A Matter of Character

I figured out what my problem is with this book.  My characters.  When Jo Davis was at chapter the other day, we talked about how her books are character driven as opposed to plot, and I agreed saying so were mine.  We both agreed that if you know your characters well enough, then the book practically writes itself as you know how your characters will react in any given situation.  Think about it.  Think about the person that you know best in your life.  Then say this person is in a traffic accident, the other person approaches the car with a menacing look on their face .. how would this person react?  How about if someone told you that they were planning a surprise party for this person – how would they react to that?  If you know someone well enough, you can pretty much figure out how they will react to anything.  And that’s the problem. I don’t know my characters that well.  Normally when I write a book, I have the characters “picked out” (i.e. magazine photos, etc.), their names and all of that chit.  This one hit me without all of that and I just started typing.  Do you know that I’m really not sure what Casey, my heroine, even looks like?  I think she’s a blue-eyed blond, but I’m not sure.  Nick, my hero, is Hugh Jackman .. that’s a given. 

The only other character I’m sure about is a secondary character named Jit, who is portrayed by Michael Jeter.

  Recently I decided on my H/H for the next book – Deacon and Halley – and I know that he’s Josh Holloway.  

But that’s pretty much it.  

I need to sit down and sketch them out.  I need to find Casey.  I need to .. yeah, I got work to do.

Oops!

I know, I know ... where have I been? Um, busy? No, that's not right. Absentmindness land? Yeah, that's more like it. I'd think about posting while I was doing something else, but then I'd forget after I was done ... complete into-my-head-out-my-ear-syndrome. I'm just not into the routine yet ... but hey, I'm here now aren't I? Sort of. I'm actually getting ready for work, which means I don't have a lot of time to create some witty, exceptionally profound blog ... only this lame excuse for filling space, or making you read something. Sorry - you're going to get to the end of this and wonder .. what???? Gotcha! Ever watch Seinfeld? Okay, so I haven't either, but I often heard it described as a show about nothing. Well, you've just been "Seinfelded" ... a blog about nothing. Except rambling. My style.

So, on Monday I meant to leave you some Valentine's Day (eye)Candy ... maybe we'll just make it Hump Day Love instead. Enjoy. And don't drool on your keyboard, it'll be messy.

So you wanna know about my writing

Well guess what? So do I. Not writing much lately, in fact I haven't done a lot of writing in months. I'm having a problem getting into the characters, into their heads; can't seem to grab the rhythm, the beat or pulse of the story that is an important part of my voice. In other words ... I can't find my voice. That's the other reason I needed to get this blog up and going again. This is where I found that part of me that is uniquely me .. my writing voice. So, in the meantime, you can ogle Nick, my hero ... no touching ... and please, wipe up the drool when you leave.

Monday, Monday

Another month of Mondays, hmmm, wait – there’s one more to go, right? So we’ve almost completed a month of Mondays. LOL Winter is giving away to the two weeks of Spring that we get around here; then it’s Summer’s tight grip. And what does Bailey hate more than cauliflower? Yeah, Summer. Around here Spring is also referred to “duck, it’s a thunderstorm”. And we have some coming this week. I hope so – I do love thunderstorms, as long as no one gets hurt or loses property, but I love it when the thunder is so loud it makes the windows shake and rattle. Heavenly.

I received an interesting message from someone on my friends list on MySpace. Goes by the name of Spartan? Thought my profile was interesting and would like to read one of my books. I’d like to read one of my books. But that’s another matter. I don’t know if he was hitting on me or if he was serious. I don’t think I want to know. Almost jailbait as it is – a seventeen year difference. I know, it’s been done, but not by me – thankyouverymuch. Although …. Hugh Jackman, call me, please.

I didn’t get any writing done this week. I didn’t get a lot of anything done this week. At least I’m consistent. That’s something, isn’t it?

So what did you do this weekend. And be specific, I’m taking notes.

He Sings!! He Dances!!!!

Oh, and there were some awards too. LOL

Yeah, the Oscars were mostly what I thought they would be. Not a lot of surprises. I'm really glad that Heath won for Best Supporting. Bebo and I watched the Batman movie in utter amazement at his performance - we really saw no trace of Heath Ledger, just The Joker - and that's how a performance should be. In the first Batman movie it wasn't that way. While Jack Nicholson gave a great performance, you could still see Jack Nicholson - in his voice, his mannerisms, etc. A little over the top Jack Nicholson, but still .... But Heath's performance - there wasn't, I don't know, you couldn't see Heath. I know I'm probably not explaining this well, so you'll have to take my word when I say that I sincerely believe that he deserved this award for the performance that he gave and for no other reason.

I had forgotten that Sean Penn had won the SAG awards or I wouldn't have been surprised at this win - I thought it would be Mickey Rourke - that he was the shoe-in. Kate Winslet was no surprise for the best actress - that left the best supporting award for the "unknown", since Kate won it at both the Golden Globes and the SAG awards. I've always liked her - liked that she was a "real" woman, not anorexic looking, but what a woman really looks like - at least a healthy woman. Not that there isn't a lot of healthy anorexic looking woman in real life - it's just nice to see someone on screen who has meat on her bones and plays the leading lady.

Anyway, I thought that Hugh did a great job - he sang, he danced - he pretty much did what he did at the Tony's - he entertained.

Just Imagine

Okay, imagine this is a blog post. In fact, while we're at it, imagine this is the best damn blog post you've ever read. Why? 'Cuz I'm queen and I said so ... besides, I have nothing to blog about, that's why. So, this is the greatest blog post you've ever seen, got it? While we're at it, let's add some imaginary pictures of sexy guys. Yeah, that's it - lots of sexy guys: a little Jackman, a few Clooney, some Bill Pullman (hey, I think he's sexy), a couple of Blooms - you get the idea, right? Sprinkle in a joke sent by Susan/Christa/Bebo/whoever - real hysterical/groaner joke. A fantastic review of a book I haven't read yet, and presto chango, a blog post. See, that was easy, wasn't it? What do you mean you don't see anything? You have to use your imagination. You got one of those, don't you? Do I have to do all of the work around here? Okay, okay, .... let's see ... I went to the Yellow Rose Christmas party Saturday night! Had a great time. Bebo and I actually got there without getting lost. That's a first so far. Well, we did get lost going home, but hey, it was dark!!! We just refer to it as adventures in driving. and that's it! Yeppers, that's the full story of my weekend. Don't you wish you'd stuck with the imaginary post??


moar funny pictures


moar funny pictures


moar funny pictures

It's About Time

I don't understand why it took them this long to figure this out. I mean, yeah Clooney can do it for me, but twice? Damon? Uh uh (sorry Jill). Pitt's a looker. Bt I ask you, what ... what was so hard about picking this guy? I read a list of the best looking men in hollywood and he wasn't even on it? Are they insane? Have they all lost their marbles? Finally, yes finally, People Magazine told the entire world what I've known all along.

HUGH JACKMAN IS THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE

I say again, it's about time ...

If it's Monday, then yesterday had to be Sunday

Yeah, I've lost sight of my days. LOL

I really don’t know if I’m perturbed or not. Hmmm? Oh, perturbed. You know, put out, etc. not that I put out or anything, uh, sheesh, where was I? Oh, perturbed. Anyhoo, there’s this Airborne commercial and it, … yes, I said commercial, keep up will you! There’s this Airborne commercial and … I don’t care if it’s spelled with or without the “e” at the end, leave me alone. Airborne has this commercial with Sebastian the romance book hero and I don’t know whether I’m amused or insulted. I mean, I’ve spent a lot of time flapping my gums defending romances as no longer being filled with Fabiolics and bodice ripping, and along comes this commercial that seems to negate (yes, party word) everything I’ve said. Well, not everything, ‘cuz frankly it doesn’t concern everything, just the stuff that pertains (ooooh, I’m on a roll now) to romance novels. Confused you yet? Good, I’ve been trying hard to gather people into my little world. Anyhoo, there he is, Sebastian, an example of manly manhood with his flowing brown locks, his bare chest, loin cloth like thingie – I can’t tell if he’s supposed to be Native American, Aztec, jungle king, whatever, but he’s a walking, non-talking example of the kind of romance hero that belongs in another era. And he seems clueless. Yes, that’s the kind of man I want, all looks but no brain …

So like I said before – giggly or growlie? High-horse, soapbox or do I just let it go as an example of my whacked out brain looking for romance conspiracies. After all, I don’t see Oliver Stone hanging around. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Here’s the link. After the screen pulls up, click on “who is Sebastian” or something similar (oops, fragment). Yeah, that’s it. See? The wigglet wonder in the thongs – on his feet ladies, on his feet. *rolling eyes*

I mean, if they’re going to pull out a romance hero, why not something this for example?

So there you are, Bailey's dream romance heroes. Anyone you would choose? Oh, and don't forget to weigh in on the Sebastian thingie.

I'm feeling much better now thank you!! Hardly any wheezing today at all, and after I switched to menthol cigarettes, hardly any coughing either.

And I can't close without a sincere goodbye to a great man. People often complain about stars who ask for money for causes, saying stuff like "why don't they put their money where their mouth is" and the like. Well, Paul Newman did. All of the profits from the Newman's Own line went to charity. Yeah, neato isn't it.

Paul Newman

January 26, 1925

September 26, 2008

Hey

Can't you see I'm busy here? Oh, you can't? Well, I am. Glenice and I are about to watch Van Helsing because we're both feeling the need for Hugh. So, to keep you occupied here's another YouTube laugh (I'll be back on Wednesday). Have fun!!

Monday, 'nuff said

Glitter Graphics & Comments


I made a mistake tonight. I went back and read all of the entries on my old Alzheimer's blog. I thought I could do it, you know it's been a year. I thought I could step back and read it dispassionately. That's what I get for thinking. I bawled like a baby. Why did I do it, you might ask. I received an email from someone who had come across the blog and who was looking for some answers. She is now the caregiver for her mother. I said what I could, then went back and read the blog. Just shoot me now.

I spent most of the day culling my books. I have two built-in bookshelves which I obviously can't take with me, so I needed to get rid of some books. Four boxes and two bags later, I'm done. No, the Shalvis Shrine was not touched. There is only one thing that would make me touch that - if Mrs. Hugh Jackman were to come over and say "I'll give you my husband for your Jill Shalvis books" I might have to think about it - long and hard. I love you Jill ... Oh, and there were also all those books I brought back from RWA intending to give them away on the blog. Then I realized I didn't have the money for postage ...

Did you know Bubba farts when I pick him up? Why did I tell you that - because everyone should be warned.

No YouTube today - thought I'd spare you.

Have a great Monday everyone.

Just a Friday

I'll be back next week, honest. If you're wondering what's going on (like you haven't been by this week) then go here. Otherwise, enjoy Hugh as host at the Tony Awards. Have a great weekend.

Cats New Years Resolutions

But before I get to that, this is for Ames, because she's been so desperate for them:

Cats New Years Resolutions (I didn't write them, Bebo emailed them to me)

My human will never let me eat their pet hamster, and I am at peace with that.

I will not slurp fish food from the surface of the aquarium

I will not eat large numbers of assorted bugs, then come home and
Throw them up so the humans can see that I'm getting plenty of
Roughage.

I will not lean way over to drink out of the tub, fall in, and then
Pelt right for the box of clumping cat litter. (It took FOREVER to get
The stuff out of my fur.)

I will not use the bathtub to store live mice for late-night snacks.

We will not play "Herd of Thundering Wildebeests Stampeding Across the
Plains of the Serengeti" over any humans' bed while they're trying to
Sleep.

I cannot leap through closed windows to catch birds outside. If I
Forget this and bonk my head on the window and fall behind the couch
In my attempt, I will not get up and do the same thing again.

I will not assume the patio door is open when I race outside to chase leaves.

I will not stick my paw into any container to see if there is
Something in it. If I do, I will not hiss and scratch when my human
Has to shave me to get the rubber cement out of my fur.

If I bite the cactus, it will bite back.

When it rains, it will be raining on all sides of the house.
It is not necessary to check every door.

I will not play "dead cat on the stairs" while people are trying to
Bring in groceries or laundry, or else one of these days, it will
Really come true.

When the humans play darts, I will not leap into the air and attempt
To catch them.

I will not swat my human's head repeatedly when they are on the family
Room floor trying to do sit ups.

When my human is typing at the computer, their forearms are
*not* a hammock.

Computer and TV screens do not exist to backlight my lovely tail.

I will not puff my entire body to twice its size for no reason after
My human has watched a horror movie.

I will not stand on the bathroom counter, stare down the hall, and
Growl at NOTHING after my human has watched the X-Files.

I will not drag dirty socks onto the bed at night and then yell at the
Top of my lungs so that my humans can admire my "kill."

I will not perch on my human's chest in the middle of the night and
Stare until they wake up.

I will not walk on the key board when my human is writing important
Adagfsg gdjag ;ln.

If I must claw my human I will l not do it in such a way that the
Scars resemble a botched suicide attempt.

If I must give a present to my human guests, my toy mouse is much more socially acceptable than a big live bug, even if it isn't as tasty.

Bubba Blogs

Since I can’t think of things to blog about, I’ve turned over the blog today to Bubba the Red-Necked Kitty. Blogsters – here’s Bubba.


Mommie feels kind of sad because it was one year ago today that we lost my little brother Devlin. I kinda miss the little fella myself. So I’m supposed to put in here a little of what mommie calls lividity ..

Levity

… levity into the joint. (I can do this myself mommie).

I never said you couldn’t.

Quit looking over my shoulder.

I’m not looking over your shoulder, I’m um, looking at my reflection in the computer screen.

I only see Hugh Jackman.

So do I.

Mom!

I’m leaving, I’m leaving.

Finally. Now, as I was saying … hey Aidan, what are you doing?

Eating tuna.

Don’t get that on the keyboard, mommie will have a cow.

Neat, beef!

You’re such a moron.

Spaz.

Butt licker.

You have a problem with that?

Um, dog lover.

Momma’s boy.

Hey, this is supposed to be my blog post.

So write the thing, I’m not stopping you.

Quit looking at me.

Not a problem, I’m trying to eat anyway.

Haven’t you written that post yet?

I give up.

Wuss puss

Tuna breath

Out, both of you. I’m sorry folks, maybe there’ll be a better post tomorrow. Excuse me now, I have to break up a cat fight. Bubba, get off Aidan's face!

New Hero

So I'm watching Nora Robert's Carolina Moon a few weeks back and, well let's just say my heart still belongs to Hugh, but Oliver here has got to be a hero in one of my books.

Oscar, Oscar

I can’t remember ever having been so bored by the Oscar broadcast. I mean, some years were better than others, but this was just … or I don’t know – blah? My mind kept drifting, I didn’t find a lot of the jokes funny. I love Ellen – I think she’s hysterical and, whenever I remember to, I watch her show, but I didn’t think she was funny. She was better than David Letterman, but Ben Stein could have done better than he did. I did like her banter with members of the audience - giving Martin Scorcese a screenplay. I miss Billy Crystal. He is the uber-host of the Oscars. Or Whoopi. The shtick between Leonardo and Al Gore was cute though. I'm glad Jennifer Hudson won - so there Simon, she is an American Idol. And what is it with those dancers/whatever they were? Totally dullsville. But then a bright and shiny moment happened. In the midst of all of this blahdom out walked, yes, Hugh. My Hugh. Handsome in his tux, resplendent in all of his manly glory. Almost made it worth the nearly four hours.

I also felt a little lost. I haven’t seen any of these movies. I’m so out of the loop.

Breathing is a little better, strength not great. I don’t know if I’m going to make it to work on Tuesday or not. And now that I've stayed up so late watching the Oscars, I'm awfully tired.