Hi Guys! Cie here!
Everybody has their own taste and opinions. Liz Taylor has admitted publicly to LOVING the color purple. Adores it. It is her signature color, etc. I like purple. It's a pretty color. Looks great on her. But it's not my favorite.
I have never been a fan of pink -- any shade. Nor am I big on ruffles and bows. Far as I'm concerned, a little bit of lace goes a long way. I like it, but in small amounts. You can ask my mother to confirm this. She will regale you with tales of the horror I was during Easter dress shopping almost from the time I was an infant.
Given a choice, I will never wear a pink garment, paint a room pink, or have a pink ANYTHING. I don't care how beautiful it is the words just pop out of my mouth "But it's PINK!!!" This is stupid, I know. I am not, after all, the arbiter of all good taste (although I should be, dammit! LOL) This will leave all the more of these things available for the rest of you. Enjoy.
I guess part of this is a reaction to the overload of red and pink that bursts out every Valentine's Day. (Not my favorite holiday either. Probably because I'm single. Then again... it COULD be the pink. It really could.)
Anyway, the whole taste thing has come up for a reason (Really! Honestly! This is going somewhere!). In writing our books Cathy and I have been talking about the characters (as always). Your taste in clothing, furniture, housing, etc. says a lot about you. It's important to have your character live in a place that makes sense for their personality. The other day Cathy and I took a field trip into the local furniture stores looking at what rugs, art, and furniture the main characters of her book would have in their homes.
Thus far, most of the characters I have developed have had hardwood floors and lived in apartments or condos of one sort or another. Part of this is that having people in neighboring apartments gives you interesting character interactions. Another part is that the characters have lived in older, recently renovated buildings (Kate did her own renovations, Cat hired it out)and hardwood is "in" right now. Also, these are impatient people who wouldn't want to deal with spills or stains on a carpet. My current character is much the same, but she has really lovely expensive rugs and oriental carpets (some of which are about to be ruined in the next scene -- sigh). Raphael's home in Cat was a Frank Lloyd Wright design, with lots of tan stone and cubbyhole areas, but very distinctive lines. His pack office was airy, carpeted and done in soothing colors and light oak and original art work. Lucas, on the other hand, had an office down the hall that was very "lawyerly" with dark cherry furniture, burgundy leather chairs with brass studs and lots of bookshelves. Very different people with very different work spaces.
Windows, too, are a big thing in a lot of the stories I write. Not only do they make things light -- they give the character something to look at when they are thoughtful, trying to avoid eye-contact or whatever. I'm only realizing this now, oddly enough.
The characters Cathy has written have been much more likely to have carpet, more modern furnishings with clean lines, etc. It's not better or worse, it just *IS*.
The trick is to make sure that you don't make everybody alike. Carmine and Linda are NOT going to live in the same type of house as Sue and Tony. It's a personality thing. Fortunately for me, Cathy and I have completely different taste, and while this may make designing the website or ads a topic for long discussion, it means that our characters are going to have more variety.
Anyway, it's something to think about. Because when the character turns the front door key and walks into their home, it needs to be THEIR home.
Gotta run. Have a great day!
Cie
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Stuff/Then Rant
A couple of things. I should keep this short while I try to get moving at work, but there are things I want to address.
Good news -- Our editor from Tor will be at a conference in early April in San Antonio so we're going to head down to meet up with her. When we inquired about it the group graciously invited us to join their signing AND to speak. Seriously cool!
OK RANT TO FOLLOW. STOP HERE IF YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED (AND YOU'RE PROBABLY NOT)
First - I hate having to be phony, but sometimes it is just required. For example, in a previous job I worked for more than 7 people, and there were 65 or so faculty members. Some of them were terrific. Some of them were terrific a**holes. I had to be polite to each and every one of them, no matter how ridiculously or horrendously they behaved. It's part of the whole office staff job description. Then there are the really snobby folks who turn up their noses at what I write or do things like wave cheerily, but speed up so that they won't have to talk to me outside of the office. Still have to grin and bear it when they show up at work. UGH.
I also have no clue on certain social issues, and don't give a da** about others. Which makes it very difficult for me when I'm placed in situations with folks for whom appearances are EVERYTHING. I really do care a lot more about what someone has to say than what they're wearing when they say it -- and whether I think they're a good hearted person than what kind of vehicle they drive or the neighborhood they live in (or their apparent bank balance).
Secondly, I hate that people ASSUME that your characters' lives reflect yours. I've written a psychopathic serial killer -- but I'm not; a cop (I'm not); a vampire hunter (Nope); etc., etc. Some of our characters are prejudiced. Some are brilliant, some aren't. I figure I (and by extension other authors) wouldn't be all that creative if we had to LIVE OUT everything we put our characters through. Doesn't make sense. Just because a character loves a leather and chrome living room doesn't mean I've got one. And believe me the characters' sexual proclivities and preferences reflect options out in the real world but not necessarily my or Cathy's own preferences or practices. (Hell, I have no idea, nor do I want to know, what goes on between my favorite authors and their significant other(s)). The prurient interest aspect really annoys me.
Good news -- Our editor from Tor will be at a conference in early April in San Antonio so we're going to head down to meet up with her. When we inquired about it the group graciously invited us to join their signing AND to speak. Seriously cool!
OK RANT TO FOLLOW. STOP HERE IF YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED (AND YOU'RE PROBABLY NOT)
First - I hate having to be phony, but sometimes it is just required. For example, in a previous job I worked for more than 7 people, and there were 65 or so faculty members. Some of them were terrific. Some of them were terrific a**holes. I had to be polite to each and every one of them, no matter how ridiculously or horrendously they behaved. It's part of the whole office staff job description. Then there are the really snobby folks who turn up their noses at what I write or do things like wave cheerily, but speed up so that they won't have to talk to me outside of the office. Still have to grin and bear it when they show up at work. UGH.
I also have no clue on certain social issues, and don't give a da** about others. Which makes it very difficult for me when I'm placed in situations with folks for whom appearances are EVERYTHING. I really do care a lot more about what someone has to say than what they're wearing when they say it -- and whether I think they're a good hearted person than what kind of vehicle they drive or the neighborhood they live in (or their apparent bank balance).
Secondly, I hate that people ASSUME that your characters' lives reflect yours. I've written a psychopathic serial killer -- but I'm not; a cop (I'm not); a vampire hunter (Nope); etc., etc. Some of our characters are prejudiced. Some are brilliant, some aren't. I figure I (and by extension other authors) wouldn't be all that creative if we had to LIVE OUT everything we put our characters through. Doesn't make sense. Just because a character loves a leather and chrome living room doesn't mean I've got one. And believe me the characters' sexual proclivities and preferences reflect options out in the real world but not necessarily my or Cathy's own preferences or practices. (Hell, I have no idea, nor do I want to know, what goes on between my favorite authors and their significant other(s)). The prurient interest aspect really annoys me.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Rest
OK, I'm back. Only a few minutes, but I thought I'd check in. I've found a new doctor (mine closed his doors abruptly) and I lucked out in that she actually HAS one of the major things wrong with me. This means she understands AND from what I can tell has taken a vested interest in getting all the best and most current information. WHOO HOOO!!! I'm scheduled for blood work and tests (ugh), but I now actually am hopeful that I'll eventually feel really GOOD again instead of dragging butt all the time. Again WHOO HOO!!!!
The puppy is named Lucky. She is apparently at least part Catahoula Leopard Hound. She is smart, stubborn, and is getting along really well with the cats. It appears that I will continue to be the proud owner of a dog, and I am in the throes of housebreaking. UGH. Only a week until Touch of Evil is due out. WHOO HOO!!! Pre-sales are going well. Reviews are great (catch them on our website if you like -- http://ciecatrunpubs.com).
Writing is going slowly, mainly because I've been coming home from work and falling face first onto the bed for a while. But progress has been being made on the weekends, and I am taking any progress I can get.
Well, gotta get back to the day job. Everybody be good, be happy, and I'll talk to you later. If you get the book, and read it, post your review on Amazon or B&N, and comment here if you would so that I can know what you think.
Later!
Cie
The puppy is named Lucky. She is apparently at least part Catahoula Leopard Hound. She is smart, stubborn, and is getting along really well with the cats. It appears that I will continue to be the proud owner of a dog, and I am in the throes of housebreaking. UGH. Only a week until Touch of Evil is due out. WHOO HOO!!! Pre-sales are going well. Reviews are great (catch them on our website if you like -- http://ciecatrunpubs.com).
Writing is going slowly, mainly because I've been coming home from work and falling face first onto the bed for a while. But progress has been being made on the weekends, and I am taking any progress I can get.
Well, gotta get back to the day job. Everybody be good, be happy, and I'll talk to you later. If you get the book, and read it, post your review on Amazon or B&N, and comment here if you would so that I can know what you think.
Later!
Cie
Thursday, February 16, 2006
GOOD NEWS
Kirkus reviewed Touch of Evil and LIKED IT. WHOO HOO!!!
Seriously, good reviews are coming in for the book. It makes me so very happy! Back to work! Someday, I'll be able to write full time. SOMEDAY.
Seriously, good reviews are coming in for the book. It makes me so very happy! Back to work! Someday, I'll be able to write full time. SOMEDAY.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
20/21 Years
Twenty or twenty-one years ago right this moment I was being given anesthesia and asked to count backwards from 100. I was going into surgery for them to remove my necrotic left kidney and I was actually pretty sure I wasn't going to be coming out of it. I had, in fact, been really, really pissed that the nurses wouldn't let me see the flowers that had been delivered ahead of time because I KNEW my sister, aunt and my mother had gone all out. My son was 2 (either just turned or getting ready to) and I was really afraid that I wasn't going to be around to raise him. I did know that if I did make it, things were going to change a bit.
First -- there are things you can't help. Realize it and let it go. Getting angry is not going to move the cars in the traffic jam out of your way. Really.
People are who and what they are. You don't get to change them any more than they get to change you. Deal with it. If you can't, avoid them. But don't ask them to do things they are actually completely incapable of doing. It's cruel, and an exercise in frustration.
There are more important things than money. Granted, it's hard to get by without it, but you need to keep it in perspective. It's a tool to get you what you need and what you want. Nothing more. Like any other tool it can be used or abused.
People can change, but only if THEY are willing to. You can't make them want... whatever. You can't, in fact, MAKE anybody feel anything. If it isn't there, it just isn't.
There are things worth dying for. Most of them aren't "things."
Life is short. Don't blow it. Try to live so that you won't have regrets if it ends tomorrow, because it just might.
I need to get to work, but while everybody else is celebrating their love, I'm just celebrating, because I got 21 pretty terrific years.
LIVE AND LOVE WITH EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT.
Cie
First -- there are things you can't help. Realize it and let it go. Getting angry is not going to move the cars in the traffic jam out of your way. Really.
People are who and what they are. You don't get to change them any more than they get to change you. Deal with it. If you can't, avoid them. But don't ask them to do things they are actually completely incapable of doing. It's cruel, and an exercise in frustration.
There are more important things than money. Granted, it's hard to get by without it, but you need to keep it in perspective. It's a tool to get you what you need and what you want. Nothing more. Like any other tool it can be used or abused.
People can change, but only if THEY are willing to. You can't make them want... whatever. You can't, in fact, MAKE anybody feel anything. If it isn't there, it just isn't.
There are things worth dying for. Most of them aren't "things."
Life is short. Don't blow it. Try to live so that you won't have regrets if it ends tomorrow, because it just might.
I need to get to work, but while everybody else is celebrating their love, I'm just celebrating, because I got 21 pretty terrific years.
LIVE AND LOVE WITH EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT.
Cie
Monday, February 13, 2006
Hi guys!
Hey YO! Hiya Jim! Hi Shawn! Guten Morgen AE! And greetings to everybody else who comes by.
Let's see, I haven't got much time (snuck into work very early to get a bit of this done since my social obligations have been being totally neglected!)
Yo -- I'm so proud of how much writing you're getting done, and that your little one is enjoying kindy! As soon as I get done judging the books for the contest I'm hoping to track down all your work online. I love your stuff, but I haven't had time to do any reading that isn't required. Sigh.
Jim -- I really hope your Dad is doing better. He's had a really rough year! Give him my best and tell him to take it easy. Hope to stop by the Werewolf Cafe again soon. I stopped by last night, but just read a few posts and lurked. It's really gotten BIG. WOW.
AE -- CONGRATS on the novel!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! BIGGGGGG attapersons! Let me know when it is on the shelves so I can get a copy!
Hi Shawn! I'm really glad you've been stopping by!
Uh oh, life is calling. Gotta run. See everybody again soon I hope!
Cie
Let's see, I haven't got much time (snuck into work very early to get a bit of this done since my social obligations have been being totally neglected!)
Yo -- I'm so proud of how much writing you're getting done, and that your little one is enjoying kindy! As soon as I get done judging the books for the contest I'm hoping to track down all your work online. I love your stuff, but I haven't had time to do any reading that isn't required. Sigh.
Jim -- I really hope your Dad is doing better. He's had a really rough year! Give him my best and tell him to take it easy. Hope to stop by the Werewolf Cafe again soon. I stopped by last night, but just read a few posts and lurked. It's really gotten BIG. WOW.
AE -- CONGRATS on the novel!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! BIGGGGGG attapersons! Let me know when it is on the shelves so I can get a copy!
Hi Shawn! I'm really glad you've been stopping by!
Uh oh, life is calling. Gotta run. See everybody again soon I hope!
Cie
Hi guys!
Hey YO! Hiya Jim! Hi Shawn! Guten Morgen AE! And greetings to everybody else who comes by.
Let's see, I haven't got much time (snuck into work very early to get a bit of this done since my social obligations have been being totally neglected!)
Yo -- I'm so proud of how much writing you're getting done, and that your little one is enjoying kindy! As soon as I get done judging the books for the contest I'm hoping to track down all your work online. I love your stuff, but I haven't had time to do any reading that isn't required. Sigh.
Jim -- I really hope your Dad is doing better. He's had a really rough year! Give him my best and tell him to take it easy. Hope to stop by the Werewolf Cafe again soon. I stopped by last night, but just read a few posts and lurked. It's really gotten BIG. WOW.
AE -- CONGRATS on the novel!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! BIGGGGGG attapersons! Let me know when it is on the shelves so I can get a copy!
Hi Shawn! I'm really glad you've been stopping by!
Uh oh, life is calling. Gotta run. See everybody again soon I hope!
Cie
Let's see, I haven't got much time (snuck into work very early to get a bit of this done since my social obligations have been being totally neglected!)
Yo -- I'm so proud of how much writing you're getting done, and that your little one is enjoying kindy! As soon as I get done judging the books for the contest I'm hoping to track down all your work online. I love your stuff, but I haven't had time to do any reading that isn't required. Sigh.
Jim -- I really hope your Dad is doing better. He's had a really rough year! Give him my best and tell him to take it easy. Hope to stop by the Werewolf Cafe again soon. I stopped by last night, but just read a few posts and lurked. It's really gotten BIG. WOW.
AE -- CONGRATS on the novel!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! BIGGGGGG attapersons! Let me know when it is on the shelves so I can get a copy!
Hi Shawn! I'm really glad you've been stopping by!
Uh oh, life is calling. Gotta run. See everybody again soon I hope!
Cie
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Saturday
OK, I tried to post yesterday and life intervened. So I put what little I did get done.
Time is moving way WAY WAY too fast for me right now. I can't keep up with everything. The day job is utterly insane and exhausting to the point where I'm stressed out of my gourd and having health problems. My goal has been to switch to part-time in August, but I may not make it that long. I am not willing to commit financial suicide, but I am also not willing to completely ruin my health either. Life is more of a balancing act than I am capable of pulling off gracefully.
New book is going well. Slower than I would like (actually time is going FASTER)but it is coming along. The draft that Cathy is working on is coming along well too. So, hopefully by the end of the month we'll have two finished first drafts before we dive into the books for contract. The goal is to get AHEAD of the game instead of constantly being scurrying behind.
We have conferences coming up, which is good. We got the cover for the next book. We suggested some changes. We'll see how it turns out. Frankly, we don't get official input into the covers at this point (most authors don't which is why you'll see a blonde on the cover of a book with a dark-haired hero). I am still desperately trying to acquire a copy of the original print run of "Castles in the Air" it has become notorious because it was the cover with the three-armed woman. Don't know a thing about the book, but I want that cover!
I look back at the past couple years and I just have to stare in wonder. It just amazes me how much I've learned, and how far we've come. WOW. One of my life goals was to be a "multi-published author of book length fiction." I AM. Seriously, how cool is that?! As I sit here we have out: Road to Riches (the Western from Western Reflections); Hunter's Moon (Sazi); Moon's Web (Sazi); Short stories in The Abyss (Dark romance anthology -- Ian); Secrets (Mystery anthology) and coming in Secrets II; Touch of Evil (new vampire book) is out next month; Captive Moon (Sazi/not Tony's perspective) coming in August; Howling Moon (Sazi/I hate the title, but couldn't come up with anything better) coming in January of '07); and at least more are currently planned for '07 but not detailed out yet. That's a lot of books. That's an actual CAREER. Whoo hoo! It's work. It's hard. But damn, it's also fun!
Well, I have a lot to do today, and writing is high on the list. So I'm going to sign out.
If I don't pop by as much as I should, I apologize. I'm REALLY hoping things will slow down -- but I don't honestly EXPECT them to until I switch to part time. I only have so much energy, and there are only so many hours in the day. Still, I do hope you'll keep coming by. I'd miss you if you were gone!
Time is moving way WAY WAY too fast for me right now. I can't keep up with everything. The day job is utterly insane and exhausting to the point where I'm stressed out of my gourd and having health problems. My goal has been to switch to part-time in August, but I may not make it that long. I am not willing to commit financial suicide, but I am also not willing to completely ruin my health either. Life is more of a balancing act than I am capable of pulling off gracefully.
New book is going well. Slower than I would like (actually time is going FASTER)but it is coming along. The draft that Cathy is working on is coming along well too. So, hopefully by the end of the month we'll have two finished first drafts before we dive into the books for contract. The goal is to get AHEAD of the game instead of constantly being scurrying behind.
We have conferences coming up, which is good. We got the cover for the next book. We suggested some changes. We'll see how it turns out. Frankly, we don't get official input into the covers at this point (most authors don't which is why you'll see a blonde on the cover of a book with a dark-haired hero). I am still desperately trying to acquire a copy of the original print run of "Castles in the Air" it has become notorious because it was the cover with the three-armed woman. Don't know a thing about the book, but I want that cover!
I look back at the past couple years and I just have to stare in wonder. It just amazes me how much I've learned, and how far we've come. WOW. One of my life goals was to be a "multi-published author of book length fiction." I AM. Seriously, how cool is that?! As I sit here we have out: Road to Riches (the Western from Western Reflections); Hunter's Moon (Sazi); Moon's Web (Sazi); Short stories in The Abyss (Dark romance anthology -- Ian); Secrets (Mystery anthology) and coming in Secrets II; Touch of Evil (new vampire book) is out next month; Captive Moon (Sazi/not Tony's perspective) coming in August; Howling Moon (Sazi/I hate the title, but couldn't come up with anything better) coming in January of '07); and at least more are currently planned for '07 but not detailed out yet. That's a lot of books. That's an actual CAREER. Whoo hoo! It's work. It's hard. But damn, it's also fun!
Well, I have a lot to do today, and writing is high on the list. So I'm going to sign out.
If I don't pop by as much as I should, I apologize. I'm REALLY hoping things will slow down -- but I don't honestly EXPECT them to until I switch to part time. I only have so much energy, and there are only so many hours in the day. Still, I do hope you'll keep coming by. I'd miss you if you were gone!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Holy Crap it's FRIDAY Again!
Hi guys. WOW. Time is moving SOOOOO fast. I don't even know where to start! Late at night a puppy was roaming the streets near my house. Very busy streets. Sweetheart of a pup, but undernourished. (I bet you can see where this is going.) Anyway, "Lucky" is a hound/pointer mix, has now been to the vet, and is putting on weight. I am attempting to find a good home. I'm a bit over-animaled at the moment. But the critter is cute, and smart, and I may be in real trouble here.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Hello
Hi. It's Saturday. Survived another week. Read a couple of books I mostly enjoyed. This was a good thing.
Have been having sleepwalking/night terrors again. This is not a good thing. Generally that happens when I am stressed out of my gourd and also having problems with the chronic fatigue crapola. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS my sub/unconscious gave me a very clear picture of what's up and what I need to change. SO -- today is for ME BABY. Having loads of fun doing the things I LOVE. Writing is among them. WHOO HOO.
Gotta run.
Later maybe I'll post a couple of paras from the WIP.
Cie
Have been having sleepwalking/night terrors again. This is not a good thing. Generally that happens when I am stressed out of my gourd and also having problems with the chronic fatigue crapola. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS my sub/unconscious gave me a very clear picture of what's up and what I need to change. SO -- today is for ME BABY. Having loads of fun doing the things I LOVE. Writing is among them. WHOO HOO.
Gotta run.
Later maybe I'll post a couple of paras from the WIP.
Cie
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A Quick Note
Hi guys! Hi Shawn!
I'm writing for the first time since the weekend. Things have been NUTSOLA at the day job. All the beginning of the year stuff combined with my being sick for a few days made me get really behind!!!
Got one of the big scenes done on the new book. First big confrontation. Heroes first run-in with real magic. Lotsa fun. Makes me happy!
Did an interview with a friend on RWA Online about creativity. It was a lot of fun. Made me really examine things like how I feel about my characters. (As weird as it sounds, they're as real to me as the people sitting next to me on the bus -- and I have no more right to change them than the guy I don't like at the fast-food restaurant). I also got a chance to post my views about how "just because a character is a certain way doesn't mean the writer is. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." I can't tell you how many times I've heard rants about how some author wrote about a zealot or a person from a terrible background and that must mean THEY are a zealot or come from a horrible background. The truth of the matter is, NO. You can observe how a zealot acts and write about it (or GASP use your imagination) without being one. And honestly, happy backgrounds are relatively common, but you know what, they SOUND boring on paper. Don't really give your character a lot of motivation either. Angst just plays better. (Sorry Mom). So it's much easier to give your character some familial angst whether you've had any or not.
ANYWAY, gotta get back to work. Life is calling on the red phone.
Later!
Cie
I'm writing for the first time since the weekend. Things have been NUTSOLA at the day job. All the beginning of the year stuff combined with my being sick for a few days made me get really behind!!!
Got one of the big scenes done on the new book. First big confrontation. Heroes first run-in with real magic. Lotsa fun. Makes me happy!
Did an interview with a friend on RWA Online about creativity. It was a lot of fun. Made me really examine things like how I feel about my characters. (As weird as it sounds, they're as real to me as the people sitting next to me on the bus -- and I have no more right to change them than the guy I don't like at the fast-food restaurant). I also got a chance to post my views about how "just because a character is a certain way doesn't mean the writer is. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." I can't tell you how many times I've heard rants about how some author wrote about a zealot or a person from a terrible background and that must mean THEY are a zealot or come from a horrible background. The truth of the matter is, NO. You can observe how a zealot acts and write about it (or GASP use your imagination) without being one. And honestly, happy backgrounds are relatively common, but you know what, they SOUND boring on paper. Don't really give your character a lot of motivation either. Angst just plays better. (Sorry Mom). So it's much easier to give your character some familial angst whether you've had any or not.
ANYWAY, gotta get back to work. Life is calling on the red phone.
Later!
Cie
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