Looking Back, Looking Forward

Been philosophical of late. Lots of little questions niggling at me. I'm thinking of character, and to think character, we need to think people. Human behavior. Every reaction causes a reaction (I've simplified this from Newton's Law of Motion, of course). My stories are both plot and character driven. I think in my books, character is driven by plot, though. The obstacles and inner desire of my characters are what lead them to react in very specific ways.

Of course people are like this too. Our inner desire lead us to act in ways that are sometimes stretching far past what is normally comfortable or even safe for us. Conflict leads to motion and change. We hope that the change is for the better, and that at the very least we've learned a lesson and grown.

I'm a firm believer that there are many shades of grey most situations. I don't think that anyone is entirely good or bad, but people tend to fall somewhere on a scale of ultimate goodness or badness (love the word badness. Don't think it's really a word but I love it anyway).

The book I'm working on now involves deals with the devil. Metaphorical? Oh hell, yes. We'll see how it turns out. It's one of those books that is screaming to be written. Whether or not it ever sees the light of day remains to be seen. But I'm having fun with it. Feels awesome to be getting back to it. Like I'm running full tilt through an open meadow with my eyes closed and my arms spread wide.

2010 has come and gone, and a brand new year begins. I'm excited and a little trepidatious, but ready to step into 2011 and kick ass.

Skipped the work-out on Friday, but back on the elliptical tomorrow morning at 5:15. I'm changing the work-out program to shake it up a little and to get full benefit of the work-out. Once my body gets too used to a particular program, my progress stalls somewhat. Hate stalling, in any aspect of my life. I hate when I feel like I'm not moving forward.

If I've hurt anyone this past year, or pissed anyone off, I can only apologize, ask for forgiveness and move forward. I'm a flawed person, but I'm not an intentionally hurtful one, and I'll work to do my best to be kind. I'll work to kick ass at the tasks set before me and try not to be too distracted this year.

I'll try not to beat myself up too much for my failures and weaknesses (this one is hard).

And I'll take the time to laugh. I'm pretty good at this one. Thank God.

I'll savor every moment with my little guy. He's a blessing and my heart.

With that, back to The Collectors.