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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Them Writer Tricks


There's this book, full, kind of dog-eared and smudgy, many years old...and inside is all those notes, paragraphs, poems, one-liners and so forth. A treasured possession!


 Note the wording on the cover:

...starting somewhere in between...
and
Time will go by that outlasts clocks

Exactly that!
:)

Nothing is Random

Below is an excerpt from a Winter's Tale. Something about this, many years ago, caught my attention. I might not agree with everything said, but some of this resonates even now.


‘I have been to another world, and come back, listen to me’

Nothing is random, nor will anything ever be, whether a long string of perfectly blue days that begin and end in golden dimness, the most seemingly chaotic political acts, the rise of a great city, the chrystalline structure of a gem that has never seen the light, the distributions of fortune, what time the milkman gets up, the position of the electron, or the occurrence of one astonishingly frigid winter after another. Even electrons, supposedly the paragons of unpredictability, are tame and obsequious little creatures that rush around at the speed of light, going precisely where they are supposed to go. They make faint whistling sounds that when apprehended in varying combinations are as pleasant as the wind flying through a forest, and they do exactly as they are told. Of this, one can be certain.

And yet there is a wonderful anarchy, in that the milkman chooses when to arise, the rat picks a tunnel into which he will dive when the train comes rushing down the track from afar, and the snowflake will fall as it will. How can this be? If nothing is random, and everything is predetermined, how can there be free will? The answer is simple.

Nothing is predetermined; it is determined, or was determined, or will be determined.
No matter, it all happened at once, in less than an instant, and time was invented because we cannot comprehend in one glance the enormous and detailed canvas that we have been given- so we track it, in linear fashion, piece by piece. Time, however, can be easily overcome; not by chasing the light, but by standing back far enough to see it all at once.

The universe is still and complete. Everything that was, is; everything that ever will be, is- and so on, in all possible combinations. Though in perceiving it we imagine it is in motion, and unfinished; it is quite finished, and quite astonishingly beautiful. In the end, or rather as things really are, any event, no matter how small, is intimately and sensibly tied to all others. All rivers run full to the sea; those who are apart are brought together; the lost ones are redeemed; the dead come back to life; the perfectly blue days that have begun and ended in golden dimness continue, immobile and accessible; and,

When all is perceived in such a
way as to obviate time, justice
becomes apparent not as
something that will be
but as something that is.


Nothing is RandomWinter’s Tale by Mark Helprin



23 000+!

Thank you! Again labouring onward without the internet...and still everyone stopped by! Over 23 000 visits! (Catching up fast to the Multiverse blog...)




xxx

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Strangeness of a Writer

Yesterday I posted about writers and writing and how strange it is and how different we are. Today I thought I'd share a strange quirk of mine, to prove just how weird it all is!

See, I do this: I page through magazines to look for words. I don't generally read magazines, but now and again one or two crosses my path (or falls into my destructive hands!) and out come the scissors. More correctly, this is a habit I used to have, and I have quite the collection to prove it. Now I'm more likely to snip a word out only if it is eye-catching in presentation or something different.

Crazy? Probably, but when paging through my scrapbook something will catch my eye and spark a train of thought, and more than once that has led to an entire paragraph...and even entire chapters! My kind of crazy, then!








Just a few pages! My scrapbook is full and thick, lol! 
xxx

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

About Writers and Writing


The writing process is a strange phenomenon. Every writer will say this, and yet for each the process is different. Perhaps that is part of the ‘strangeness’, yes, and yet I believe the process remains strange no matter how each writer goes about the task of recording words.

I've read that writers require isolation. Very true, yes, and sometime we need noise to egg us on! Some of us flex fingers and shoulders and sit down and write, write, write for a set time. Some write in the morning, some at night. Some of us recline, some sit ramrod straight; some type on an old typewriter, some cannot do without a computer, and some of us still employ paper and pen. Writers don’t run, they say, or partake in exercise, and some hit the gym or the road with regularity. Some of us need an enclosed space without distractions, and some require huge, far vistas for the creative process to work.

Different and strange. Each has a combination that works.

I know of a fair few writers who have finished a manuscript…only to completely abandon it. Some reach the halfway mark…and then leave it in a box somewhere to return to years later. Some write beginnings, and stop there. Perhaps those beginnings will one day morph into a full-fledged book, who knows? Yes, I have a few of those! Some writers pen the ending first. Some start in the middle. Some list chapter names. Some plot the whole affair out first. Some simply begin and the story leads the way. I’m one of them!

My point? There is no set way to tackle the creative process. It’s different…because we are different. In my opinion, books on how to write are merely a guideline, never gospel. Try and follow a how-to to the letter…and the writer will suffer frustration! Then again, let it be said, for some a set way actually works…and that proves just how different we are!

Wonderful.

Some of us drink coffee (a-hem, yes) and some prefer tea. Some go fizzy, others desire juice and water. Perhaps a glass of wine, a brandy, a designer drink…

Inspiration comes from everywhere. Other books new and old. Nature. Music, photographs, social situations, movies, words, conversations, the view, a bright object. Dreams, drugs, meditation. Again, the process, the spark, is different for each, another kind of strangeness.


This is who we are. Doubt you can pin us down!


Ascend in IUS - review

New from Poppet!


Well…wow! Poppet’s vivid imagination leaps off every page here! A decidedly paranormal type romance that keeps you flipping pages.

Choose you colourful drink…and ascend the stairs into another realm! Your choice of drink determines destination- don’t you just LOVE that! Some serious eye candy in Shane, the hero of the night who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress…


A must read. Poppet fans won’t think twice…and if this is your first time reading Poppet, you will be a fan after!

5 Stars!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Interview with Author Poppet: Celebrating Master of Umbra

Writing World has a real treat for you! An interview with an amazing author!

POPPET!


This lovely lady possesses an imagination most writers drool over and pine for. We have reviewed a fair few of Poppet's books here and every time we are simply blown away! Thus this opportunity to speak to Poppet is a treat indeed!

The first Poppet book I ever read was Exploits. That was when I fell in love with her work!


Now, a few years after Exploits, Poppet has penned and published a host of tales. Each is different; there is certainly something for every reader. From children's stories, through young adult into the realms of super powers and ancient history - something for everyone!

Today we celebrate Poppet's latest release Master of Umbra by chatting to her, showcasing Umbra and by posting all them links you need. Yes, we've reviewed Master of Umbra on Writing World...thus we know already it's an AWESOME read!


Title: Master of Umbra by Poppet
 Genre: Paranormal Romance

Book description:

Deliah is in grave danger, running for her life from a man who needs her dead, when serendipity plants her in the path of the Master of Umbra.

Inducted into the mysterious Eagle clan of the Scottish highlands, Deliah is torn between her fate and destiny when kin clash for her affections. Falling for the scandalous villain who heads the Berserkers of the Hebrides, her fragile hope is snuffed out early by revelation and impending war.

The only mantra she can cling to is the one uttered in heartfelt promise; that love comes back.

Because that's what love does.


Link on Amazon US:

Link on Amazon UK:


Excerpt:

“What do you want?” he snaps, in that impatient drawl.
“Er... I can't get confrontational in the dark,” I mumble, losing courage.
“I bet you're plenty confrontational in the dark.” Gripping my arm in the 'master is not pleased' grind, he marches me deeper into the darkness, muttering, “Dressed like that only reinforces the image.”
“What's wrong with the way I'm dressed?” I argue, wishing he'd slow down already.
He laughs, and it's cold, “Sweetie, it looks like you're either going to put me over your knee, or beg me to put you over mine.”
“Oh go get knotted–”
“Did you leave any beer in the vat when you finished sucking it dry? Ulfhednar head is white and frothy, just the way you like it.”
“I did not–”
“You're more baked than clay and you're going to be just as dehydrated come sunup. What the hell were you thinking?” he chastises, hauling me into a grotto ready to raise the dead. Candles and steam haunt the room like old lovers getting nostalgic.
“What the hell was I thinking?” Now you've done it mister twat. “I was thinking you require trepanning so you can deflate your fucking ego.”
He turns to scowl down at me, his chest embroidered with white scars which map bridges over his extreme musculature. I'm trying very hard not to gawk, but bleedin' heck, he looks like an action man who grew up on a uranium farm, except of course for the tortured gaze he pegs me with when he folds his arms and bursts veins out in wild rivulets. They ridge in the flickering candlelight, shadowing his bulk with a net of strength.
What was he doing here exactly, in just his baggies?

Fuck! Was he expecting his date to show up and I walked in where I'm not welcome?


And now to the lady herself:

Welcome to Writing World, Poppet! Those of us who know you and know your work are aware of your ‘style’. How would you describe  your work to potential readers?

Dramatic, tense, dark, salacious, emotive.
  
Which book was the most difficult for you to write and finish?

Aisyx. I crammed so much into such a short space and it was a book that felt like it was never going to end while I was writing it.


Where do you get your inspiration from? (and what light-bulb moment set you on the path to becoming an author?)

Mostly dreams, but even a random word can spark an entire idea.

You clearly do loads of research for each book (yes, we do notice!) and yet a writer needs first to be interested in a subject in order to weave it into a story. The Valhalla series is no different, and readers will certainly ‘feel’ the depth of research and interest. My question is, how much was research and how much was existing knowledge in your mental files just waiting to be used? Lol, how big are those files???

Most of it was 'just waiting to be used'. Most of the novels I've written over the last year are full of snippets of info I've wanted to utilize in my work. I'm a random trivia junkie and I loved exposing snippets of incite into my newest novels. However when it comes to the location I certainly do need to do research, even if it's a fantasy setting, that setting must be plausible. It's not every day I email a ranger and ask for the geological survey of the area he works in. I am thorough because my fans are picky.


What are you working on right now?

So many things, Elaina. Lordy where do I even begin. I have a bad habit of multitasking (even though I'm awful at it), so have started 4 books and tend to hop between them. I also spend a lot of time doing promo posters, marketing, book trailers, blogging, covers, and formatting my books for both ebook and print. On top of that I do reviews which means I have no free time. I haven't for years and wonder how far a lady can push herself before she pops a blood vessel in her brain. I have too many ideas and too little time to write down every story I want to write. Then finding a publisher and waiting the allotted time is another stress which I don't cope well with. Coming up this year is Ascend in Ius (due out Friday with Vamptasy Publishing), Moonshine Express (due out August with Eibonvale Press), Viridian Vamporium, Over Exposure (the sequel to Darkroom, due out with Wild Wolf Publishing), and Master of Skadi. To name just a few.


Can't wait to read Master of Skadi! Need to know who wins...Raven, Eagle...or Wolf? And finally, before we let you go, these (because we like to know these things!):

Favourite book: Moonheart – Charles de Lint
Favourite movie: Strange Days
Favourite TV series: Supernatural
Favourite colour: Blue
Favourite food: Pizza
Favourite drink: Coffee
Favourite pet: My smooshy
Favourite season: Summer
Favourite place: Bed

It was great chatting to Poppet! Now them links. Go on, connect, and discover the many titles this lovely lady has in store for you!


***********

Monday, June 10, 2013

Twisted Tails - Review


The title of this anthology is apt, for these are twisted tails indeed, each different, each surprising. Well done to every contributor for creating an intriguing read, and well done Wild Wolf for putting it together for the rest of us to enjoy.

Here’s a quick take of each ‘tail’:

Gabby by Rod Glenn: A lesson to all men!
Stormy Weather by Jo Reed: Beware the man who says he’ll make the sun shine just for you
The Voice by Kevin Tomsett: No getting away from the voice, even when you think it silenced
Cooking Without Onions by CW Lovatt: A warped outlook on marriage
Klingsor’s First Summer by NA Randall: Don’t trust the big talkers!
Mad Mary by Tony Wright: Boys will be boys…until time catches them
Freedom’s Wings by CW Lovatt: You’ll be mesmerized by the masterful spliff rolling…!
In Nomine Patris by Poppet: How the Word is twisted and betrayed- remember, forgiveness is earned
The Rat-catcher by Scott Stanford: A father tries to save money and loses more than he bargained for
Scato – Illogical by AJ Kirby: Oh…crap!!!!
Sceptres de Délicatesse by Poppet: Touché! Life’s a bitch!
Waiting… by Ricki Thomas: Be very careful where you smoke, someone may be watching
Best of Show by Asher Wismer: Roses and death, a powerful little story
Happy Now? by David Rogers: A final solution to unhappiness
Everything Must Go by Kirsty Neary: Junkies looking for a fix? Or something more? Love the colloquial language!
Handling Snakes by IS Paton: A twist in the snake’s tale!
DEAR MRS. BURTON… by Giles Richard Ekins: *shiver* my computer knowing the truth before I do would really creep me out!
New Beginning by Troy Lambert: A tale of perseverance and hope despite terrible odds
Preacher Man by IS Paton: Wow, beware the fanatical!
Semana de Fuego by Jacob Rayne: It’s Fire Week, when the locals burn idols…but that fire cooks up something too tasty…
The Study in Blue by Jo Reed: Revenge is sweet…pea!
The Room by Mark Sinclair: Be very careful of what you wish for…
The Trojan Curse by Poppet: Get them from the inside! Gender war with a twist…


Definitely worth reading, deserving each one of five stars! A gasp, a grin, a head scratch, a snort…yes, chances are, you will react in some manner! 


Saturday, June 8, 2013

Alexandrite and Honeysuckle

June's Birthstone and Flower!

A bit delayed, but happy birthday to everyone who celebrates this month of June!



xxx

22 000+!

And we're over 22 000! Thank you so much for visiting!



xxx