Life Outside of Writing

Just when you think you have everything planned out, things will go awry. I would have to say that I have been pretty much obsessed with writing at the expense of a social life and other obligations. This holiday season in particular I had big plans. Then, I adopted Cougar, a feisty, orange tabby. I will admit that my original motive was to have him as a companion cat for Zoe my calico, but again things never work out the way I plan. Zoe is highly jealous and somewhat moody about him and he prefers to stick underneath me.

Demanding little fellow that he is, and adorable, when he got ill and had to get surgery, I nearly had a nervous breakdown. I blamed myself for not watching him closer, for paying so much attention to the computer and for then some. I realize that kittens get into things but really it was a wake up call for me.

I don't have kids and so sometimes I tend to be obsessive and self concerned, but lil Cougar (about to be Big Cougar with as much as he eats) is my reminder that there are other things that I need to concern myself with, things that cannot be planned for and things that are important outside of contracts. While he is doing fine and healing nicely, I try to make sure that he and Zoe gets plenty of love, play and attention.

Sure novels need to be re-edited and submitted, a novel needs to be finished and promo items need to be sent out, but my kids need attention too and Cougar is good for letting me know when I need to take a break!

Slave Boy b. Evangeline Anderson

Its not just the smooth cover, unique size, beautiful artwork and easy to read font that has encouraged me to collect these types of long paperbacks...It's the content. Once a month, sometimes two, I purchase print material from not just my publisher, Loose-Id but from Samhain and Ellora's Cave. Erotica...that's what my collection is about, plain and simple and 'Slave Boy' is just my latest swift, greedy consumable. It took about two days to read, although with the speed I went through it, I could have read it in one.

To say that I wanted more out this tale of an apprentice and his master may be like asking for another brownie on my banana split, but I'm fat so it's okay. While I enjoyed the sci fi setting, and was intrigued by the dilemma that would cause a jedi-like warrior to place himself and his novice into a very kinky/risky situation, I wanted more. With all of the mention of arousals and near-contacts, I ended the book still hungry (see earlier food reference).

Things get resolved though and it is a very entertaining book, but it really needed one more sex scene...Or I'm just that damn greedy...

The Conqueror Worms b. Brian Keene

The Conqueror Worms by Brian Keene

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
What I expected from this book was science gone awry. From the look of the cover, I think that I even may have suspected some Tremors-like humor. What I did not expect was the gripping tale of an elderly man in the mist of well...a "Mist"-type horror novel. Brian Keene is like the love child of Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft and while there are worms is the book, there are also a lot worse things!!


View all my reviews.

A Taste of Darkness b. Nina Bangs

A Taste of Darkness by Nina Bangs

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
Reading this book was like eating a bite-sized candy bar, sweet and good but not really filling. There were several intriguing characters, and several very powerful characters, who I knew would not allow the chosen pair to fall into any real peril. The chosen pair being a vampire and a werecat...no a weresabertooth in fact. It had steamy love scenes and the prerequisite about of abstinence in it and lots of humor, but I think I will call this more romance than paranormal as a great deal of the plot and characters concern surrounded talk of marriages and relationships. I never once felt as if the characters were in any real peril and when the villains showed up, I actually laughed at their appearance. Oddly enough, humor is peppered all throughout the book and for some light reading, this book is actually recommended :D


View all my reviews.

The Sohon Debutante Contest

So after much plotting and planning, I have come up with a way to reward my readers and to reward newbies. Need details? Here they are:

On January 3rd, 2009 I will select two lucky winners to receive the Sohon Gift Package which includes a signed print copy of A Guardian's Desire, pearl necklace, Sohon brochure, Bookmark, nail file, 2009 Magnet Calendar and other fru fru stuff :D This is my way of giving back to my readers.

For those who are more familiar with my work, if you have already purchased an e-copy of "A Guardian's Desire" and would like the opportunity to win the extended print version all you have to do is leave a review or comment (an honest one, I can take crit) on either my guestbook or Amazon page. On January 3rd, I will select two winners to be the recipients of a Sohon Gift Package.

If you have never read anything from me, not to worry, I will have a general drawing to give away the last Sohon Gift Package to a NEW reader.

As an added bonus all winners will receive a Bookworm Bag as well!

For both sides of the contest simply email me at blackkoda@yahoo.com with the word Sohon in the subject. If you submit a review or comment, simply let me know where it is in the body of the email and you will be entered.

Outsourcing and Multitasking

Its been a busy week...Was there really a holiday? I don't know, but I do know that I made the right decision when I decided to hand over my website design and maintance to a professional. Rather than spending hours looking through and fixing codes, I have more time for the other aspects of my writing business, like promo.

I recently joined Bookworm Bags a promo based group and have been not only mailing out promo materials like mad, but I am also gearing up for a new contest, which requires locating prizes, crafting up a few prizes and ordering materials. If I could just outsource promotional responsibilites I would be in heaven.

I realize that if I want my little business (and if you're a writer, your pen name is your business) to grow then I am going to have to put in the work. Things that can be outsourced like websites, taxes, Vistaprint (because yes you can make your own postcards at home, but why) and Cafe Press, should be. I mean, one still has to make deadlines, submit new work, edit and revise, right? Then of course there's the sales figure and reciept for expendature tracking, conference planning and public assistant help that comes into play...Well, suffice it to say that I know NO writers who just write. So with that said, I don't feel so bad about the outsourcing.

Anyw...any suggestions and comments for are highly appreciated.

Temple b. Matthew Reilly

I'm a Reilly fan and I simple adore his formula, which is often as follows:

[1 bad ass action hero + one impossible mission / conspiracy theory + 1 1/2 killer animal x 100 or more military acronyms + area diagrams and illustrations of detonation devices + 40 cliff hangers - spared casualties x notoriously evil villian x 20 WTF = Novel]

Well, my latest Reilly discovery, 'Temple' pretty much follows that formula. The bad ass action hero is named William Race and well...he's not really trained to do half of the shit that he does in this book. An every day joe turned Bond is how I describe him.

'Temple' is a tale within a tale and really I enjoyed the very Indiana Jones type feel of the novel. It is about a very special artifact which is not only the symbol of a tribe's spirit, it is potentially the means to destroy the planet. Yup, that Matt Reilly, gotta luv him. I think my biggest problem with the novel was how spectacular the main hero was. I mean moreso than the average joe hero in 'Contest,' William Race is just too damn lucky and gifted for me to even try to believe in.

Now Scarecrow or Black Knight....*cries* I wish for a new book everyday. Anyway, if you like tales of Incas, impossible odds, planet killer nukes, terrorists, intermilitary battles and more military hardware than you can shake a stick at... you'll like 'Temple.'

Mountains of Mail both Paper and Visual

There is never enough time in the day, whether you have a full time job or no and outside of word count goals, which may or may not be made, there is the other element in an e-published writers life...the mail. Why did I specify 'e-published,' because I seriously doubt that trade and house writers spend as much time on the web.

E-published writers, and I could be wrong, spend a lot of time on the net. We need to. We heavily promote there, we get information and correspond there, but whoa can the mail pile up. List groups are good, but when you have a ton of them and most on digest, more than half of the messages go unlooked at, I can barely decipher one group from the next. There are promos, announcements, events, chat calls, and snark, craft information and other items, some that I can use and some that I can't. There is important publisher correspondence mail like statements and contracts, family joke mail, retail sales mail, bill mail and offer mail, all bunched in together and when I think about the distraction of checking my mail boxes (yes I have 2) every day, I get moody. I should be writing but instead I'm looking at the new pics a friend just sent from Cheeseburger, or I am looking for submission responses or filtering spam, or speed reading through digest lists.

It may sound like I am complaining, but like any junkie, it's meaningless drivel. I can't blame the internet for Writer's Lapses (not blocks), I am just easily distracted and have little self control. So in the event that it seems like I lurk on lists, don't respond to mail, and don't participate in a ton of things, I review a lot but hone in on little...my inbox waits for nothing. Allways filling, allways growing...if only my word count were the same. I wouldn't feel so guilty.

Zoe and Cougar

I have a new addition to the Den, an orange Tabby named Cougar. I adopted him as a companion for my beautiful calico, Zoe. To say that it took a long time for her to stop hissing and growling at him would be putting it mildly. Now she only swats at him when he bugs her to play when she is trying to nap. Out of all the photos I've taken of him and Zoe, this one is the most precious. Getting them to eat in the same place without attacking one another was a feat in itself. They don't really share a bowl, this was just the moment when I realized I didn't have to have Cougar's food bowl in my room anymore. They both eat in the same area now, and each has there own bowls filled with their own food. Now the big task is trying to get them NOT to eat out of the other's bowl. Cougar is the more voracious eater.

These two amuse me to no end and are heavily inspiring my werecat piece, but more than that, I am just happy that they are finally warming up to each other.

Progress and Non-Progress Reports

Most of the time, I am a multi-tasking fiend. I can watch movies, play a video game, chat and write. Sometimes I even eat too. I do it in the classic, multi-tasking ADD fashion, I bounce my attention between three or four tasks. (My editor may kill me if she knows this) But seriously, the more things I have to do at once, makes me happier. I get a rush out of it.

Focus...yeah right. I purposefully watch old action movies and B-movie monster flixs while I work because they don't hold my attention and I can write with the background noise. I can watch 'Transformers' or 'The Hulk' up to three times a day. I like the sound of carnage and occasionally, I look over to see Blackout or Ratchet on the screen.

What I cannot do however, is be productive during riveting, cerebral, engaging programs. I am currently in this small catchup with formerly ignored series mode. I watched all 9 episodes of 'True Blood,' five episodes of 'Sons of Anarchy' and a season and a half of 'Dexter.' Have 3 more episodes of Dexter to get through... Needless to say my word count has suffered a great deal. There is no way I can work while watching such attention-grabbing entertainment.

I want so much to finish the second season tonight, but I had to put my foot down and tell myself that there was work to be done. Currently, I have 43K written on 'The Heart of Bast.' I have 7 more chapters to write and with a personnal goal of completion set for mid-December, I keep telling myself the sooner I catch up on all my shows the sooner I can get back to business. I even put 'The Hulk' back into my dvd player to type this blog entry, but the urge....just one more episode...I need to be more disciplined, but knowing that I have a problem is half the battle, right?

True Blood Review

One might have thought with the references to ‘Alien Nation’ and the encouragement of a coworker that I might have checked out this show sooner, but with my aversion to the dandy vampires (I prefer the hybrid-monster types), I had not even checked out the advertisements.

It took the recent hint of a werewolf, mentioned by the aforementioned coworker to get my interest in the show. With the Halloween holiday swiftly approaching, I decided to check out the show and see what it had to offer. You know I wanted to make sure that the weres were properly represented ;D

I started Thursday night and finished up on Halloween. Eight episodes of the gifted Sookie, the dashing and brooding Bill, the insane puppy-dog stupidity of Jason, the psycho confrontational Tara, the wicked dark chocolate of Lafayette and the noble but daft, possible werewolf…Sam.

Now what I like about this show is that isn’t just watching Jason sink to new lows, both coital and non, but that it touches on the serious issues of racial rights and tolerance, that it is beautifully shot and that the sex scenes are pretty smoking hot! I like the vampires do show some vulnerability. I absolutely adore Lafayette’s twisted, devilish ways and my gawd did Stellan Skarsgard produce a handsome Viking named Alexander (aka Eric).

The depictions of the south, and mainly of Louisiana are stunning and gorgeous, although why vampires would prefer the hot, swampy, alligator-riddled lands of LA when they could have the cool, solid earth of the north baffles me. I absolutely adore the one Cajun character they have and I have to admit that I crave every volatile interaction between Sam and Tara. Vampire Bill’s backstory was also highly fascinating.

What I don’t like…True Blood does remind me a tad of ‘Alien Nation’ but it reminds me of Anne Rice and “Gone with the Wind’ much more. As a not quite southerner (Maryland is below the Mason-Dixon line, even though most of us don’t think so), I will never understand the fascination with billowing nightgowns. Sookie running through the yard in a night gown to get to Bill…um…okay. Petty I know, but then Tara, despite all her sass, often reminds me of Mamie the concerned maid, who helps bustle gowns and do hair while the mistress ponders her two suitors. Now, outside of my bizarre plantation-film flashbacks, the plucky wunderkind that is Sookie, sometimes irks me. Bubbly and daft one minute, then fiery and determined even in the face of a master vampire, can be a bit much, but then I am not a fan of that type of heroine anyway. So, I would suppose all that I dislike about the show has more to do with me than anything technical or in the prose.

It is a damn, good show and I will admit that I will be checking out the latest episode on Sunday. Perhaps not just to see what goes on with Sookie and Bill though. The signs are there, pretty heavily that there is a werewolf and while the rights of vampires are all well and good, I want to see the werewolf unleashed, transformed and dishing out some pain! Vampire rights…Will there be werewolf rights is the question I want answered!

Over the Moon b. Knight, Davidson, Kantra and Sunny

An interesting little guilty pleasure of an anthology that I read on the plane from Texas. For their compact sizes, each of the stories was sufficently spicy and compact enough to seem complete. While not a keeper, it defintitely works for a introduction or refresher for the paranormal genre. All of the tales revolve around shifters of some sort and 3 out of 4 are about werewolves. As a werewolf-lover, I was not blown away but I was pleased with the stories.

My favorite was 'Driftwood' by MaryJanice Davidson, a sassy love story about a vampire and a sweet, wacky werewolf.

Chocolate Paranormality...

I ride the train to work and often I see a lot of young afro-american women clutching tight to an urban romance. Now while the premise ussually involves relations (adultry, dl brothers, wantoness behavior, or dangerous attraction) some also include religious bits such as locale, occupation and/or underlying themes.

As a lover of paranormal lit, I often wonder why there's not more interest by the afro-american community in things that go bump in the night. I myself was surprised to discover Dark Thirst, an afro-american paranormal anthology and L.A. Banks collection of paranormal lit.

Still there is a niche which needs to be filled. Maybe it has something to do with religious beliefs, maybe a lot of young, metro-ridding women are just not interested. But in my pipe dreams of promoting "A Guardian's Desire," I thought about advertising on some of the urban sites. (The fact that I suck at promo not withstanding)

I went online and did a little research. My cover looks just as slick and as saucy as many of the urban titles, so I figured 'perfecto' then I thought some more (as folk with OCD ussually and unfortanately do). While the issue of submission complexity occured to me, the fear that my book might not be urban or black enough (I know it ain't PC) did occur to me. Not just that however, I also write gay fiction and how would readers and/or reviewers respond to that? Would they discount me because I only have one heteroish novel? Yes, I have several black characters, but is there some taboo out there? I don't really know. I am however, going to attempt one of the review sites below (or at least try to advertise) but my paranoias aside, for those of you who are interested--Look what I found :D

*Urban Reviews

*RawSistaz Reviews
*APOOO

*The Urban Book Source

*QBR
*Black Butterfly Reviews

*Black Authors Online

Gridlinked b. Neal Asher

I was about to say that it had been a long time since I had read a cyberpunk novel, but then I just recalled that I had read "Kiln People." I won't try to compare the two however, because one leans heavily on it's Gumshoe detective while "Gridlinked" leans half upon it's James Bond-like hero, half upon the wonderous world of technology. In this book, human beings and technology's relationship are intertwined. Humans have augs and implants which allow them to have instant and constant, internet-style access to data and others. Humans are also capable of modifying their looks to reflect animal-like features. Of course there are the starships and the wicked assualt weapons that are ussually included inside of good science fiction, but where this book stands apart for me, involves the amount of brutality in this piece. Its not a total blood bath, but the acts of violence are poignent and calculated almost with a mechanical emotionless manner. The main character, Ian Cormac, has been gridlinked (hooked into augs) for so long that his human characteristics are slim to none. The best at what he does as a lawman, his list of enemies is not only long but includes something far greater than the usual rebels and criminals. When a transporter (runcible) is destroyed and the inhabitants of a planet are wiped out, Ian is sent to investigate. Without his aug and detached from the information grid upon which he has been linked into for over 30 years, Ian is forced to rely on his less than reliable humanity to confront not just the mystery of the accident, but a villian with a vendetta to score and ...something very godlike.

A good read if you like your scifi to have a harder, sleeker edge to it. I really enjoyed it.

Vieques Island, Hurricanes and Fine Dining

My third trip to the beautiful island of Vieques, Puerto Rico was an adventurous one. Fine Dining and beautiful beaches, I knew what to expect; the bounty of free roaming wildlife such as horses, roosters, geckos, etc. I knew that I would have a wonderful time with my best friend who has relocated to live on the island...but what I didn't know was that another visitor would attempt to show up to the island. His name, of course was OMAR.



Destined to hit Vieques head on, it struck dread in me. Besides watching the Weather Channel like it was the SuperBowl, I got a glimpse of what Hurricane prepardness means. It's always rather intriging to watch disasters on television, but breaking out the generator, the hurricane shutters, checking the cisterne, making sure adequate food, water, beer and charcoal are in stock, clearing the yard of loose possible projectiles, was a whole other ball of wax.



Now H. Omar just barely slipped past the island at the 11th hour, but when I went to sleep, I was prepared to wake up surrounded by water. Vieques is not a big island and with a lot of concrete structures it wouldn't have totally been annihilated, but water, electric, mudslides and property damage will have still been an issue...Hell, they take all of the small planes from the airport in preparation and no way are the ferrys going to be in port before a hurricane.



I did not think that I was going to be home today, but thanks to the carribean sea winds, I got away with no problemo.



Now, Vieques is a quaint island, nowhere as fast and modern as San Juan, but absolutely gorgeous and perfect for some one who wants to relax, admire horses herding upon the beach. It is home of the Bio Bay, a bioluminescient bay where if you swim at night the little micro-organisms glow around you. (They are harmless) It is a place where you can eat gormet meals as well as local fare for reasonable pricing and drink well into the night with friendly faces around. Most of all though, it is a place to chill and despite the excitement of the hurricane, I did just that putting on more than a few pounds to boot. Fine dining, I had such great conch fritters, swordfish, chirascuro, pasta, chowder...Several of my favorite eateries, such as Tradewinds are located on the malecon (like a boardwalk), that overlooks the sea, but there are other restaurants peppering the island that are just as delightful such as Coqui Fire (who make exquisite hot sauces).

Again, it is a gorgeous island and I plan on returning soon, but for the uninnitiated, it is defintitly a place you need a guidebook and a guide for. And be careful of hurricane season.

Cons, Cons, Cons....

I leave for lovely Vieques, Puerto Rico on Friday and yet I can't help wanting to cry because Gaylaxicon starts this weekend! Yeah, some well known folk from Loose-Id and other publishers will be there. Yup, it will cover juicy topics like Bi-guys in fiction, but me... I'll be drunk and lying face down in sand, and while that will be a lot fun. I am missing out on prime networking.

Consoling myself and thinking about the cool conventions (but they won't be MM cennntraalll)... um, yeah the cool conventions to come. There are two in 2009 that I will definitely be at because I will be working security for them (again, not the best thing promo, but free admission helps). Those two will be Katsucon in February and Balticon around March.

As a new member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), I am saving coin to attend their conference in DC, July of 2009 but who know with the economy. That convention seems to cost a great deal

The most expensive for me would be Epicon in Vegas. Hotel, airfare, registration fee... coughcoughgamblinganddrinkingcoughcough money. Oh well, here's to getting out of my cave and socializing in 2009!!

Contests + Prizes= Happy

I love contests and prizes and goodie bags, but I also like shouting out for other authors.

Michelle Cary, a writer of romantic suspense is holding a contest over on her blog. She will be giving out tote bags, promo goodies and books. Feeling lucky? Head on over here for details.

What About Fan Fiction?

Every now and then I am asked about the fan fiction I used to write back in the day. Today, I was asked about a particular epic that may or may not have included several real actors from LOTR....Well, needless to say, that when I decided to write the OF (original fiction), I not only took down all of my fan fic, I desolved the old website. I am not ashamed of it...well, I don't think that I am and God knows that I loved the amount of attention and feedback that I got from the fan fic community, but now that I'm in business with a publisher, I get paranoid. What if someone sued me? Would it effect my career in the long run?

I don't know how publishers deal with former fan fic writers, but I do know that a lot of writers (ebook especially) cut their teeth in fan fic. I would love to know what they have done with their old fan fic cataloges. As for me, I would love to rewrite and transform those steamy tales in to original works but with 4 projects on the TBW (to be written) list, it won't be anytime soon...Que Sera, Sera...

G-Strain b. Sage Whistler

I love sci-fi, especially when it involves hulking, tall, warrior-like aliens. "G-Strain" by Sage Whistler is such a gem and I do not say that because I know her. I say that because I stayed up all night, neglecting my work and my gaming addiction to read this wonderful novella. Why is it wonderful though? Her talent at not only world creation but at setting a fast pace from Earth to a desolate planet and on to a vibrant, wonderful new world.

The story follows the abduction of two human males, specifically. Others are abducted, but this story focuses on two, Kenano and Jared. They are abducted by handsome, blue-skinned warriors called Lykurgans, due to a genetic trait that makes the two species compatible.

Kenano specificaly gets bonded to a warrior named Nurak, who has to protect his frightened yet couragous human from alien attack by a rival alien faction and a harsh, violent planet.

Sage knows her sci fi, I will give her that and her various alien species have wicked technology and even more wicked biology. I was totally immersed in the action and deeply craving the hookup between Kenano and Nurak.

If anything, my only gripe was that the novella needed to be a plus sized NOVEL. Still, this ebook was a delight to read!

Available from Amazon in Print Today!!

A Guardian's Desire, is officially my first print book release and it is available today from Amazon. It even has a blurb!! Oh yeah, I'm stoked and not just because I spent a hell of a time working on it but because I am a glossy, print book whore.

I will admitt that when I initially started work on this book, I did not think or imagine that it would be taken to print, and when I found out, I just kept staring at the email like, is it real? I made my first book in elementary school with board, contact paper, glue, needle and thread and paper. I illustrated it and everything. It was then that I knew what I wanted to do, make books, and today even more so, this book raises the bar.

Hopefully, I will continue to release ebooks and while another print book is not always promised, for now and for today, I have one and it is a very good one, full of adventure and erotic goodness.

Available today from Loose-Id and Amazon, I present "A Guardian's Desire."

Scarecrow b. Matthew Reilly

Am I a fangirl? Yes I am. On my fourth Matt Reilly book already and yes, whatever this man writes, I will read. I've come to the realization that the absurd, over the top action and nick of time salvations that occur a LOT in his text as well as the superhuman abilities of one Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield attract me in the same way that James Bond does, times ten. It is fiction and adrenaline fiction at that, which he writes and no matter how absurd the near death situation is, it gets my pulse going and does not let up.

In "Scarecrow," our hero is on a list of 15 international targets who are slated for elimination by some of the most elite badass, merc squads on EARTH! Each of the 15 have million dollar bounties on their heads and yup, Shane is one of them.

Along with his regular squad of friends: Book II, Gant, Fairfax and the Queen B herself, Mother, Schofield is joined by a new allie, someone who is just as tough, resiliant and superhuman as Scarecrow is. It's like when Superman meets Batman and they agree to work as a team...Yup, it is that awesome.

Literature it ain't, but ass-kicking fiction, it definitely is and while I doubt there will ever be a movie based on any of Reilly's books (the special effects would be waaay too costly), I for one am definitely looking forward to checking out more of his works.

Meow Mix...The Heart of Bast

It's novella time!!! (WhhoooHoooo) I am currently at 23,000/50,000 words on my latest project "The Heart of Bast," and well it's kind of a relief to be working on something smaller for a change. I am trying to stick to my guns and wrap this story up, not going to try to blow it out of proportion at all. It is my ode to the Zoe-chick--aka-my cat, who is relaxing after a hearty meal of yellowfin tuna florentine and a bit of play with her new cat nip mouse.

Anyway, I was trying to figure out the best way to describe the story when I found this pic from the film 10,000 B.C. Sure the movie sucked balls historically, but it was beautiful to look at. This pic however describes the feel of my current project immensely though. Big cat bully!

In "The Heart of Bast" a werecat thief named Seth who likes pricey gems, fast cars and swank condos. He shuns his heritage but on the invite of a powerful boss, attempts to steal a prized artifact from the Basti, a werecat pride. The attempt is a horrible failure and his encounter with Crnswar, the Lord of the Basti is nothing short of life changing. Worse still, Seth soon discovers that while he thought to steal from the Basti, that they have instead stole something from him.

Okay, hookey blurb aside, this is a piece with a lot of claws, biting, blood and brooding...oh and hot werecat porn.

The Ice Man Cometh...Difficult Protagonists...

A few weeks ago I posted a sketch of Micah, the fire sorcerer, who beta readers seem to like waaay more than this guy here. Meet Peter Fitzgerald, one of my most intriguing and difficult protagonists. The reader may not like him much, but I just find him fascinating. Why? Because he is an unstable dominant personality and has a lethal personality. I'll admitt that I was thinking of a combination of Sub-Zero and the Ice Queen from 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,' when I first thought of Peter.

In the first book, Peter emerges into his power and basically takes ownership of his lover. Although Micah is more powerful than Peter, the loose vulcan canon in the relationship is definitely more lethal.

I am fascinated by the idea of the dark side (Anakin) and the fallen (Harvey Dent) and I want to use Peter to explore those ideas my own way. I want to see Peter get stronger, become more wicked, a tad more perverse and more unstable.

World Building...Or Plain Gluttony

First off, The Sorcery of Shadows submission package was sent off this morning. While I am wishing it luck, I know that backer or no, it will have a sequel.

Second, I also got to work on The Heart of Bast, my ode to Zoe's favorite brand of cuisine; The Fancy Feast/ Elegant Medleys selections. She actually prefers the Shredded Fare over the Florentines and Souffles, but anyhoo, I'm looking forward to weaving in many different, delectable entrees for the werecats in my story. Ah, yeah, a werecat would like sushi as well! Hot damn, I get to write about delicate plates of beautiful, ornaments of seafood and seaweed.

There are a lot of books and writers who have opinions on world building and the importance of it, and I for one stress the importance of knowing your paranormal breed and how you want to breath life into them. My werecats are far bigger than their natural counterparts, the change is physical, there are many types, some that like civilization and some that don't. As a reader, I know that I always want details, small and big. It can even be fun.

I'm making a few flounder filets tonight for me and Zoe (and heh, it's baked so it shouldn't be too fattening for her) and plan on getting back to work :D

The Ruins b. Scott Smith

There is a movie based upon this book. It was not very popular, but it was good... and it was far creepier than one might have imagined. A backstory addict, I will admit that the reason I just had to read the book had to do with me wanting to know more about the villian. Well...the book isn't concerned with the whys and the whyfores either. What the book is concerned with is terror and is far more intense, tragic and gory than the movie.

Outside of 'The Cobra Event,' I can't imagine a more terrifying way to die than any one of the ways in this book. Luckily, the majority of the book, probably 75% is dedicated to buiding up to the ominous end. It's light and jovial at times, following two couples and their friends on vacation, but when they take a trip to find a friends brother on a remote archealogical dig-- Well you can see the dark clouds just looming.

The evil in this book is plant-like in nature and pretty damn scary ..to me. So is the thought of being held prisoner on a hill with little food or water in an extrememly hostile environment. It was good book, slow at times but really scary in the way that worms are icky...(Thanks Wal Whitman btw.) I enjoyed it but it needs to go back on my Paperback Swap Bookshelf, some books are just too creepy to leave around the house.

Giving Back, Research, Helping Out...Or Yum...

I don't know what to call it, when an author buys another author's work. Maybe it might depend on the motive. I know that before I was published, I bought a lot more books than I do now. I purchased a lot of books from publishers I hoped to court and submit to, if only to develop a sense of their style. Lately, I spend so much time writing, that I rarely get the opportunity to read and I must admit that when it comes to ebooks, I can not sit and read a book on a computer because the compulsion and feeling of guilt will not let me get through it.

I'll be honest, I ordered Jet Mykles two Dark Elves novels for one specific place. The Bathroom. I read on the train, in the car (if not driving), while walking and definitely when flying, but it is in the bathroom where I trully love to read. In the shower or on the throne, I love the peace and quiet I get in that room. Crass, I know, but true.

While I haven't been reading much erotica lately (as represented by my book reviews), I am so stoked to have picked up this series. Why? Because it is a smutty, easy-reading, gem of fantasy and because I am a notorious fan of the Drow, which may or may not have been an inspiration for the species of dark elves in this book. An ole' AD&D player, I could not resist the idea of hot dark elf sex...(ref. to post about Prince Nuada/Drizzt) . It's no secret, I love monsters and hot fantasy sex, hell I my favorite fanfic pairing is Legolas and Gimli, so this book definitely caught my attention.

I have read the first book (Part 1 & Part 2) already. Yup. It took all of 5 days of bathroom time and it was a saucy, sexy delight. Het/ MM...Menage... tis my kind of read and while I won't go in depth with a Review until I have completed the entire series (I hear tell of a 5th book) I am definatley a fan of the series...it's so wickedly, naughtay :D

News Report 001

Good News! To my surprise and delight it is looking like "A Guardian's Desire" will be my first print book. Am I psyched? Yeah...and slightly nervous, you see at first I was thinking 'real book signings,' 'real book release party,' and 'print up adverts to leave in Borders,' but alas...sometimes I worry that I have the social skills of bear (in hibernation or out of). I am nervous. How so? I dropped out of EPIC because I was flamed (I sent a promo that I wasn't supposed to and they let me know that it was not appreciated). I stopped doing a lot of promo email, because I can't keep track of which list or group I need to submit stuff to and basically, I put the (her) in hermit.

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of author promotions: glamor shots, adverts, signings and appearances, one writer is doing do much, I had to wonder when she ever found time to write. I polan on working on the social skills some, but if anyone has tips for being better at promotions, I'd sure welcome them...otherwise, I'm having the release party at a pub--the favorite den of moody writers anyway? A book and a tumbler of scotch, anyone?

Sketch Book: Micah

Sometimes sketching out a character can help me to well...ok, here comes the cliche...It helps me to visualize the character and remember key details about them. It also gives me fantasy fodder. I don't do as much CGI sketching as I used to, but every now and then I get inspired...or challenged. I told my beta that I would have a picture of Micah up and a few hours later, here is my rushed attempt.

Micah is a character from my current WIP, The Sorcery of Shadows. A fire sorcerer, he has a calm demeanor and a gentle heart, but once enraged, he can bring the inferno of hell upon Earth. He is sexy, clever, and wise...but his mate the sorcerer of ice...well, his character sketch has not been done yet...Soon.

Ice Station b. Matthew Reilly

I learned many things from this book, namely various types of handgrenades and their yields, about the true nature of killer whales, about the horrible unstability of real estate on Antartica and (my fav) how to evade and disble opponents hunting for me with night-vision googles on.

Nope it wasn't the most prolific book I've ever read, but it was damn near the most action-packed. Now a self-professed lover of Matt Reilly and his 'nothing is impossible' scenarios, I have come to embrace Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield as the baddest badass on Earth. I mean McGuyver, Jack Ryan, Jason Bourne, James Bond and Lara Croft COMBINED could beat this guy.

While I enjoyed learning heaps (of probably untrue) background on the many special ops units of the world, and the conspiracy theory (maybe not) of infiltrators in general, I won't say that that this was anything but what it sets out to be...A KICK ASS Action Thriller that will have your heart racing at 60+ mph!!

Checklists, Outlines and Synopsis...Fun?

I find that during those few days of the self-imposed break, that I give myself between projects that scary things seem to happen, like...I get bored. After you've spent months of coming home to work on building a word count the lull of finishing a project is near painful. The real work soon comes into play, namely preparing the query letter and the synopsis (if you weren't prepared enough to have wrote the synopsis prior to the novel). This lull in creativity and excersize in business is ussually filled with questions such as: what promo am I going to do next, what project will I soon start, what updates need to be made to the website and where did my social life disappear off to?

In deciding to take a rest from my completed manuscript, I have a checklist that I have been working on. Although I am anxious to start the Hard Edit on "The Sorcery of Shadows" and even more anxious to start working on the numerous spicy sex scenes in "The Heart of Bast" I am forcing myself not to. One has to have time for the formal, business-type things, right? Like websites, polls, contests and *gasp* the actual submission process... and while I am getting things done (around the house too even), I am counting the days until I am able to edit...Sunday, August 17th...whoohoo...now when...oh when can I start writing hot werecat sex...Monday...maybe split my time between edit and free writing....I give up. I just need to get through my own self-imposed detox.

The Finished Line!!...Ok...The Final Countdown

"The Sorcery of Secrets" was finished last night around 10pm, while I watching disc 4 of 'Starship Troopers Roughneck Chronicles.' At 86,179K, I'm not going to say that its the longest thing I ever wrote, but it was the hardest by far. I have 2 Beta readers, gracious enough to take a look at it, but it narrowly fits into the romance genre...ok, very narrowly. I don't have a clue whether anyone will want to pick this up, but more than Guardian, this piece is slightly on the complex side and moreso than any other piece I wrote, this one screams sequel to me. But I am not going to think about it. Today is celebration day! Whoo Hoo.

Going to work on the dreaded 3-5 Synopsis and give myself sort of a mini-break. In preparation for work on my werecat story, I'm going to read the 30 or so pages I already wrote towards that project and kinda chill....if I can...

Natural Selection b. Dave Freeman

Looking for a creature feature? Something kind in the realm of the absurd, but not as far out and ridiculous as killer bunnies? Well, Natural Selection, might be the book to read. The killer creature in this book, in case you don't recognize it from the cover, is a manta ray. Now, in real life they are, pretty damn scary. The things can be 20+ feet across and weigh a few thousand pounds. Now imagine, the gaping mouths, full of teeth...imagine that they come on land and that they FLY!!

To say this book actually caused me to have a nightmare speaks not to the narrative talents of the author, but to my fear of the creature he creates. The book is full of unbelievable feats, of stupidity and bravery and reality, all rolled into one and the amount of times that a character has a PLAN and Knows How to Kill it, Find it and Solve problems might annoy a reader, but the book was a fun read and it is the summer time....

Earth, Wind and Fire...Um...and Water!

This weekend rocked in so many ways, the most important being that my muse sobered the hell up and really got busy. Not only did she give me the insight I needed to wrap up my current, monstrous novel, but she also gave me a more suitable title. Hawt Damn! Ok, so the novel formerly known as "Burned by the Sun" will hence forth be called "The Sorcery of Secrets." 3 cheers for the sibilant hiss. The muse seemed to think that the title should be a bit on the broad metaphor and metaphysical aspect, rather than focusing on just the heat aspect. In short, I wanted something that would focus on the many revelations that come to the main character rather than one specific point. I outlined (yeah, occasionaly I try) the last 3 chapters and lord willin' this puppy will be ready for launch.

At the moment the muse hasn't said anything about a sequel but then it is a part of a large universe and part of the story is untold deliberately. At nearly 300 pages, I didn't want to push the tale any broader than it already is. As it stands, I focus on only two types of sorcerers, fire and wind (In my sorcerer universe each has a specific element which they deal with). I can sorta see a sequel, focusing on different types, maybe a water sorcerer-- but I'm really not ready to put the cart before the horse.

Believe it or not, I actually have a set list and order of upcoming projects, now if I could just learn how to plot out a story, I might be able to produce things a bit faster and have to rely upon muse sobriety less.

The Hot Zone b. Richard Preston

I did not know that Richard Preston was related to Douglas Preston (The Reliquary, The Relic, Codex) but I guess that their passion for thrillers is a family trait. It didn't dawn on me until I read the acknowledgement page and saw Richard thanking his brother on it.

Ok, so The Hot Zone... while it was terrifying, it was not nearly as frightening as its "The Cobra Effect." The first fifty pages are a heavy, ominous decesent into not only the fear inspired by the Ebola virus, but the mystery of its origins on the African continent. As it is a true story, don't expect the pace to speed up, or for there to be any death-defying car chases. Expect a lot of information on biohazard suits, procedures, virus identification and case studies.

I enjoyed this book like I would have enjoyed a Discovery Channel special. It's depiction of an Ebola outbreak in Virginia...Yes, in the United States was intriguing, but no there are no machine guns involved and I don't believe that Preston does more than talk about people being in quarantine. Still, this is definitely in the top 10 of my Biological Thrillers List.

Arrr...Matey! Treasure? Where...

Plot like a Map or FlySeat O' Da Pants? Damn I wish I could plot out a story. Really. Just sit down at the computer and do a bullet list of the potential story to be from start to finish. Do I? Nope. I just sit down at the computer and pray...seriously. My prayer goes something like this:

Muse, Oh my Muse

Vodka should not be neat

betwix such loose, but dainty fingertips

Spare a moment

Give me verse, just a small rivlet

Bigger ocean may it join

The clock hunts me, while you sit

twirling another olive

come, come, please come.

Ok, it's not totally like that but still, I am on page 268 of a novel that I need to wrap up and I haven't a damn clue how. Proper planning might have helped, but no...I've scrapped about three scenes already and well, I'm starting to sneak in a few extra words on other projects (will not work on yummy werecat story yet...uggh ok, anymore...) Some might say shelve it, put it away and come back to it, but if I have to grab that muse of mine and demand that she show me the ending to this story then I will.

I prepared to be rough >:-(

Grrl Power...Yeah...

Well once you get past all of the hair, this is one of my favorite CGI creations (Shallow is my art psuedonym). I call it Happy and well it makes me thus because it touchs on the warrior woman attitude that I felt a great deal of growing up. I call my mom "Maximus."

With the release of my first female-centered novel, I wanted to tell the kind of story that I would like to read, about a female that is not dainty, not necessarily clever, and definitely not spunky. I wanted my character to be a brute force whose feminine side is manifested like a mountain.

As a writer of mainly M/M works, I often hint at strong women in the background, but it wasn't until the idea of Freya came to mind that I decided to write a story about a female.

While I am aware that most of my readers, probably won't touch the book because they prefer reading about the boys, I very much admit to all, that this was wholeheartily a beloved project to work on for me...and that there will be more warrioress stories, more man-handling of pretty boys and maybe even equally alpha men.

Actually, Happy is tied to a fantasy bunny about a villiage priest and the female battle instructor.

Weird? Maybe... but girlz rule!! Oh and if anyone has any referals for strong, big, dominant amazon women who man handle hot men, please drop me a note.

Kiln People b. David Brin

I know that this cover picture looks big, but the actual book seemed pretty, darn big when I picked it up. It's a thick work, and it took me a bit to get through it. Recommended to me by a co-worker, I was told a few brief details, namely that the story revolves around the concept that in the future, a man can transfer memories and a portion of his soul to clay golems. For example, I could make three copies of myself, send one to work, send one to do the house and yard work and another to go to play all day. At the end of the day (as golems have a 24hour shelf life) my golems would return home to inload their memories back to me.

Now, when I started reading this book, I was a little fuzzy about the details. I got that it was about a detective and a case he was one, but I wasn't really and truly impressed. But, I kept reading and well, this book is brilliant. Really!

It's kind of like Blade Runner, well it reminds me of Blade Runner. It blends the myth of the gumshoe detective with conspiracy and the question of 'what is it that makes a man?' The plot gets not only complex, but action-packed! The philosophy posed about the potential and the breadth of a soul is pretty deep and the science fiction (clay folk creation included) is wild.

If you like sci-fi that makes you think (the AVP book series is not one) then check out this book. I'm almost sad that I didn't get to read and discuss this in school, but then not enough attention is paid to semi-contemporary sci fi in school anyway. Not for the reader who wants instant gratification, but a pretty good book.

The Dream of the Beta Reader

Back in the day...ok, so maybe not that long ago, I used to write fanfic. I wrote Gladiator, LOTR, Harry Potter, Underworld and even X-Men slash. I decided to go Original around about 2006 and once I had my first release in 2007, I was hooked. So I hung up my fan fic pen. I enjoyed weaving my own tales, spending days, weeks and months in my own sandboxes and on my own worlds. I still do, but I find myself sometimes missing the community that immediately embraces the fanfic writer.

Now when you post a fan fic, you get comments, replies, praise and all of that fan interaction. Not so much when you're a begining Original Fic writer. (Either that or my readers don't have much to say good or bad) But what I miss the most and what I dream of mostly is....a beta reader.

Whoa, you want input on your writing style, on your story? Write a novella about Legolas and Aragorn or Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. You'll have to turn down beta readers, offering advice on everything from punctuation, sentence structure, continuity, pacing and then some! Whoa, I think. If I had a Beta reader that would allow me to embaress myself less when I turn manuscripts into my editor and would allow me some feedback.

An editor is not a beta-reader and you learn that when you submitt and get a rejection letter. However every once and a while you might get a thorough explaination and advice INSIDE of your rejection letter.

I guess back in the fanfic days, it was all pro bono, dealing in known-shared-and loved universes and done for the enhancement of the community. I know now that I am involved with monetary business, that it would be a bit much to ask for someone to give a free critique, but one can still day dream about the old days...

Conflict as opposed to PWP

I just got back from seeing Hellboy 2 a day ago and while it was a great movie, it was great because of one person. Prince Nuada. Now, while I would looovvvee to write some serious (PWP-porn without plot) fanfic, regarding a beautiful, dark elf, I have a backlog of original fiction that needs to be tended to. Anyway, back to Nuada, I saw him for more than he was...well, just now I did. The man is conflicted, he is the epitome of angst and he is more beautiful (especially when practicing or executing deadly martial arts) because of his convictions. His angst gave the piece depth, purpose and engaged me emotionally. Something that I want to try for in my pieces.

Hell, If I were to use Prince Nuada as inspiration for building better conflict, instead of just hanging his photo on my computer for day dream purposes, I would be better off. You see, I have a love/hate thing going with conflict as in I'm not the best weaver of it. I loose myself to the intro, the attraction, and the mad sex of a work, but unless it's a quickie (25pages) most publishers want conflict in their writers work. The more I think about it, I know that I have gone up against the beast several times and when mentioned earlier, namely in the first few chapters or as a reason behind the main characters hook-up, it goes better, than the wrench in the works process. Currently, I'm working on a piece, where I can not wholly define what the climax is. It might be an internal revelation, it might be a battle royale, but when I tell myself that I can end this piece (already 21 chapters) in 3, I worry that I might not.... maybe I should have just planned it better. I don't really know what the problem is. You see, I write like a mad bastard, but I don't study the technics enough, I think. Sometimes I feel that I need to plot more, daydream less, wait for the muse less as my muse drinks and is occasionaly unreliable.

Still, I love to read and watch conflicts: about vendettas and backstabbing, doublecrossing and revenge. I read thrillers, they're my favorite genre. Yet, once I write, I always think, that my stories could use more, more explosion, a bigger sense of crisis... and then comes another humorous, interaction scene instead. One of these days I intend to do some of those 'conflict in prose' workshops but realizing that there is a problem, I hear is half the battle.

Subterranean b. James Rollins

Well, this was a referral from a coworker, a tale of action and adventure with a dose of anthropology and conspiracy theory involved. This wasn't a half bad read for something that throws in everything but the kitchen sink, but it wasn't the best of books either and it may leave the reader with more than a few WTF moments. Now I could say that the story was about a plucky, headtrong female who takes her young son down to Antartica to explore a cavern that suggests a lost civilization and deep, dark wonders, but truthfully the story's focus changes to this Australian spelunker with Aboriginal blood.

When I say this tale has everything, it really does. It's like Jurassic Park, combined with The Cave, add a dash of Ewoks, and a misguided villian and poof, you get this book! I almost wish that some one would make this book into a movie because really, once you wade through all of the lost civilation, mystical whodo voodoo and the certain death moments, it's really and entertaining ride with enough monsters to shake a decent stick at. If you just need a page turner with wild thrills and not a whole lot of believability, check this one out!

Vacations for Writers...

Personally, I wonder how most writers deal with vacations. Well, if you're a full-time writer, you might spend it relaxing right? If you're a part-time writer, the word vacation might seem scary. I mean, for me personally, when given the choice between going on an excursion, going jet skiing, or eating out at a fabulous restuarant, I can't help wanting to just stay inside and write. 7 Days of nothing but scenery, air conditioning and a Carribean view. Still, every time I open up the laptop, I get the look of guilt.

Just think about it, nothing but comfort, time to write and a beautiful view! I'm not saying that I haven't been down to the beach. Hell, I've been on a lot of adventures this week and haven't done nearly the amount of writing that I should have. I'm refreshed...feeling guilty but refreshed.

Can the two ever equal out? Can I take a few days off of work just to do my own writing vacation...one shall see and can hope.

Riot Grrlz of the World...Unite and Take Over

I remember seeing something about the decline in sales and the dissapointment in fans when a writer switches genres and pairings and while I will admit that I have a lot of M/M pieces out, its not for want of composing something with a rocking female in it. I'm not down with the spunky, plucky, or nubile. My females are bone jarring, hard living machines of enforcement. Anyway, I know folk like to speculate on reasons for writing an MF or an MM, but so that there's no speculations for me, I will say that when I write MM, its definitely more fantasy than when I write MF, that's a bit more close and intimate.

Freya, the heroine in my upcoming release "A Guardian's Desire," is a warrior through and through. She likes to think that she is tough as nails and that nothing can harm her. When she goes against a monstrous beast and almost dies however, she learns differently. By getting to know three, plucky young girls, she learns how to reveal her soft side. But it is her attraction to one gifted, gorgeous, submissive male named Rayne that leads her down the path of no return. For Rayne is a Beta were and what he has he must share with his Alpha, Fenris....who doesn't know the meaning of submit.

Yeah, I'm worried and excited to see how this book turns out. It's a werewolf menage with lots of action, monsters and sex, but I think it has a heart too. Most of all I want to give a fierce portral of a female in my work. Hoping to write more in the future, but they are hard for me.

Leaving on a Jet Plane...aka Research...

While I promised myself that I would cut down on the amount of trips I took in order to be able to make more writing events, I find myself somehow preparing to leave for the lovely island of St. Martin, the Dutch side. However, it is not just coincidence that "Burned by the Sun" the novel I am currently working on takes place on the same island. I had been to St. Martin before and really adore the island. So, its going to work out perfectly. I'm going to carry my laptop with me, finish up the novel which only needs 3 more chapters and do a TON of background research...at the local bars.

Still, one day, I vow to hit a writers conference and while the massive RWA and RT are a bit pricey, con.txt is not really a writing con and I am still wary of Epic...and well in general kinda antisocial, I will make it to something with workshops on the use of commas, on the construction of believeable conflict in plots and how to plan a trilogy!!

I am sincerely thinking that maybe I should stick to something small though, like maybe my local chapter of RWA at least for 2009. I mean, taking a trip for research purposes for a novel has the same weight as social networking at a convention right?...Ok...so, really, I am going to try my damndest to make Balticon, it has a ton of writers activities.

And maybe next year for every two pleasure (writing and researching) trip I take, I'll take one convention trip (socializing, learning craft and maybe writing). Maybe...

Grinding and grinding...

I just got back from the post office, having mailed out all of the prizes from my recent 'Runaway' contest and am looking at several hours tonight spent on editing "A Guardian's Desire," which is slated for a July release...I have a self imposed completion date for "Burned By the Sun" of July 30, with a planned submission/fishing date in August. "Bulletproof," a gargoyle tale will be next on my list and then "The Petite Master" and then well...I'm grinding. I wish I could type a 100wpm, but I barely type 50 so I have to spend a lot of time in front of a keyboard, grinding. I suppose at some point I may need a newsletter and group, I may need to go to a conference or two and keep on expanding the back catalogue.

My point is that I don't know why other authors grind (churn out books at a fast pace) but my personal reasoning is this. At some point, I hereby vow that I will break into print, that I will get my name out into the public, that I will go to someone's pitching session and get an advance, that I will be able to comfortably put out one book instead of 3+ a year and will be able to quit my job and sell some movie rights.... [Ok, insert hysterical laughter here].

So, the odds are way stacked against me. While I may eventually have a back catalouge of over 20 pieces that doesn't necessarily mean I'll be writing for Kensington or Avon any day...but, one has to have goals doesn't one?

Like To Read? Love to Read.

A friend of mine at work told me about this online swapping community for books, called PaperBack Swap, where in for only the cost of postage, I could get rid of my books and get new ones for free. While the idea intrigued me for a while, it never dawned on me to try it out until last thursday night. So online I went with a box of unwanted Japanese Manga at my feet. It was insanely easy to populate my bookshelf (i.e. the books I'm offering to give). Using just the ISBN numbers, I had 23 books up for eager readers in less than a half an hour. NOTE: Only post as many books as you are willing to mail. You can buy postage online and they even give you the mailing wrappers for each book and recepient. Anyway, not soon after I finished posting did requests come in for 8 of my books. Pankicing because I didn't know the process would start so fast, I printed out labels and postage for all. (total=$25). The good thing however, is that soon books will be coming to me. (Richard Preston's 'Hot Zone'). I have started to request books, some that I actually want on my shelves and some that I just want to check out. If you are an avid reader or even collector, you definitely should check them out. It's cheaper than buying fresh paperbacks, and they also have a CD Swap and and DVD Swap :D

Beyond the Veil of Stars b. Robert Reed

For me there are two breeds of science fiction, cerebral and phyiscal. An example of cerebral science fiction would be 'Sunshine,' in which your brain can't completely wrap itself around the concepts given, but is stimulated nonetheless. An example of physical science fiction would be something like Aliens where the concept is simple, visceral and engaging on the endorphin level. There's not much to ponder in a physical sci-fi piece other than how hectic the adventure is. My latest read, by Robert Reed is "Beyond the Veil of Stars," and it definitely belongs to the cerebral category. This is not an adventure book at all, the climax is even a bit suspect but my brain actually liked this treat of a novel. It about the emotionally-defunct son of a UFO chaser and his contact with actual alien worlds after a world wide event that changes everything that everyone on earth believes...We are not alone...

This book kinda reminds me of X-Files, in that the concepts of aliens and travel and conciousness are spun completely on their heels. And just wait until you read about life on another world... The cover does nothing to hint at the complexity of existance (or the meaning of the book) and the ending is a bit blase and dry but I really did enjoy this.

The Incredible Hulk is fodder for...

Fanfic. It is. Unlike Iron Man, the new Hulk film is sexier than it should be. Either that or I really need to reconsider my current celibacy and get out and date... Ok, so I just got back from seeing the film and yes, Iron Man is the better film, but as sexy as Tony Stark is, the Hulk is sexier. I think what I liked most about Iron Man, was the growth of Tony Stark from an asshole to a hero. I also liked the comedy as well as the mayhem and machinery involved in Iron Man. The Hulk is a story of a man on the run. Bruce is a good guy from the start and to the end. The fight scenes are better in the Hulk, but I kept wanting more...ok, I'm a greedy action-whore. I felt like I was watching the Bourne Supremacy that just happened to have super-human characters in it. Even when Bruce (pretty hot Edward Norton) changed into the Omega hot Hulk, he still had that gorgeous brute that just wants to be left alone with Betty feeling. The scene where Betty is sitting with the Hulk and caressing his back, put bad ideas in my head...stretch pants and all...Anyway, if Iron Man is a B+, then the Hulk is definately a B. It was good. I enjoyed it, just not so much as an action movie.

BTW...if anyone knows of some Betty/Hulk fanfic, please drop me a line. I will not write...I swear.

Gasoline in $4.19 for Regular and I'm Curious...

I just saw a commercial on television for the video game "Brain Age," which is a nifty little thing that encourages learning and keeps the mind alert! I like problem solving, not math but the pursuit of creative solutions. Don't get me wrong, I like brute force, for fun and stupidity but not as a means of getting anything done. To get things done, I like slow and careful.

For example, our current gas and energy shortage, which I'm sure is unrelated to anything going on in the middle east...ok, sarcasm...but still, gas prices are shooting up and while there may be some relief in sight, it won't last long. Why? Because eventually our natural resources and reserves will be gone. Now, I don't know how to measure intelligence on a country-wide or even a planet wide scale, but I wonder-- Do world leaders have any access to scientists, reports, data? Didn't someone tell them that maybe finding alternative sources of energy, educating the public about energy conservation and constructing better forms of mass transit, would be good ideas? Hmm...I don't know, but then there's a lot I seem to be ignorant of? Why aren't guns illegal? Why do radicals care who sleeps with who? Why more money isn't spent in medical research and food production and why the space program has again taken a back seat...

Ok, so I think we should have pod cars that run off soy beans and electricity. I think we should have a space station worthy of docking craft and artificial gravity and asteroid detection equipment. I think we should have low cost, effective medicines and that all that money spent on military toys could have fed, clothed, educated AND housed several needy countries.

But then, if the leaders of the free world don't wonder about these things, maybe I shouldn't be. Maybe I should be thinking about how best to balance my budget or something.