Tiah Beautement's Blog, page 142
October 21, 2010
She likes the crime
Yesterday I ran a very unnecessary errand, due to my current obliviousness that the Post office had lied. These things happen. Thus, I was at another postal establishment, and due to envelope crises, ended up having to actually take out item-to-be-posted without it being clothed. I do not like walking around with naked manuscripts. But due to envelope insanity, my attempts to explain 'how thick' were not working. Turns out my helper is an avid reader. "I especially adore crime, do you write crime?" I had to confess, sadly no. She began to gush how much she adores Sarah Lotz....
Mismatched and cracked
An email popped into my inbox yesterday inviting me to take part in a crock-pot (slow cooker) recipe chain, given the air is getting rather chilly up north. I declined. I do not own a crock-pot. In fact, if you saw my stew pot, you'd be forgiven for your shudder. Le Creuset, it is not. Looking at our kitchen, aside from a handfull of items, the contents are either gifts or my husband taking matters into his own hands - and this is a man who happily dresses himself in the free-golf esq shirts handed out on training days. Thus,...
October 18, 2010
An Ever After
An Ever After is my latest short story, published by Botsotso. (After you read my story, try Zukiswa Wanner's 'A Writer's Lot' - intriguing given the journalism theme and the current political climate.) Rather amusing because this really IS my latest short story. I have another coming out soonish, and it was written this time last year. However, 'An Ever After' was given its final tweak on Friday, submitted that same day (due to a friendly email listing new places to submit) and by Sunday I was smiling. Wow. The publishing world messes with time in a manner many would...
Not the daddy
While Husband's work plays roller derby with his life, the rest of us carry right along. The children are waking earlier and earlier trying to "catch" their daddy, but have yet to manage it (although came bloody close yesterday morning). But they get a passing wave each night from Husband's black hand (hence why they don't get a hug.) Given the insanity that was term break oh too recently, I had to dig deep and give myself a huge pep talk when the weekend arrived. It isn't that I am on my own with my children. Frankly, I do that...
October 15, 2010
Friday's Writer Rock
You've heard about The Rock Bottom Remainders, yes? Various authors have been sucked into their fold, but I believe Amy Tan and Stephen King have been a part of this since the beginning. In The Opposite of Fate, Amy Tan speaks fondly to rocking out to 'These Boots Were Made for Walking.' Oh look, there she is: I wonder if they need new members. Not me, of course. But maybe they could ask Richard de Nooy? He could manage the music videos...
October 14, 2010
Don't put out the light
Who managed to keep their eyes dry while watching the Chilean miners? So much one could say. So many moving moments. Yet: The mine cam shows the last rescue worker taking a final bow before entering the Fenix capsule. He is slowly winched up, but forgets to turn the lights off. I don't think he forgot.
October 13, 2010
You've heard the story before
Girl meets boy. Girl and boy date. Girl leaves boy to return to the United States (okay...so there are a few twists). Girl comes up with English undergrad thesis that can only be undertaken in South Africa (there are not many) and goes back. Boy asks girl to marry her. (Aw.) They have an engagement party. Then leave RSA. On the way to the UK (where due to certain visas they can both live and work) they stop by the US to introduce boy to girl's parents. (How polite.) They also take required classes with priest and plan their wedding....
October 11, 2010
Tuesday's quote of the day
I wish everyone who thinks it's JUST GREAT that publishing is dying, could read some before and afters of great books. Editors! Even the best writers need them! -bowleserised- Taken from the thread: Fifth Stieg Larsson Book Exists, Won't Be Released
Planets, glitter and books
To make a strange and weird story short: my children are home today. We've had Nellie the Elephant on repeat until my brain threatened strike action and the 'bunny song,' all while trying to perfect the ultimate night sky - which, apparently includes plants that glitter. In the meantime, been thinking about books. For the past two years I've been inhaling new (to me) books at rapid speed. I love me some books. Being out of the RSA literature loop, the need to play catch up was important, too. Still love me new books. But I also love rereading books....
October 9, 2010
Mr Fuzzy has not returned
but the tortoise continues to drop by...
