Astrology Bloggin'

I'm staying up way past my bedtime tonight working on putting the finishing touches to Drop-Dead Gorgeous (Garnet Lacey, Book Three) which is due on my editor's desk in three days, and I had to do a quick bit of research on the internet about the astrological interpretations of new plantoid Eris (nee Xena). Anyway, by accident, I came across this gem: Astrology Blog. If you're so inclined, check it out.

MAJOR Magic, Sir!

Okay, so Mason has had some astounding luck when it comes to license plates. We've still never spotted West Virginia, and so yesterday he asked me to look up license plates from around the world. He especially wanted to see a Russian plate. I thought, "ha, ha, good luck with that, kid," but you know, it's a harmless pastime. Except....

Today we saw a foreign plate. I think it was probably British (given that there was also one of those GB stickers on the car), but the point is, Mason pulled in a plate from ANOTHER FRICKIN' COUNTRY.

We also checked out all the Canadian provences yesterday, and *in our neighborhood* was parked a Quebec plate. Keep in mind that I live in Saint Paul, that's Minnesota, people. Most of these plates have been spotted in the ten minute drive from our house to the Minnesota Historical Society.

As I told Shawn, now we just have to have him start wishing to find piles of money.

Blah, Blah, Bloggin'

First, I came across this site which has a fairly comprehensive list of SF/F authors that blog. http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/002815.html.

Second, next Monday (April 30), I will be answering five questions about myself an my newest release Dead Sexy (Book 2 of the Garnet Lacey series) on DCL.

And lastly, just a reminder, I'll be guest blogging at Riding With The Top Down on Wednesday, May 9.

A Victory!

Wiccans allowed to display the pentacle on military graves! Check out this New York Times article.

Hawaii

Mason and I were driving down Summit Avenue to our usual coffee shop, Cafe Amore, and I was turning on to Milton when I spotted a rainbow on a license plate in front of me. "No way!" I shouted, "Mason, I think I just saw Hawaii!" Mason, who was, as usual strapped into his booster seat, became frantic. "I can't see it, ima! I can't see it!" Traffic was piling up behind me and I had to make my turn. I noticed the Hawaii car was turning in the other direction on the same street. "We'll chase him!" I told Mason. Of course, we were completely stymied by traffic. The parking lot I turned into is one way, and a very busy day care is right in the middle of it. A gigantic Honda SUV blocked us for several minutes. Mason burst into tears. I kept trying to tell him that we'd see the license plate again, after all, a Hawaii plate was in Minnesota (St. Paul, no less!) Even if we couldn't catch it today, we'd see it again soon.

We drove down Milton for several blocks, but we missed it. Mason cried and cried. We decided to go get our usual coffee and then resume "the hunt." Everyone at Amore sympathized with our dilemma, but most of them remarked, "Wow, Hawaii? Here?" When we got our drink and got buckled back in, I had an idea. No one turns on Milton, I said, except if they're going to William Mitchell College of Law. I decided we should check and see if there was a parking lot we missed. We drove into a very narrow parking lot at the back of the main building... and there it was. I stopped our car, got Mason out of his seat, and we walked right up to the license plate and TOUCHED IT.

Amazing.

Now Mason just needs to conjure West Virginia.

Techno-Peasant Offerings

I'm taking a break from my sin posts to point any readers trolling for "free" fiction to a short story of Other Me's that is a vampire story. If you're interested, check out Irish Blood, which appears here it its entirity.

Have a happy Pixel-Stained Techno-Peasant's Day.

Seven Deadly Sins and Writing: PRIDE

Writers, like Milton's Satan, thrive on an excess of confidence… of pride. I don’t think you can survive the revision/rejection process without it.

When I finish a piece of writing I look at it and think, “Genius! My God Am I Brilliant!” (yes, all capital -- ask my partner if these aren’t the exact words I utter.) Then, while the feeling is still all shiny and new, I send my brilliance out into the world – to critique group, market, or my editor – and then when the verdict comes back, I say, with the exact same conviction, “Jesus, I suck. Arrgh, I’m an idiot!” I might even sink into a blue funk for a minute or two, then, I revise and the next thing you know I’m a genius again.

Am I bi-polar? Maybe, but I also believe that this strange emotional flip/flop is part of what has kept me in the game for as long as I have been.

Successful writers are wired wrong, like inventors (or was it geniuses?) Anyway, I read somewhere that the difference between an inventor like Thomas Edison and your Crazy Uncle Floyd (you know the one who tried to build a flying bus) is that Edison failed more often and more constantly. Edison just never gave up. Not even after his head bled from banging it against the wall so many times. Not even after normal people would have quit.

People like to talk a lot about how writers need to have a thick skin. I believe that part of gaining that tough hide has to do with self-confidence. I spoke at the Wis-RWA Chippewa Falls chapter meeting on Saturday, and one of the members there asked me how I dealt with people who told me I couldn’t write. My response was immediate: “I didn’t listen to them.” I told her she shouldn’t either. Listening to anyone who tells you that you can’t do something is hazardous to your mental health. Just say, “no.”

I think it’s silly how much time some people invest in discouraging others. Despite what I said about winning in my earlier “deadly sins” post, I do actually believe that there’s room in our field for everyone. Yeah, sure, there are only so many slots for books being published each year, but if trends continue the number of those slots will only continue to grow. Publishers are publishing more books now than ever before.

Yet many writers are, more than any other profession I know of, actively discouraged from pursuing their craft by others in their field. I’ve heard hundreds of horror stories about the (typically) college composition or English professor that denigrated a student for writing something that contained a fantastical or science fictional element in it. I’ve also heard plenty of SF workshop veterans tell about scathing critiques that caused them to seriously consider abandoning writing all together.

That would be a crime.

The problem here, of course, is that the answer can’t be: just don’t listen to anyone but your own inner Muse. Why? Because that *would* be the writerly version of the sin of pride. You have to be willing to listen to critiques of your work, because there are things that readers see that the author simply can’t. A willingness to learn from one’s mistakes is, in my opinion, paramount to developing the craft of writing.

Someone else at the RWA meeting asked me how I dealt with that aspect of critique, and I said that I long ago divorced myself from my words. I’m married to my idea (or characters, theme, whichever, or all), not the text on the page. If a fellow writer can give me insight into how better to express my idea, I embrace it. I write to be understood. Honest critique helps me make my point better.

There are times, of course, when critique is motivated by other things, and is less than honest, so you still need to develop an ear for “what is rot, and what is not.” You need to have enough pride to believe in your vision, listen and learn, but never listen to idiots.

Seven Deadly Sins and Writing: Envy

Cross-posted from Wyrdsmiths.

There was a period when I couldn’t read science fiction novels.

I’d finished my second novel (actually, what became my first in print, Archangel Protocol) and it was being shopped around by my agent. I was still actively writing – I’d started a third novel and was trying to perfect the art of short story writing. I was in four writers’ critique groups, attending SF conventions, a member of the National Writers’ Union, and generally doing a whole lot of science fiction and writing-related work.

My partner is an avid reader, so we’d often end up at bookstores, and I found I was actually kind of mildly irritated just walking past the aisles labeled science fiction/fantasy. After the fourth or fifth time it happened, I started to examine my reaction.

I realized I was jealous.

Because of the way most bookstores shelves their novels, the publisher’s logos were prominently displayed in row after row after row that I passed. Just seeing those familiar icons made me inwardly seethe; I wanted one of those next to my name, damn it.

Beyond that initial gut reaction, I also had trouble reading science fiction because my life had become consumed by critiquing it. If I actually got through the green haze of my jealousy and picked up one of those books on the shelf, I couldn’t read it without starting the critiquing process.

And believe you me, no one – not even the genre masters/mistresses – passed my muster in those days. Everyone sucked. I was always at LEAST a good a writer as Ms.-Tor-Published-Her-And-Not-Me.

I couldn’t enjoy reading science fiction.

I can’t not read (just as I can’t not write), so I turned to other genres. I read a lot of romances and mysteries. I also discovered that SF short fiction bothered me less than long form (probably because though I was writing short stories and sending them out to market, I knew I wasn’t very good at the shorter forms.) Although I still had plenty of times when I threw Asimov’s across the room and shouted, “WTF? How did that crap get published when I didn’t?” When my first book published, I relaxed. I could read SF/F again, and I did, copiously. But jealousy and envy continue to haunt me. There are some writers in my field that I’ve refused to read out of spite because in my mind, “they’re famous enough.” (Keep in mind that I’m generally deranged this way. If a movie becomes really popular, I won’t go see it….just because. I’m probably the only person on the planet who hasn’t seen Titanic.)

I don’t think that writers can successfully avoid being jealous and envious of one another. It’s a competitive business, after all, and most of us entered it to win.

Jealousy can be a motivating force, if you let it. I find it fuels my ambition, for instance, and I try to embrace that side of it when I can. I determinedly rose from the ashes of my career partly out of spite and a keen desire not to let the bastards get me down.

I don’t always deal with it very well, though, hence my years of avoiding my own, beloved genre. What about you? Who/what are you jealous of? Have you found good ways of dealing with it?

Saturn Turns Direct

Astro-ALERT from astrology.com.

Saturn in Leo turned retrograde on December 5, 2006, so the beginning of 2007 was all about making sure that what we were aiming for was still what we really wanted. Retrogrades are always about going over territory you've already been through. Saturn represents our responsibilities, our rules for living, how we construct our lives, and where we need to place our boundaries. Leo is the sign of leadership and creativity, and it is very much concerned with self-expression.

During this important retrograde period, it's been important to determine how you can support yourself more effectively and express yourself more fully. Facing limitations -- those of the world in general, as well as your own capacity to limit yourself -- has been a part of this time, along with ending old ways of living.

As Saturn turns direct, you are finally going to get some forward movement. Don't drink that pot of espresso just yet, though! Things are moving forward, but speedy they’re not. Saturn is the planet that represents the builder, who wants everything done right. No shortcuts are allowed, so don’t rush anything. Instead, take your time to build slowly and thoroughly -- you will reap plenty of rewards if you keep this in mind. And with Saturn still in dramatic Leo, make sure you are always sitting in the director’s chair.

Determine in what arena you want to make your mark on the world. Decide what you want to be responsible for and what you need to leave behind; otherwise, someone else could make those choices for you. We are now in the last stage of Saturn’s transit through Leo (Saturn will enter Virgo on September 2).

Basement Bargain Prices

If you ever wanted to purchase a copy of Tall, Dark & Dead but found the trade paperback prices too steep for your pocketbook, fret not! Currently, Amazon.com is selling the book at deep, deep discounted rates (60% off!).

In other news, no new license plates.

But, at least one of my beta readers has gotten back to me so my mini-vacation from writing is over... *sigh.* Tonight, no more BSG, but nose back to the grindstone (or however that saying goes.) Wish me luck.

I talked to my agent via email the other day and our current plan is to continue to propose more Garnet Lacey books. I have to start thinking about what trouble Garnet should get into next....

Down to Two

First of all, if you've thought about buying my book, but decided that paying trade paperback prices was too steep, Amazon.com is having a deep, deep discount on Tall, Dark & Dead. We're talking 60% off. So, seriously, go now and buy yourself several while the getting is good.

Secondly, my family and I ended up at the Mall of America today, and Mason insisted on driving around to see if we could spot any new plate. Keep in mind that of all the states in the union, we're only missing Alabama, West Virgina, and Hawaii. Guess what? Mason spotted Alabama.

We're down to two.

Come on Hawaii, I know you're out there....

Yes, even more plates

Okay, just when you thought that there was NO WAY Mason and I could see any more new license plates we spotted two new ones today: Saskatchewan (Canada) and Mississippi (USA). (Mississippi, btw, was parked on OUR block. How weird is that???)

Now we are only missing West Virginia, Alabama and Hawaii. I am still astounded that within a matter of weeks, Mason has conjured nearly all 50 states and some Canadian provences (like Manitoba!) -- not to meantion several tribal plates.

The END and finally, Maine!

Two pieces of news. Frist, I finished my novel (Book III of the Garnet Lacey series) last night. Before you send in congratulations, I should note that this book is still seriously flawed and needs several more weeks of revision before I can truly claim to be finished with it. However, I have the important bits committed to paper and all the plot is officially (if not yet neatly) wrapped up. The even better news is that I'm right on schedule. My writers' group volunteers will now have plenty of time to read through the rough draft, comment, and get back to me before the May 1 deadline. HOORAY!

Second.... Mason's magic prevails. Yesterday, we saw MAINE.

Even More Plates!

Of course, given our astounding success so far, you'd think we'd stop seeing NEW license plates. However, while driving back from taking Mama in to work, Mason and I spotted three new ones: Connecticut, Tennessee, and Red Lake Band of Ojibwe (Tribal.) [Cool wikipedia note: according to them Red Lake Indian reservation was the first in the nation to issue its own license plates.]

What could be next? Hawaii????!!

More Plates!

While out at Como Zoo, Mason and I spotted a few more new plates!

There we saw Kentucky and Nevada. But, the biggest score of all came on our usual drive back from Minnesota Historical Society where Shawn works. RHODE ISLAND. I couldn't even believe it. I mean, for crying out loud. It's the smallest state in the union -- how did a license plate from there end up on Summit Avenue? (Well, obviously, Tate, it drove.) Still, this is getting almost spooky, especially given the we may have had a spotting of the elusive Maine today as well. (It zipped past in on-coming traffic so I couldn't be sure, and I promised Mason I wouldn't put it on our "list" until he had a chance to see it as well.)

Romantic Times Reveiw -- FOUR STARS!

Written in the first person, book two of this terrific series by the genuinely talented Hallaway continues to build a likable, if somewhat overwhelmed, heroine who struggles to escape the past and face the future. This is first- rate paranormal reading.

Summary: Powerful witch Garnet Lacey thought she had buried the truth about what happened when six members of a Vatican paramilitary organization murdered the other 11 members of her coven. Besides arriving late, the only other reason Garnet wasn't killed was because she instinctively drew on the power of the goddess Lilith. Possessing Garnet's body, Lilith made short work of the murderous Vatican agents, but Garnet and her then boyfriend, vampire Parrish, had to get rid of the evidence.Unfortunately, the bodies have surfaced, and an FBI agent is looking at Garnet as a suspect. Current boyfriend, vampire Sebastian, is not thrilled with Garnet's need for Parrish's assistance, and this puts their romance on rocky ground.

Adding to her problems is the large number of zombies suddenly roaming around. Apparently there's a new voodoo queen in town, and when she starts messing with Garnet's friends, it means war.

(BERKLEY, May, 294 pp., $14.00) MILD—Jill M. Smith

License Plate Addenum - MoA

Driving around the Mall of America parking lot with Mason, we added just a few more license plates to our list.

We saw: Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Leech Lake Tribal Plate (pictured above), Missouri, Michigan, Manitoba (right) Canada, New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Ontario (Canada), Utah, Vermont, and Virginia.

Lesser Magic

Mason and I have been playing the driving game where you try to spot as many liscence plates from around the country as you can. Ever since we started it, Mason has proven especially lucky. Just while driving around Saint Paul, we've seen: Deleware, New Hampshire, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Ontario, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Gerogia, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinios, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Washington (State), Oregon, Alaska, and California.

When we first started, he said, "I wish we'd see California today!" and, no joke, not two seconds later, one drove by. Then he asked for Utah, but forgot to say when. When we were in Colorado visiting friends what did we see in the airport parking lot? Utah. He really wants to see Maine now, but we haven't yet. I suspect, however, given how close we've gotten (Ontario? New Hampshire? What ARE these people doing in Saint Paul -- and all within blocks of our house!)

Now, when we want to see something new, just for fun, Mason wiggles his fingers like the magician from Fantasia and says, "I'm doing magic!" and often something new will, in fact, appear.

Pretty cool magic. Fairly useless, but still cool.

Jupiter Retrograde

From astrology.com.

Restless? Feeling the need to seek greener pastures? You're not alone. Ever since Jupiter entered Sagittarius, the sign of the traveler and the explorer, on November 23, 2006, we've all been itching to get away. You most likely have pals who've recently fled to some exotic locale or taken serious steps to find a more fulfilling career. If you're been deliberating your own move -- whether it's taking that trip to Mexico or getting an MBA -- it's crucial that you take notice of the next big astrological event: From April 5 to August 6, Jupiter is going retrograde into Sagittarius, the sign of the Archer.

What does this mean for you? Jupiter's movement through Sag means your own moving-and-shaking tendencies are sticking around. However, during the retrograde period, even the most seemingly insignificant of obstacles could throw a long-term monkey wrench into any plans you've made. Sounds sinister, but in actuality this is a positive -- not to mention cyclically natural -- opportunity for you to step back and ensure that your actions are in line with your goals. In addition, fiscal belt-tightening is in your best interest now, so think twice before maxing out your credit cards! Finances often improve when Jupiter turns direct, and new opportunities for advancement and growth will present themselves. That which is inaccessible today will prove unnecessary in the long run; further, the actual withholding will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Don't let Jupiter's retrograde impede life's pleasures. Sure, it's time for introspection -- but fun is on the agenda too! In fact it's advisable that you go off your diet for a gourmet meal, or read a tabloid gossip rag. Indulge, but study the cause-and-effect patterns in your life and look for ways to improve. Then, enjoy the resulting revelations!

Pre-Apology

It's deadline crunch time, so I'm going to pre-apologize for not blogging much in the month of April. I have to write about 20,000 words (and do some revisions) before April 30. Shouldn't be a problem as I religiously write 1,000 words a day. BUT, I like to get a draft done ahead of schedule so that I can have some writer friends review it for major plot problems, etc.

Even so, I'm going to try to keep up with it, if only because I have a pretty good schedule for blogging -- Mason gets to watch TV on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week. I usually sit in the TV room with him because wireless reception is good... and sneak time to check my emails and such. I can't really write during this time, as I get interrupted a LOT. Plus, the TV is on, and I'm just not one of those people who can completely tune it out.