expected.

In general I don't write about a lot of 'hot button' contemporary issues because either I don't feel I'm in a position to, i.e. diversity, gender, or social justice, and being white, straight, and middle class, I feel that there would be outrage. And if you know me, you know I don't do hand-wringing or angsty novels, I'm more of a humourous or snarky writer, although I do have non-humorous novels. I don't even write about issues that my family has faced- death by cancer, mental illness, alcoholism, bullying, etc., preferring to choose historical, mythical, fantastical, or romantic subjects which are far removed from my life.

So I hope you're safe, taking care of yourself, and taking a break from the stress and strain of these days.

Char

No Resolutions, Just Goals

 The holidays are over. Back to business. Serious author business. I didn't make any resolutions, but like many, I've set goals. Here are my top 5 goals:

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels

1. Get an agent. I'm scouring Query Tracker and my friend Kathy Temean's blog,  https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/. These two sources have the freshest info on the literary agent front.

2. A publisher is interested in a romance I wrote, so I'll be doing a serious R&R- revise and resubmit. This is probably my top priority. Even if I can get an agent, most likely I'll have finished any dealings, good or bad, with this publishing house.

3. Submit manuscripts out. While agents don't like to take on manuscripts that have been subbed around, no author can afford to sit around and wait for an agent. My first novel, Sirenz, was pubbed without an agent, and there was already an understanding for a sequel (or two) before an agent got involved. I have several novels so an agent can rep them if they don't want to touch the ones I've sent out. Time waits for no one.

4. Publish Sirenz 3: A New Trend. I need to review the manuscript one more time, then commission a cover. It WILL be pubbed this year. I've ignored this manuscript too long. I love Hades too much to let him languish.

5. Read more. While I'll still be writing MG and YA, I'm branching out into the friendlier world of romance. And while it's always been one of my favorite genres, I need to read more to see what's out there. I have been lax reading MG and YA too, but I think I should go full force into the romance genre because of the interest from the editor I've gotten for one book (which already has a sequel written and I have ideas for a series) and because I think there is more opportunity in this genre. 

So, goals, not resolutions. The difference? Goals are stepping stones to career and lifetime achievements. Yeah, everyone wants to get in better shape and lose weight, but I'm hiking and biking. When the YMCA fully opens, I can get back to swimming, so I'm taking care of that business. 

Today, I'll be reading The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White, and reviewing/revising my Frankenstein-ish novel The Frankenstein Vendetta. But after I make my bed and eat, I'll be hiking. 

What are your goals?

Char 

Skip the Year End Review

Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

 

It's that time when we review the past year. For most of us, the few bright spots were dim in 2020. I don't know anyone who wants a repeat of this year. Everyone is hoping for health, financial recovery/success and a return to the life most of us took for granted. 

I'm not reviewing the year- I just want to forget it and move on. Like Patriot's coach Bill Belichick says after a loss: "We're onto (next game)." That means no dwelling on the loss- learn the lessons and move on. The only reviewing I'm doing is to the several manuscripts I've written and/or subbed. One of my few happy moments is a publisher expressing interest in one manuscript, pending some revisions and a resubmit. 

So I leave you with wishes, hopes, prayers, and pleas for the universe and each other to treat us better.

Peace-

Char

A Small Silver Lining...

 Everyone knows 2020 SUCKS. I don't have to remind anyone of all that went wrong: death and suffering from the virus, being practically locked up in our homes, kids spending their first and last years of college stuck in their dorms, weddings and other family celebrations cancelled, restaurants and other businesses closed- some for good, and increases in depression, domestic and drug abuse... The list goes on. 

In the Christian tradition, the 4 Sundays before Christmas are celebrated as Advent- a time to prepare for Christmas. Each week has a theme and marked with lighting a candle. It's similar to the Hanukkah menorah and the Kwanza kinara. The four candles represent hope, love, joy, and peace. For the third Sunday, the theme is Joy.

Photo by Bastian Riccardi from Pexels

JOY?? 

Yes. We are instructed to find Joy amidst all the trouble in the world and our lives. There are moments that we must cherish to find a relief from all that has gone wrong this year. Here's where I find joy:

My nephew graduated high school and started college.

My niece had a beautiful baby girl.

We found inventive ways to stay connected through Zoom and other social media, even getting together in backyards at a safe distance. 

Families are spending more time together.

The elections are over.

Animal shelters have been emptied because of pet adoptions.

Pharmacuetical companies rolled out vaccines in unheard of speeds.

Although they may be hard to find, I know there are other joys. And that's what I want and need to focus on. With a new year coming soon, I feel hopeful. 

Wishing you all a holiday of peace, love, hope- and joy.

Char 

A Few of My Favorite Things...

 My favorites are:

Favorite Christmas romance movie: The Christmas Card (shown on the Hallmark channel). It has romance,  Christmas elements like people actually going to church on Christmas Eve, volunteering, a salute to military personnel, and humor. The characters feel like real people.

Favorite Christmas fantasy movie: The Santa Clause. This is so creative and the special effects are just amazing. I really want to believe in Santa as I watch this movie.

Favorite Christmas animated movie: So many to choose from, but I'd have to say the classic A Charley Brown Christmas because it shows how the real meaning of Christmas can get lost in commercialism if we let it. 

Favorite Christmas book: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Every year it makes me reaffirm my vow to keep Christmas in my heart all year long. This book is also responsible for the way many of us celebrate Christmas today, with the traditions of attending church, giving to the poor, gathering with friends and family. 

Favorite Christmas song: argggh, this is a hard one- but if I separate music into 2 categories, songs and hymns, it becomes easier. Favorite song is Mary Did You Know, and favorite hymn is O Holy Night.

Favorite Christmas cookie: the buttery, low-sugar and pretty spritz cookies I make. Perfect with tea, coffee, and hot chocolate! (And yes, I made the cookies pictured below.)

Favorite Christmas dinner: roast duck a la orange. Haven't had it in years because with a big family get together, it's expensive and not everyone likes it, so it's reserved for when it's just my husband and self. 

Photo by Carolina Grabowska, Pexels

Favorite Christmas dessert: egg nog pudding. 

Favorite Christmas tradition: playing the bells at the Christmas Eve service, with a close second of piling everyone into the car with a thermos of hot cocoa, a tin of Christmas cookies, songs on the radio or CD, and driving around to see the Christmas lights in our neighborhood.

 You can listen to one of the best groups ringing here:  http://www.wesleybells.org/

Favorite Christmas decoration: the tree! Although we prefer a real tree, as long as I have a tree up (usually two days after Thanksgiving), it feels like Christmas. Every year I rotate ornaments and have either white or colored lights, and different themes, so it's always fresh. 

Photo courtesy of Pexels Pixaby

Now I'll have that song in my head all day- A Few of My Favorite Things... and now, so will you. Go listen to the bell choir on the above link to cure that. 

Char

Checking In, Checking the List, and Checking on Characters

 Monday, Blog Day. So what shall we talk about?

I'm working on several writing projects: revising 2 manuscripts, finishing another, rethinking yet another, looking for an agent, managing a critique group, posting on other blogs, getting ready for Christmas, and navigating life in a pandemic. 

And I'm thinking about Jack the squirrel and Hades. 

Jack's story isn't done. For Evolution Revolution: Book 4 Simple...? (haven't figured the full title out yet) I'm introducing a new character, a 'partner in crime' for Jack. Initially I planned on 5 books in the series, but cut it down as I struggled to find an editor or an agent who could sell it. Sometimes, though, a character needs to continue their story, just to give the author some peace. As I learn more about animals- and not just squirrels- and the amazing things they can do, it inspires more storylines. I think I could make a career out of writing sequels, if only a single editor would give Jack a chance... I mean, this series has won awards, gotten great reviews  ("unbelievably brilliant" - Writer's Digest) and includes many STEAM/STEM features. Sigh...

As for Hades, I've written Sirenz 3 and will Indie publish it. I've got to find a cover artist and it's ready to go. Obviously since I'm writing it solo, I had to make a few adjustments, namely, not using my former co-author's character, which took the story in a new direction. Sirenz 3: A New Trend, features Hades doing what he does best-  stirring up trouble and making Sharisse crazy. But! This time, it's Hades needing Sharisse's help... how the mighty have fallen.... I love writing Hades' story and giving the well-worn Greek mythology freshness from a modern perspective. Stay tuned! 

I've successfully finished #NaNoWriMo (52,000+) although that story is only half finished. (I finished one manuscript and started another.) I'm agent hunting (again) and that always sucks the life blood out while you wait to hear, get nibbles, then rejections, and start subbing again. That whole process is depressing.

I have other MG, YA, and adult romance novels on my desk. So that's where I am. There's always writing/revisions to do. Being an author, that's what the life is. 

I hear my newest characters screaming for me to get back to their story, now that I've finished my Christmas decorating (except for the tree, since we put up a real one). It's rainy and gray today, the perfect condition for writing.

Be safe. Be good to yourself and others. 

Char