What? I Can't Write All The Time?

I spend an abnormal about of time at my computer desk and while my kids, Zoe and Cougar can't stand it, (sometimes they even protests) I can get a lot done at my workstation. I can write, play World of Warcraft, shop, watch cable or dvds, listen to my tunes, answer calls, etc.

It's not the healthiest lifestyle, I know and I often tell myself that as soon as x,y,z goals are met that I will get up and away from my workstation and do something more active. I often fail miserably.

This weekend I made it a point to go to a writer's workshop, mainly because Treva Harte, editor and co-owner of Loose-ID, was going to be there. Still, it felt so good to be able to get out, not just to talk about craft, but to get out an participate in something. I will admit that for the most part lately, I have become a bit of a hermit. I used to go clubbing, used to get out and exercise, socialize too...but I don't and writing and gaming are not the only reasons why. They are pretty good exucuses though.

As I finish up my current writing project, one of the things foremost on my things to do, is get more involved in outside ventures, a bookclub and a gym mainly. I have more stories to tell, so I need to be in good shape and fairly healthy to write them. But I can't write all the time.

"Valor's Trial" b. Tanya Huff

Valor's Trial by Tanya Huff

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
While this book blew me away, it's more like standing in the wave of a nuclear blast and watching everything blow away and I'm still standing by some unnatural stroke of luck. This book, which could be the last piece of the Confederation novels, isn't the weakest one but its not the strongest either. I am very much a fan of Book 1 & 2, but it was vital that for me to finish the whole series. Gunnery Sergeant Kerr is still badass, however and her feats in this book catapult her to legendary status. Trapped in an underground prison, odds stacked way high and with faltering morale, Torin Kerr has to overcome some serious hurdles for her freedom and the freedom of her fellow marines.



Once again, Tanya Huff writes some amazingly endearing characters, and once again she deals some heavy, death scenes...In a sentence or two at times...but with no less punch.



While the book comes to a decent end, I hope that Tanya Huff uses this universe again at some point. Her world-building and character development are so rich, that they are a joy to experience.


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"Life As We Knew It" b. Susan Beth Pfeffer

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Survival literature is what this book should be called although I hear that it is a young adult book. Referred to me by a friend, I was interested in a diasaster read and the book looked to be a fairly quick read. The novel focuses on a girl named Miranda and her diary's through an apocalyptic disaster. From worries about high school and boys to worries on how to survive with rationed food, no water and no electrcity. This book will depress you and make you paranoid beyond belief. You will be checking to make sure you have a supply of bottled water, looking at your canned goods and making sure you have supplies of medicine and batteries. From diary entry to diary entry, the reader progresses through the harrowing events caused by the moon being knocked too close to Earth. Volcanos, earthquakes and of course tidal waves ensue. Looting, violence and scavaging abound...and through it all a girl becomes a woman.


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The Heart of Valor b. Tanya Huff

The Heart of Valor by Tanya Huff

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars


Gunnery Sergenant Torin Kerr is back again, kicking ass and keeping folk alive in the heat of battle. As I become more and more emmersed in the world of Huff's making, I still have no idea what the H'San look like. Still the Di'Taykan and the Krai make great soldiers in arms, as Kerr is chosen to accompany a recovering General, his civilian doctor and a platoon of new newb Marines to Cruicible, an intense battle-training planet designed to train efficent soldiers. Needless to say that things go south pretty much thereafter.



Huff manages to write a fetching sequel in the Valor series and while this book is not as hard edged as the first in the series, Huffs talent for writing engaging seiges, battle planning, space jargon and alien sexual inneuendo is superb! I can't wait to get my hands on book 4!!!


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Late Balticon Report

Monday, May 25, 2009

Well, as I am writing this report, I am gearing up to go for my last shift in the game room at Balticon. From 1a.m.-9a.m., this has been an intriguing and enlightening experience for me. This being my first Balticon and a convention with a great deal of writer-centric program offerings, I really felt that I got something out of this experience other than credit card receipts. I attended several cool panels, namely “Seducing the Editor,” “Villains in Science Fiction” and “Peddling Smut.” I might have attended more but as it was, I have been wiped out by the late night game room monitoring.

I got to meet some very cool people, namely gay writer J.M. Snyder, Phaze publisher Kathryn Lively and publisher/writer Alessia Brio, all of who gave me great tips and advice. I received several free books, advertisements, cds and yes I received a Bookworm Bag!! Ahh, the promo stuff that I have to go through, the suggestions that I want to follow up on—it’s all so daunting and exciting at the same time. Attending a convention more geared towards writers is such a refreshing jump starter and I am so glad I came. Although, my cats, Zoe and Cougar might be a tad pissy.

While much, much smaller than other cons I have attended, I have to say that I love having a short wait for the elevator, no crowds that make maneuverability in the halls a nightmare and having workshops that do not have to be held in an auditorium. I do have to learn how to pace myself better, especially if I am going to work at night, but other than that, I have had a wonderful time this Memorial weekend. I even purchased the cutest little addition to my office Godzilla and friends’ collection. I also purchased a copy of the hilarious “Zombies versus Ninjas,” the horror-comedy which was premiered at the con. The directors (I think they were) were there and convinced me to give this low-budget gem a look see. They also recommended their podcast Suckcast, both have turned out to be gems.

I definitely plan on attending next year, if only just to see one of my new favorite writers, Tanya Huff!!!