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I need one of those signs that says:  Writing in Progress that I can post everywhere in the world.  That way when I am MIA for a bit, they realize I'm not dead, just buried in my fantasy world enjoying the words and the struggle of fiction rather than reality.

That being said:  I'm writing.  I'm having fun with what I am writing.  That's what matters to me anyway.  So if I am short or scarce the next week or so, you will know that I am working hard at getting something new and exciting out into the world.  I'll be back once I surface.  Hopefully at least once a week to say hello and give you and update.

On a side note, have you ever read the book, Chasing Lincoln's Killer, by J. Swanson?  My daughter (age 12) is reading this for her class required reading this quarter.  I like to read the books along with her, so that we are able to talk and discuss it together.  This gives her another point of view besides the schools.  That being said, this book is terrible to read.  It's a book on the events leading up to the assassination of the president and the manhunt that followed to catch the people involved.  This book could be so interesting and fun to read, instead it's a convoluted mess.  On one single page you can change points of view three times, or change dates just as many.  You are back and forth between people and events so fast you don't even have time to digest what is going on.  It's a struggle for me, an educated adult to stay on top of what is going on, how can anyone expect a child to?

Then I get stuck on the reality that this book is published...by a reputable publisher.  How in the hell did that happen?  Did they even read it?  I spend half an hour reading it and I end up with a headache.  All I can say is, it's a good thing I really like history and I know the basic events they are writing about as otherwise, I am not sure I could understand or would even continue reading it.  Maybe I'm being to hard and harsh.  Maybe it's just a style I don't enjoy.  Maybe.

On the good side, my daughter and I have plenty to discuss as we read this book.  Usually it's me explaining what she is reading, but any discussion is good when it comes to books right?  The book also has some great photos, prints, newspapers, and mementos from the day.  I really enjoy poring over them and trying to glean what was meant or what is trying to be portrayed.  That is well worth my time.

Have a great week everyone.

New Year - New Genres

This week is a writing week for me.  Yay!  What am I writing?  I am writing a horror story.  I got into writing because I love a good scary story.  I love telling a good scary story.  Somewhere along the way, I got side tracked through.  I have been stuck in the paranormal fantasy realm for several years now.  Not that it’s a bad thing, but it is a stuck thing.  I missed the horror and gore.  Surprised?  Me too.  But it also got me thinking.  I write several genres.  I write horror and paranormal and anything fantasy, but I also write humor and real life, and even stories for small children. 

I’ve always liked that I am a versatile writer, but I also wonder if it holds me back.  What I mean is, does it keep me a good writer, instead of making me a awesome writer? As I am not focused on one area and learning in one area, am I missing out on getting better in the one area?  It’s a very good questions and one I am not able to answer myself. 

I want to be an excellent writer, but I’m not. Oh, I will be.  I keep learning and I keep adjusting and I keep getting better.  I work very hard on the grammar.  I work very hard on getting good dialogue and making it better every single time.  I will be excellent one day.  Maybe getting back to my horror roots will do me some good.  It’s done something all ready, in that it’s getting me excited again to write.  I’ll take it. 

We will see how the week goes, and I will report back to you next week.  This is goal number one for the year.  I want the first draft of this novel done by end of the month.  At this rate, it’s only about 1,500 words a day or less depending on how long it actually ends up being.  That’s not too rough.  I know I can do it, if I just sit my butt down and do it. 

Have a great week.  Oh and, by the by, A Brave New World, was an excellent read. I am so very glad that I picked it up and finished it. 

A New Year - A Brave New World

Yes, I know.  I am supposed to be writing.  I have a lot of writing to do and plans for the new year, but…I have to finish the book I am currently reading so that I can focus better.  

I am currently reading, A Brave New World, by Huxley.  Have you read this?  This is one of those books, that I always “meant” to read, and has, in fact been on my TBR pile for years.  Yes, years.  The book was one of those classics that just everyone has to read, which is most likely the main reason I have not read it until this point.  I don’t like to do what everyone else is doing, just because they are doing it.  Did you follow that?  At any rate, I finally picked it up.

If you have not read it, maybe you should.  It was a bit confusing the first chapter or two, and it took me that long to get into the writing style, but after that little bit of “WTH?” I have to say; it’s a very good read.  Darker than I thought it would be.  More in depth than I imagined.  Insidious at times?  Yes.  That too.  I’m entranced.  I love that.

Don’t know the book I am talking about?  Here is a link for you to explore.  http://www.huxley.net/ 

Until next week…

ctny