-image-Back from Away

January 31, 2008 | Writing, home life

I was missing from here for a bit while we went there, but now we’re here again. :) Went to the movies a bit – tried to watch Beowulf, but sadly it wasn’t something I could get into. I left, in fact, and went to the next-door theater and watched August Rush. The writing was execrable but the music was good, so there’s that. Then on another night, I saw Sweeney again, and this time, I sang. Softly, but I did my sing-along as there were only a few people in the theater. I was so glad I went again.

Interesting experience – I’ve been having difficulty with the tone on the WIP. I want it to be sarcastic and funny and hot, but it just isn’t clicking. So I dug out a copy of an older Temptation of mine called HOT AND BOTHERED. It was as if I was reading someone else’s book. I have almost no recollection of writing the words. It was a good thing to do as it has exactly the tone I’m after, so we’ll see if I can still write like that. Oh, and how very much I wanted to do another edit, even though I’m pretty pleased with how the book read. It’s hard to read older stuff.

Now it’s crunch time on the book, so I’m going to be setting timers and meeting page counts and deeply immersing myself in the world of the page. I’ve still got three RITA books left to read, so I need to finish those.

And I got new glasses. I adore them. They’re different. And kind of purple.

-image-Too Cute not to share

January 23, 2008 | home life

This is my great-nephew, Malachai who is 6 months old, and is more adorable than lolcats. Sadly, he lives far away, and I haven’t actually met him in person yet.

-image-SWEENEY!

January 20, 2008 | home life

First, before anything else, I had a wonderful birthday yesterday and I thank all of you who wished me well! Dotes got me a gorgeous 3-D card and a simply wonderful painting of a green garden. It’s done in ceramic, like a big tile, and it’s stunning. It’s hung in the bedroom, and I love it. :)

Okay, on to Sweeney:

I feel so much better now. Months of anticipation. Listening to the original Broadway recording over and over again. Deep, ugly jealousy just knowing others had already seen Sweeney, while I had to sit on my heels and wait. Finally, I saw it. Uh, I mean we saw it.

I loved, loved, loved it. Not to say I didn’t have some quibbles (cough: helena bonham-carter’s voice) but mostly it was thrilling and wonderful and yes, I missed my chorus of ghosts and happy meat-pie customers, but mostly I was simply thrilled. The moment the score began on those big speakers, I actually shivered.

I didn’t even sing. Not out loud, at least. But I did mouth every syllable except for dialog that was not on the original cast CD, and in my head I was singing quite loudly. On the ride home I bored Dotes to the point of tears with my second-by-second analysis (I couldn’t help myself). I thought Depp did a masterful job. Truly awesome. I would have made some different musical decisions (alas, although I was at the ready to talk to Mr. Burton before and during the filming, he didn’t call) it was true enough to the original show that I was transported.

The minute we got home, I not only listened to the CD, but this time I did sing, quite loudly, and only then was I able to relax for the evening.

I have to admit that perhaps the truest mark of my admiration for the film is the fact that I didn’t finish my popcorn. Whoa.

-image-Jan 13

January 13, 2008 | Reading

Add me to the growing list of Chelsea Cain fans. Her book, HEARTSICK, was a terrific read. Original, smart, creepy, intricate. All the things I want in a book. A true sign I loved everything about it was the first thing I said to Dotes after I finished it – “I wish I’d written that.”

I’m not all that keen on serial killers these days (although I’ve read and enjoyed tons of them) but this was very compelling. For those of you who like this kind of book, I highly recommend it. :)

I’ve just order THE SPYMASTER’S LADY by Joanna Bourne after reading so many excellent reviews. It’s not my typical read – I usually read contemporary books, but sometimes it’s wonderful to dip my toes in other waters.

But now I have to read something else, because I don’t have Bourne’s book in hand. I’m thinking of TURNING ANGEL by Greg Iles. It’s a big, thick, juicy looking book that’s been highly recommended. On the other hand, I’ve got THE BESTSELLER by Olivia Goldsmith that’s been tempting me. Hmmm.

Oh, I was underwhelmed by MOUNT DRAGON by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Just, well, meh.

Oh, and for those of you keeping up with Sweeney Watch, 2008, the movie isn’t due here until the 18th, despite them telling me it would be here on the 11th. So we’re going to see it on the 19th (my birthday). I have already decided to find the emptiest space in the theater as I intend to sing along. Ha.

-image-Jan 4

January 4, 2008 | Awards, Linkage

A couple of things:

I’m here today. Even if you’re not doing the Sven challenge, you’re welcome to stop by. Lots of inspiration and good stuff to be found on the site.

I’ve been nominated for a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times. :)

I’ve updated my web page and have a new excerpt from COMING SOON!

-image-Jan 2

January 2, 2008 | home life

We had a safe, uneventful holiday season, and I have to admit, I’m really glad it’s over. I don’t like the disruptions, which makes me rather a scrooge, I know. I just wasn’t into the season this year. I’m also very, very cranky about the tv strike and I’m going to pout until it’s put right. That’ll show ‘em. :)

I finished the last Harry Potter. I loved it. I keep thinking about it. Rowling is brilliant.

We also went to see Charlie Wilson’s War, which I loved. I was engaged every minute, and I think Phillip Seymour Hoffman should get an Oscar for his performance. I’m also totally buying the soundtrack.

Only 9 more days till Sweeney comes near! Whoo Hoo!

And I’ve been struggling like mad to come up with what my hero sounds like in this new book, and today in the shower it hit me. Yay!!! I simply can’t write until I hear them. Now, I can.

News? Presents you loved? Movies I should catch? Soundtracks to rec?