Tilly Greene's Blog, page 46
January 27, 2011
When Research Gives Too Much Information
I have hit a difficult junction with my current WIP, part of the Mythological Messes Redux series, where I've unearthed a great deal of information, albeit interesting, but is far too convoluted to put into a story.
Let me ask if you know anything about Centaurs? Satyrs? Yes, of course you have, but what about Ipotane? Ipotane? No? What if I told you they were the "original version of satyrs" and yet have more in common with centaurs? Confused? Not to worry, I am as well and studied the subject for many years, but there you have it - too much information.
Centuars are part human and part horse.
Satyrs are part human and part goat.
Ipotane are part human and part horse.
Just in case you're wondering, Fauns are not listed above because they're part of Roman Mythology, although time has brought them into association with Satyrs and the Greek god Pan, and I'm not even going to bring up the Silene issue.
Phrew, told you there was bit too much, and yet interesting, information.
Anyway, here's the question: Should I be factual with my character who is actually a Ipotane, has previously been called a satyr, but use centaur instead because they're more known and that's what he looks like? Feels a bit like a lie to me. I guess I should also mention that my hero has a minor position in Greek Mythology, but I'm reworking his myth a bit so he can bet a redux - originally he died. Yup, lots and lots of stuff circling this WIP, when really it's a simple tale of love discovered in the most unlikely places.Well, I think there is a point when the reference books need to be put down and a line needs to be drawn, and I'm doing it here. He is an Ipotane and I'll work that into the story.
What do you think?
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 26, 2011
Hump Day Reflections
I know someone who is studying really really hard and mentioned last week about enjoying the brief timeout to drool gorgeous men present and I thought I'd seek out a few more to keep the chick working hard on the books.
Because the weather has been so bad, here's Vertigo by Olaf Wipperfurth [careful, music on site] via Homotography - Enjoy E!
Because the weather has been so bad, here's Vertigo by Olaf Wipperfurth [careful, music on site] via Homotography - Enjoy E!Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 25, 2011
What Reading Non-Fiction Taught Me
I'm an art lover, no question about it, and it isn't just the viewing that I find enjoyable. I read about various subjects in the art world to learn more. Currently on my TBR stack is Rogues' Gallery: The Secret Story of the Lust, Lies, Greed, and Betrayals That Made the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Michael Gross and for Christmas I was given Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World by Sharon Waxman. About ready to delve into writing another Mythological Messes Redux book, I picked up Loot, and ended up with a lesson in how not to write.
There were all sorts of interseting twists and turns that were brought up, and details I knew nothing about as a bog-standard art lover. Yes, I'm eager to revisit The Met, Getty, British Museum and Louvre, and go to others for the first time, with a fresh outlook. However, the tone permeating the book was decidedly uncomfortable, and left me with a sour taste. Nevermind. It's personal how a reader reacts to a book and this one had all sorts of interesting and, oddly enough, timely events within the art world explained that I'll hold onto despite the negative flavor.
One of these was within days of finishing the chapters on Egypt, Zahi Hawass [Secretary General of Supreme Council of Antiquities], and the country's stance to protect and share the ancient monuments only to have the news come out that they were closing King Tut's Tomb for good.
There were all sorts of interseting twists and turns that were brought up, and details I knew nothing about as a bog-standard art lover. Yes, I'm eager to revisit The Met, Getty, British Museum and Louvre, and go to others for the first time, with a fresh outlook. However, the tone permeating the book was decidedly uncomfortable, and left me with a sour taste. Nevermind. It's personal how a reader reacts to a book and this one had all sorts of interesting and, oddly enough, timely events within the art world explained that I'll hold onto despite the negative flavor.One of these was within days of finishing the chapters on Egypt, Zahi Hawass [Secretary General of Supreme Council of Antiquities], and the country's stance to protect and share the ancient monuments only to have the news come out that they were closing King Tut's Tomb for good.
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 21, 2011
A Pledge and a Challenge!
Making a difference-the pledge. I pledge-do you? I challenge you...
I challenge you to the 'reuse fashion' pledge" here are the rules and the signed pledge form. Pass along!
REUSE: The Pledge
I, Tilly Greene, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself by purchasing only what I need from a used clothing store, or make the item myself, for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo(s) of my refashioned, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on my blog (s), here on Facebook-or other online venues so that others may share the joy that reusing brings, and show the world how easy it is to make a difference, 'going green' to help the environment!
Signed Tilly Greene
The Rules
1. No buying new! (handmade- or used only) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports,) shoes and undies are not part of the "used / home made" rules.
2. In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display what you bought so the world can judge for itself if it was indeed a 'fashion-must-have' emergency.
3. You must post on you blog(s), Facebook or other on line venues at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others.
4. You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! And suffer the 'comments' that your actions caused.
And you...
Are you up for it? Can you go two months without buying anything "new"? I'll be posting mainly on Facebook [this is the main me] because that's where I was challenge, but anything big [using my free card or actually crafting something] I'll share here as well.
One of the reasons I accepted this challenge we're in the midst of Fashionmania otherwise known as award season, oh, and because of the heroine in "Missing". Why? She just so happens to be the reuse guru - love the oddity of timing :-)
The cute dress above, made from phonebooks, was designed by Jolis Paons and posted on Crafty Crafty. They have an entire section devoted to recycled fashion - fascinating stuff.
I challenge you to the 'reuse fashion' pledge" here are the rules and the signed pledge form. Pass along!
REUSE: The Pledge
I, Tilly Greene, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself by purchasing only what I need from a used clothing store, or make the item myself, for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo(s) of my refashioned, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on my blog (s), here on Facebook-or other online venues so that others may share the joy that reusing brings, and show the world how easy it is to make a difference, 'going green' to help the environment!Signed Tilly Greene
The Rules
1. No buying new! (handmade- or used only) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports,) shoes and undies are not part of the "used / home made" rules.
2. In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display what you bought so the world can judge for itself if it was indeed a 'fashion-must-have' emergency.
3. You must post on you blog(s), Facebook or other on line venues at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others.
4. You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! And suffer the 'comments' that your actions caused.
And you...
Are you up for it? Can you go two months without buying anything "new"? I'll be posting mainly on Facebook [this is the main me] because that's where I was challenge, but anything big [using my free card or actually crafting something] I'll share here as well.
One of the reasons I accepted this challenge we're in the midst of Fashionmania otherwise known as award season, oh, and because of the heroine in "Missing". Why? She just so happens to be the reuse guru - love the oddity of timing :-)
The cute dress above, made from phonebooks, was designed by Jolis Paons and posted on Crafty Crafty. They have an entire section devoted to recycled fashion - fascinating stuff.
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
Movie Talk
Sometimes I pick a movie out of the blue. Maybe there's an actor/actress/director whose work I enjoy, heard some good things about it or, like in this case, it's set in an area near where the cutie was born and we went to university.
Red Riding is a trilogy that I put into our Netflix list to watch instantly before the holidays and we finally got to them this past week. Wow, seriously, while the write up was fairly straightforward, we were still hooked by the intensity, history, and oh yes the plot.
Let me back up. There was a serial killer active in the 70-80's in and around Leeds called the Yorkshire Ripper - who happens to have been in the news (appealing his being told he'll never, ever, be released) whilst we were over there for the holidays. People were still talking about it when I arrived for Uni and, as many mystery/true crime events will do, my imagination perked up. Unbeknowst to me, for a few days over one of the holidays I stayed at a friends dorm, and behind it is where the last victim was found. After that brief stay, my friends told me all about the Ripper - thank goodness it was after.
Anyway, the movie goes way beyond that horrible time, and shine the light on what else was going on in the area. No good by the police, politicians, businessmen and, I won't give the very last bad guy away so let's leave it with folks from all areas of society.
A few words that come to mind for this flick: gripping, dark, cringe-worthy and bloody good!
Oh and they are based on a quartet by David Peace which was recently released in the US. The covers give hints of what the big crescendo that happens in that particular book, although they do nothing to pull a reader in if they know nothing about the storyline. After watching the movies I'll be buying all four! But will it be paperback or ebook? Hmmm :-)
As a side note and quoted directly from the Yorkshire website: The term 'riding' is of Viking origin and derives from Threthingr meaning a third part. There were indeed three ridings in Yorkshire - the East Riding, West Riding and North Riding. Okay, I'm biased, but this is a beautiful area of England, full of history and the people are wonderful, and I would strongly suggest you spend time there if you're going to England.
Red Riding is a trilogy that I put into our Netflix list to watch instantly before the holidays and we finally got to them this past week. Wow, seriously, while the write up was fairly straightforward, we were still hooked by the intensity, history, and oh yes the plot.Let me back up. There was a serial killer active in the 70-80's in and around Leeds called the Yorkshire Ripper - who happens to have been in the news (appealing his being told he'll never, ever, be released) whilst we were over there for the holidays. People were still talking about it when I arrived for Uni and, as many mystery/true crime events will do, my imagination perked up. Unbeknowst to me, for a few days over one of the holidays I stayed at a friends dorm, and behind it is where the last victim was found. After that brief stay, my friends told me all about the Ripper - thank goodness it was after.
Anyway, the movie goes way beyond that horrible time, and shine the light on what else was going on in the area. No good by the police, politicians, businessmen and, I won't give the very last bad guy away so let's leave it with folks from all areas of society.
A few words that come to mind for this flick: gripping, dark, cringe-worthy and bloody good!
Oh and they are based on a quartet by David Peace which was recently released in the US. The covers give hints of what the big crescendo that happens in that particular book, although they do nothing to pull a reader in if they know nothing about the storyline. After watching the movies I'll be buying all four! But will it be paperback or ebook? Hmmm :-)
As a side note and quoted directly from the Yorkshire website: The term 'riding' is of Viking origin and derives from Threthingr meaning a third part. There were indeed three ridings in Yorkshire - the East Riding, West Riding and North Riding. Okay, I'm biased, but this is a beautiful area of England, full of history and the people are wonderful, and I would strongly suggest you spend time there if you're going to England.
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 20, 2011
Golden Globes Fashion Thoughts
The award season is here and that means it's time to indulge my passion for fashion!
Sunday was full of football, both the British and US version, and then the Golden Globes started. There were a few films noted that I hadn't heard of before and am now eager to see, and some I'd wanted to see that now I must see - but none of that matters when it comes to great, fabulous, fashion.
My favorite isn't so much a single gown as it was a color: green. The two that made me sit up and take notice were the Monique Lhuillier worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones, the Vera Wang dress Mila Kunis chose, and Donna Karan on Elisabeth Moss.
What else caught my eye was simple elegant drama and Eva Longoria in Zac Posen and Olivia Wilde in Marchesa were the two I liked the most. Even though the pictures don't show it, but the latter was a chocolate brown - yummy.
Something else I quite liked that came from the former group was how refreshing it was to see curves were embraced. Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang was my favorite in this grouping, if not overall. There's something about the black belt on the red dress that just pulls it all together and looks totally wearable while still being formal.
There you go, my brief thoughts on the Golden Globes fashion, now, just around the corner are the SAG Awards [January 30], Grammys and BAFTA Awards [both February 13] with the Super Bowl [February 6]sandwiched in between - oh yes, I can't wait for all the fun!
In fact, there will be a contest sandwiched in there, so keep your eyes peeled!
By the way, thank you to Skinny vs Curvy for the pics above.
Sunday was full of football, both the British and US version, and then the Golden Globes started. There were a few films noted that I hadn't heard of before and am now eager to see, and some I'd wanted to see that now I must see - but none of that matters when it comes to great, fabulous, fashion.
My favorite isn't so much a single gown as it was a color: green. The two that made me sit up and take notice were the Monique Lhuillier worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones, the Vera Wang dress Mila Kunis chose, and Donna Karan on Elisabeth Moss.
What else caught my eye was simple elegant drama and Eva Longoria in Zac Posen and Olivia Wilde in Marchesa were the two I liked the most. Even though the pictures don't show it, but the latter was a chocolate brown - yummy.
Something else I quite liked that came from the former group was how refreshing it was to see curves were embraced. Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang was my favorite in this grouping, if not overall. There's something about the black belt on the red dress that just pulls it all together and looks totally wearable while still being formal.
There you go, my brief thoughts on the Golden Globes fashion, now, just around the corner are the SAG Awards [January 30], Grammys and BAFTA Awards [both February 13] with the Super Bowl [February 6]sandwiched in between - oh yes, I can't wait for all the fun!
In fact, there will be a contest sandwiched in there, so keep your eyes peeled!
By the way, thank you to Skinny vs Curvy for the pics above.
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 19, 2011
Do Unto Others
Remember hearing that as a kid?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, otherwise known as The Golden Rule. Did you know that throughout time just about every spiritual group has personalized The Golden Rule, but it pretty much remains the same? I didn't, but am now hoping people will think more often about this Rule.
Anyway, got off on a tagent there, Do Unto Others is a Self Chec advertisement. A couple of months ago I was on Osocio, Social Advertising and Non-profit Campaigns site, and read their Love Yourself article posted by Tom Meggison. Fabulous work and he's right, Iggy Pop is an interesting person to be inspired by and yet it suits the Self Chec objective perfectly [you may need to read the short article to understand that one].
By the way, Self Chec means just that, check yourself - in this case for testicular cancer - and if not you, then Do Unto Others.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, otherwise known as The Golden Rule. Did you know that throughout time just about every spiritual group has personalized The Golden Rule, but it pretty much remains the same? I didn't, but am now hoping people will think more often about this Rule.Anyway, got off on a tagent there, Do Unto Others is a Self Chec advertisement. A couple of months ago I was on Osocio, Social Advertising and Non-profit Campaigns site, and read their Love Yourself article posted by Tom Meggison. Fabulous work and he's right, Iggy Pop is an interesting person to be inspired by and yet it suits the Self Chec objective perfectly [you may need to read the short article to understand that one].
By the way, Self Chec means just that, check yourself - in this case for testicular cancer - and if not you, then Do Unto Others.
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 18, 2011
Inspiration Shared
As I'm writing or finished with a project, I'll often share what inpsired the plot, characters, etc, but this time it's different. This time I'm going to share the inspiration and we'll see if anything comes of it. So here you go, The Octopus Chair by Maximo Riera.
Elegant and yet eerie. Maybe something for next Halloween.
Elegant and yet eerie. Maybe something for next Halloween.
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 17, 2011
Naughty Thought for Monday
Sometimes I come across something that perks the erotic romance author side of me and for more than one reason, and that is what happened with this picture.
The man in the photo is Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen and he's gorgeous. The picture above is from the 2009 movie Valhalla Rising and while I missed it in the theaters, it's now on my list to see. Now, all that said, what caught my eye was the huge carved phallic symbol he's chained to whilst on his knees.
Ummm, yeah, those are interesting tats and like I said, he's gorgeous, but the post, collar and chain thing in the middle of nowhere made me grab hold of it and see where it came from.
What's the first thing you noticed?
The man in the photo is Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen and he's gorgeous. The picture above is from the 2009 movie Valhalla Rising and while I missed it in the theaters, it's now on my list to see. Now, all that said, what caught my eye was the huge carved phallic symbol he's chained to whilst on his knees.
Ummm, yeah, those are interesting tats and like I said, he's gorgeous, but the post, collar and chain thing in the middle of nowhere made me grab hold of it and see where it came from.
What's the first thing you noticed?
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
January 14, 2011
Friday Funny
It's been a while since I've offered a Friday Funny, but this one spoke to me so eloquently, I had to share - thank you Stephanie - and enjoy!
A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asks them for their orders .
The man says, 'A hamburger, fries and a coke,' and turns to the ostrich, 'What's yours?'
'I'll have the same,' says the ostrich.
A short time later the waitress returns with the order 'That will be $9.40 please,' and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change for payment.
The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, 'A hamburger, fries and a coke.'
The ostrich says, 'I'll have the same.'
Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.
This becomes routine, 'The usual?' asks the waitress.
'No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and a salad,' says the man.
'Same,' says the ostrich.
Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, 'That will be $32.62.'
Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.
The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. 'Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?'
'Well,' says the man, 'several years ago I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.'
'That's brilliant!' says the waitress. 'Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!'
'That's right. Whether it's a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,' says the man..
The waitress asks, 'What's with the ostrich?'
The man sighs, pauses and answers, 'My second wish was for a tall chick with a big butt and long legs who agrees with everything I say.'
A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asks them for their orders .
The man says, 'A hamburger, fries and a coke,' and turns to the ostrich, 'What's yours?'
'I'll have the same,' says the ostrich.A short time later the waitress returns with the order 'That will be $9.40 please,' and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change for payment.
The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, 'A hamburger, fries and a coke.'
The ostrich says, 'I'll have the same.'
Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.
This becomes routine, 'The usual?' asks the waitress.
'No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and a salad,' says the man.
'Same,' says the ostrich.
Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, 'That will be $32.62.'
Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.
The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. 'Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?'
'Well,' says the man, 'several years ago I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.'
'That's brilliant!' says the waitress. 'Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!'
'That's right. Whether it's a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,' says the man..
The waitress asks, 'What's with the ostrich?'
The man sighs, pauses and answers, 'My second wish was for a tall chick with a big butt and long legs who agrees with everything I say.'
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
