First Paragraph Contest!

Nathan Bransford is hosting The Fourth Sort-of-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge.The idea is to submit the opening paragraph of one of your works-in-progress. It closes tomorrow (Thursday) at 4 PM Pacific Time. Check the post for information on the prizes and rules.

I just submitted my entry, from a WIP that still doesn't have an official title:

The only thing worse than visiting a graveyard is paying your respects to the man you put there. No, I didn’t murder Cam—I’m not that far gone—but it was my fault his bones were rotting beneath that dull, gray slab. 

Good luck to everyone who enters!

A Good Reason for my Absence

I haven't been on the blog of late--but that's partly due to the fact that I've been writing my ass off! I've been working alternately on Not So Safe and a fantasy story. So I'm pausing to pat myself on the back before watching the Jets take on the Steelers--and I fully intend to break out the keyboard during half-time!

For Martin Luther King Jr. Day

I've always loved this song, Abraham, Martin & John, by Dion. It's about the deaths of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. It seems especially appropriate today. 

Youtube also has the full version of King's I Have a Dream speech available.

Joyce on Writing

"Writing in English is the most ingenious torture ever devised for sins committed in previous lives. The English reading public explains the reason why."

(Thanks to T.N. Tobias's post, in which I found this quote!)

Inspiring Interview with M. R. Mathias

M. R. Mathias

I just found this interview with M.R. Mathias, who wrote his first books while serving time in prison. I've never read Mr. Mathias's books--in fact, this is the first time I've heard of him--but I have to tip my hat to someone who made such excellent use of such a rough period in his life.

He talks about his books, his writing style, his learning curve and his success as a self-published author in this interview. Definitely worth a read, and I'll be adding one of his books to my TBR list.

Meanwhile, many thanks to the James Mason Community Book Club at Goodreads for finding this interview and pointing it out!

More on Self-Publishing Controversies

I'll admit this up front: I'm attracted to the idea of self-publishing. This article in Writer Beware contains some caveats, but it's worth reading. Better yet, there are comments on both sides of the argument.

Josh Lanyon Interviews Jake Riordan

So this is what a character interview should look like! Josh Lanyon captures the agony of Jake's conflicted feelings about Adrien and about his marriage in just a few understated lines.

Ow--Headache.

I've just re-written the same scene of Not So Safe eleven times. Oy. (Thank heavens for a patient writing buddy! I've lost track of how many times she's read the scene now . . .)

Books I've Read in 2011

Here's a place for me to keep track of all the books I start and finish reading this year. Each title links to my review of the book on my book review blog or on Goodreads.

Ok, here's my list:

1. Convincing Arthur by Ava March (4 out of 5 stars)
2. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (4 out of 5 stars)
3. Adrien English Mystery #3: The Hell You Say by Josh Lanyon (5 out of 5 stars)
4. Adrien English Mystery #4: Death of a Pirate King by Josh Lanyon (5 out of 5 stars)
5. Adrien English Mystery#5 The Dark Tide by Josh Lanyon (5 out of 5 stars)
6. The Good Thief by James Buchanan (4 out of 5 stars)
7. Duck by Kim Dare (3 out of 5 stars)
8. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (5 out of 5 stars)
9. I Spy Something Bloody by Josh Lanyon (5 out of 5 stars)
10. (Matthew Shardlake Mystery #1) Dissolution by C. J. Sansom (4 out of 5 stars)
11. In a Dark Wood by Josh Lanyon (5 out of 5 stars)
12. A Limited Engagement by Josh Lanyon (4 out of 5 stars)
13. (Matthew Shardlake Mystery #2) Dark Fire by C. J. Sansom (4 out of 5 stars)
14. (Matthew Shardlake Mystery #3) Sovereign by C. J. Sansom (4 out of 5 stars)
15. The Gentleman and the Rogue by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon (3 out of 5 stars)
16. The French Have a Word for It by Josh Lanyon (4 out of 5 stars)
17. I Spy Something Wicked by Josh Lanyon (5 out of 5 stars)
18. Love Ahead: Expect Delays (4 out of 5 stars)
19. Saviour by Jade Falconer (3 out of 5 stars)
20. Strapless by Honoria Ravena (2 out of 5 stars)
21. Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan (5 out of 5 stars)
22.
23.
24.
25.

My January Writing Goals

1. Finish the first draft of Not So Safe
2. Finish the next Craig and David short story: Aftermath
3. Average a minimum of 2,000 words a day--that means 62,000 words in total for the month!