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Thursday, December 30, 2010
A Quote That Struck Me
"Can he love her? To love is to burn, to be on fire." Sense and Sensibility. Taken from Alexandra Sokoloff's post.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Unedited Excerpt from The Collectors
“They explode on impact. Like a grenade. It’s a thing of beauty.” Zed’s eyes were alight with adoration and glee as he held one of the round, palm sized things in his hand. He turned it over, showing it off. I call them fun balls.”
“Sounds like something out of a sex shop,” Robyn said.
“Not a bad thought. Some people might be sexually aroused by blowing things up.” A huge smile crossed his face and he waggled his eyebrows, tossing the fun ball up into the air and catching it with one hand.
Robyn and Toby both took a step back.
“I wouldn’t be playing around with it like that if it explodes on impact.” Robyn eyed Zed. He was out of his damned mind. If he’d ever really had one.
“No shit,” Toby said. He lifted his palms toward Zed. “Just put that thing down, would you?”
Zed looked at them, eyes wide and curious. “What?”
“We just don’t feel like getting blown up today, if it’s all the same to you,” Robyn told him.
Zed looked slightly wounded. “Okay. But they really aren’t that fragile. You have to throw them pretty hard for them to explode. I designed them that way.” He chuckled a little. “I’m a bit of a klutz.”
“Greeeaat,” Robyn said. “That’s just what I want to hear while you’re bouncing that thing around in your hands like that. Why don’t you try juggling a few?”
Zed grinned. “Okay.” He reached into the box for another.
“No. No.” Toby stepped toward him, hands out. “She was only kidding.”
“Oh.” Zed’s shoulders slumped.
“Just put them all back. Explain to us, without demonstrating, exactly how they work, okay?”
“Okay.” Zed put the fun ball back into the box. “Here’s how you use it. You aim for your target and whip it at the ground near them. If you whip it at them, you might miss all together. You’d have to make sure to smash it against the target’s head.”
“How big of an explosion do these little jobbies make?” Robyn asked.
“Not as big as a grenade. Not enough to blow up things close to the target. But it will cause considerable damage to objects really close. Burns and such.”
“What will it do to the target?” Toby stepped forward, looking into the box.
“It’ll cause them a world of hurt. At the least, third degree burns. More likely? Melt the skin right off of them. It won’t be pretty.”
“What’s it made of?” Robyn asked him. “Or do I really want to know.”
“You’re better off not knowing. Just be careful with them. Respect them, but don’t be afraid of them. Their your friends when you need ‘em. Kay?”
Robyn nodded slowly. “Right. Uh, kay.” The guy was a fruit loop, but he really was trying to help. And he might actually save their asses.
“How many did you bring?” Toby moved to the window, peering out through a crack in the curtain.
“Oh, I’ve got two large boxes of these babies in the car.” Zed smile grew wider. “I didn’t even think of these things when you guys showed up. I was all caught up in the flamethrower demonstration. But these are perfect for when you don’t want to cart a flamethrower around. You know?”
“Right. Absolutely,” Toby moved a hand over his jaw and shook his head. “I just can’t believe we’re even talking about this. Having to consider using them.”
“Hey,” Zed said. “Shit happens. You’ve gotta be prepared, right?”
“Right. How much do I owe you?”
Zed’s face grew solemn. “Nothin’, man. Are you kidding me? You don’t owe me a thing.”
A silent beat went by as something meaningful passed between the two of them. Robyn felt like an eaves dropper, and stepped toward the window to peak outside.
“Okay,” Toby said. “I appreciate your help, Zed.”
“Anytime. Anything, man. Okay?” Zed’s voice was lower, sincere.
“All right,” Toby said. “Let’s get out of here. If one of them knows we’re here, more can’t be far behind.”
“What exactly do you mean by them, what’s after you, October?” Zed asked.
“Loan sharks,” Toby said, pulling on his canvas jacket.
“Loan sharks?” Zed laughed, head tipped back. “You’re running from loan sharks? You’re shitting me.” He walked toward the door. “I’ll take care of the bastards for you. I’ve taken care of more than one collector.”
Robyn stepped in front of the door. “Wait.”
Zed frowned. He turned back to Toby. “What? I don’t get it.”
“They aren’t the kind of collector you’re used to.”
“Well, how bad can they be? What? You got a hit on you?” Zed looked back at Robyn, then peered out the window.
“Oh, it’s plenty bad, Zed. And yeah, we have a hit on us. Both of us.”
“What? Mafia?” Zed asked, still looking out the window, his eyes shifting this way and that.
“No,” Toby said, “Hell.”
“Sounds like something out of a sex shop,” Robyn said.
“Not a bad thought. Some people might be sexually aroused by blowing things up.” A huge smile crossed his face and he waggled his eyebrows, tossing the fun ball up into the air and catching it with one hand.
Robyn and Toby both took a step back.
“I wouldn’t be playing around with it like that if it explodes on impact.” Robyn eyed Zed. He was out of his damned mind. If he’d ever really had one.
“No shit,” Toby said. He lifted his palms toward Zed. “Just put that thing down, would you?”
Zed looked at them, eyes wide and curious. “What?”
“We just don’t feel like getting blown up today, if it’s all the same to you,” Robyn told him.
Zed looked slightly wounded. “Okay. But they really aren’t that fragile. You have to throw them pretty hard for them to explode. I designed them that way.” He chuckled a little. “I’m a bit of a klutz.”
“Greeeaat,” Robyn said. “That’s just what I want to hear while you’re bouncing that thing around in your hands like that. Why don’t you try juggling a few?”
Zed grinned. “Okay.” He reached into the box for another.
“No. No.” Toby stepped toward him, hands out. “She was only kidding.”
“Oh.” Zed’s shoulders slumped.
“Just put them all back. Explain to us, without demonstrating, exactly how they work, okay?”
“Okay.” Zed put the fun ball back into the box. “Here’s how you use it. You aim for your target and whip it at the ground near them. If you whip it at them, you might miss all together. You’d have to make sure to smash it against the target’s head.”
“How big of an explosion do these little jobbies make?” Robyn asked.
“Not as big as a grenade. Not enough to blow up things close to the target. But it will cause considerable damage to objects really close. Burns and such.”
“What will it do to the target?” Toby stepped forward, looking into the box.
“It’ll cause them a world of hurt. At the least, third degree burns. More likely? Melt the skin right off of them. It won’t be pretty.”
“What’s it made of?” Robyn asked him. “Or do I really want to know.”
“You’re better off not knowing. Just be careful with them. Respect them, but don’t be afraid of them. Their your friends when you need ‘em. Kay?”
Robyn nodded slowly. “Right. Uh, kay.” The guy was a fruit loop, but he really was trying to help. And he might actually save their asses.
“How many did you bring?” Toby moved to the window, peering out through a crack in the curtain.
“Oh, I’ve got two large boxes of these babies in the car.” Zed smile grew wider. “I didn’t even think of these things when you guys showed up. I was all caught up in the flamethrower demonstration. But these are perfect for when you don’t want to cart a flamethrower around. You know?”
“Right. Absolutely,” Toby moved a hand over his jaw and shook his head. “I just can’t believe we’re even talking about this. Having to consider using them.”
“Hey,” Zed said. “Shit happens. You’ve gotta be prepared, right?”
“Right. How much do I owe you?”
Zed’s face grew solemn. “Nothin’, man. Are you kidding me? You don’t owe me a thing.”
A silent beat went by as something meaningful passed between the two of them. Robyn felt like an eaves dropper, and stepped toward the window to peak outside.
“Okay,” Toby said. “I appreciate your help, Zed.”
“Anytime. Anything, man. Okay?” Zed’s voice was lower, sincere.
“All right,” Toby said. “Let’s get out of here. If one of them knows we’re here, more can’t be far behind.”
“What exactly do you mean by them, what’s after you, October?” Zed asked.
“Loan sharks,” Toby said, pulling on his canvas jacket.
“Loan sharks?” Zed laughed, head tipped back. “You’re running from loan sharks? You’re shitting me.” He walked toward the door. “I’ll take care of the bastards for you. I’ve taken care of more than one collector.”
Robyn stepped in front of the door. “Wait.”
Zed frowned. He turned back to Toby. “What? I don’t get it.”
“They aren’t the kind of collector you’re used to.”
“Well, how bad can they be? What? You got a hit on you?” Zed looked back at Robyn, then peered out the window.
“Oh, it’s plenty bad, Zed. And yeah, we have a hit on us. Both of us.”
“What? Mafia?” Zed asked, still looking out the window, his eyes shifting this way and that.
“No,” Toby said, “Hell.”
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Why is Horror So Popular Now?
Vampires have been huge the last several years. Zombies are enormous right now. The Walking Dead came on the seen with a totally kick-ass episode on Halloween night, and took the nation by storm. Audiences were blown away. Can't get enough. Why?
I have a theory. I don't know if it's half-baked, but it's my theory none-the-less.
We've been hit with some pretty frightening, gut-wrenching things in the last almost decade or so. 911, Katrina, the recession, insert-your-disaster-of-choice-here. Putting it in an incredibly simplified way, I think people are trying to deal with trying to pick up the pieces.
Blood suckers? Zombies? Disaster movies? They deal with apocalyptic scenarios where people have to learn how to survive and navigate terrifying terrain into the unknown. They have to pick up the pieces and start from scratch in a new, frightening world.
Sound familiar? Thought so. I think we're punch drunk. Stunned and still somewhat dazed from dealing with so much shit. I think these stories are metaphors for what we've been dealing with in this quickly changing world. A creeping dread and the alarming feeling that we can't quite keep up. And when is the other shoe going to drop, anyway? Right?
But also, watching and reading about these extreme survival, good-against-evil scenarios helps us to feel better about our own situations. At least we don't have flesh eating zombies after us, right? Yeah. Life is sweet.
Art imitates life, right? Or is that too simplistic? I don't know. But I do know that horror is making a huge come back. What do you think?
I have a theory. I don't know if it's half-baked, but it's my theory none-the-less.
We've been hit with some pretty frightening, gut-wrenching things in the last almost decade or so. 911, Katrina, the recession, insert-your-disaster-of-choice-here. Putting it in an incredibly simplified way, I think people are trying to deal with trying to pick up the pieces.
Blood suckers? Zombies? Disaster movies? They deal with apocalyptic scenarios where people have to learn how to survive and navigate terrifying terrain into the unknown. They have to pick up the pieces and start from scratch in a new, frightening world.
Sound familiar? Thought so. I think we're punch drunk. Stunned and still somewhat dazed from dealing with so much shit. I think these stories are metaphors for what we've been dealing with in this quickly changing world. A creeping dread and the alarming feeling that we can't quite keep up. And when is the other shoe going to drop, anyway? Right?
But also, watching and reading about these extreme survival, good-against-evil scenarios helps us to feel better about our own situations. At least we don't have flesh eating zombies after us, right? Yeah. Life is sweet.
Art imitates life, right? Or is that too simplistic? I don't know. But I do know that horror is making a huge come back. What do you think?
Sunday, December 19, 2010
So Busy!
Going like a mad woman trying to get all the shopping done, the house into shape, cooking and baking stuff in order. Wow. I'm exhausted, and I'm not afraid to say it. Haven't had any time to read. On a slight writing break, so no actual tapping at the keys but my head is still there.
Yesterday morning and this morning I went shopping early to avoid the angry holiday mob. Let me tell you something. There ain't much holiday cheer out there. People are CRANKY. Wow!
Anyway, just a few odds and ends and my shopping is done. Thank you, God.
Think I'll take a nap while my little guy naps.
Yesterday morning and this morning I went shopping early to avoid the angry holiday mob. Let me tell you something. There ain't much holiday cheer out there. People are CRANKY. Wow!
Anyway, just a few odds and ends and my shopping is done. Thank you, God.
Think I'll take a nap while my little guy naps.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Pre-Christmas Rush
My word verification for signing in this morning was facqu. Gotta love that.
Busy weekend so far. Went out Friday night with my friend Deb for a bite to eat and a couple of beers. It was nice. Nice place. Lots of wood. Fireplace. Nice atmosphere. Even a fire pit outside to stand around. It was snowing lightly too, so it was really pretty.
Ran around like crazy yesterday. At the hairdresser's at 8:15 a.m for my trim. Every 8 weeks. Last weekend I showed up at 8:15 on Saturday, a week early. I'm nothing if not prompt. Wondered why the lights were all off. Scared the hell out of her when she came downstairs and opened the door. Her salon is in her house. Very retro and very chic.
"Hi, Tracy." Round eyes, complete surprise. I'm figuring out fast by this point that I've got the wrong day. "I've got you down for next Saturday."
I'm usually early but that was craziness.
Mimmi and Papa took the bean for the day so Jeff and I could go shopping, which we did. All. Day. But it was good because we're both of the mind-set of get in, get what you need, and get out. We went to several stores and got exactly what we needed. I just have a few things left to get.
But let me tell you. I hate going into Toys R Us at Christmas time. Not crazy about it at the best of times, but Christmas time is horrible. Long lines at Kohl's, too. Walmart wasn't bad by the time we got there, though, which was cool.
We got to go have lunch too, which was nice. I love 99 Restaurants. They have the best boneless wings EVER.
Hoping for some writing time today. Cross your fingers!
Busy weekend so far. Went out Friday night with my friend Deb for a bite to eat and a couple of beers. It was nice. Nice place. Lots of wood. Fireplace. Nice atmosphere. Even a fire pit outside to stand around. It was snowing lightly too, so it was really pretty.
Ran around like crazy yesterday. At the hairdresser's at 8:15 a.m for my trim. Every 8 weeks. Last weekend I showed up at 8:15 on Saturday, a week early. I'm nothing if not prompt. Wondered why the lights were all off. Scared the hell out of her when she came downstairs and opened the door. Her salon is in her house. Very retro and very chic.
"Hi, Tracy." Round eyes, complete surprise. I'm figuring out fast by this point that I've got the wrong day. "I've got you down for next Saturday."
I'm usually early but that was craziness.
Mimmi and Papa took the bean for the day so Jeff and I could go shopping, which we did. All. Day. But it was good because we're both of the mind-set of get in, get what you need, and get out. We went to several stores and got exactly what we needed. I just have a few things left to get.
But let me tell you. I hate going into Toys R Us at Christmas time. Not crazy about it at the best of times, but Christmas time is horrible. Long lines at Kohl's, too. Walmart wasn't bad by the time we got there, though, which was cool.
We got to go have lunch too, which was nice. I love 99 Restaurants. They have the best boneless wings EVER.
Hoping for some writing time today. Cross your fingers!
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Experimental Self-Photos
I was playing around with the camera today. The sun hit me in the eyes while I was sweeping and decided to take a few pics. Washed the floors right after this. You can actually see my Swiffer Wetjet in the background on one of these hehe!
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