Thomas W. Devine's Blog, page 9
September 15, 2017
A Snippet of Life
Outside my window is a small lawn. At the far corner is a patch of trees. A frequent visitor, or resident, is a blackbird with a bright orange beak. A brave little fellow who doesn’t fly away at first sight of a human.
My wife throws out (expensive) wholegrain bread for the birds each day. We used to get dozens of birds feeding, of at least four different species, but recently I’ve only seen the blackbird.
A son and daughter-in-law have been staying with us for the last few months while they renovate a house to live in. They have a domestic cat like the one in the movie “Bob”, only theirs is cross-eyed.
Now one might blame the cat for the missing birds. But cats feeding on birds tend to leave bird body parts lying around and I’ve seen none. Cross-eyed, the cat probably couldn’t successfully pounce on a bird, anyhow.
Could the visiting birds have died off (sorry, darling) from eating the unnatural food my wife throws them? Or is there another cause for their disappearance?
I hope the blackbird, at least, sticks around. Seeing wildlife adds richness to our experiences.
My wife throws out (expensive) wholegrain bread for the birds each day. We used to get dozens of birds feeding, of at least four different species, but recently I’ve only seen the blackbird.
A son and daughter-in-law have been staying with us for the last few months while they renovate a house to live in. They have a domestic cat like the one in the movie “Bob”, only theirs is cross-eyed.
Now one might blame the cat for the missing birds. But cats feeding on birds tend to leave bird body parts lying around and I’ve seen none. Cross-eyed, the cat probably couldn’t successfully pounce on a bird, anyhow.
Could the visiting birds have died off (sorry, darling) from eating the unnatural food my wife throws them? Or is there another cause for their disappearance?
I hope the blackbird, at least, sticks around. Seeing wildlife adds richness to our experiences.
September 8, 2017
Who’s to Blame?
In reading Dean Koontz’s “The Face” I came across this piece of dialogue:
“Nobody’s got better or nicer since the mid-sixties.”
I imagine the author, not just the character, has that view.
It certainly encapsulates my feelings, most of the time, about society as a whole.
However, Ronald Rolheiser (NZ Catholic, Sept 10-Sept 23, 2017) points out that:
“When we see instances of injustice,bigotry, racism, greed, violence, murder and war on our newscasts we rightly feel a certain moral indignation. It’s healthy to feel that way, but it’s not healthy to naively to think that it’s others, not us, who are the problem.”
He writes: “…we ourselves have become so rigid, arrogant and sure of ourselves that we can no longer respect those who think differently than we do … and distance ourselves from a problem.”
A banquet for thought.
“Nobody’s got better or nicer since the mid-sixties.”
I imagine the author, not just the character, has that view.
It certainly encapsulates my feelings, most of the time, about society as a whole.
However, Ronald Rolheiser (NZ Catholic, Sept 10-Sept 23, 2017) points out that:
“When we see instances of injustice,bigotry, racism, greed, violence, murder and war on our newscasts we rightly feel a certain moral indignation. It’s healthy to feel that way, but it’s not healthy to naively to think that it’s others, not us, who are the problem.”
He writes: “…we ourselves have become so rigid, arrogant and sure of ourselves that we can no longer respect those who think differently than we do … and distance ourselves from a problem.”
A banquet for thought.
September 3, 2017
My Latest Work
In a number of posts I’ve kept you up to date with progress towards my 11th thriller novel, “Political Secret”.
I’ve had it assessed by a professional manuscript assessor and have now stopped working on it for the timebeing while it’s with my editor.
After having worked on the book since April I’ve become rather addicted to the daily discipline of writing then self-editing. Doing nothing on the book is hard work! Not writing at all (apart from blogs) is hard work too but I can only manage one novel at a time.
That’s untested, so I really mean I only want to concentrate on one at a time.
I’m not in a hurry for my next book idea but I am lost with all those extra free hours. I’m looking forward to receiving my next writing “fix” when the editor’s comments arrive.
www.thomaswdevine.com
I’ve had it assessed by a professional manuscript assessor and have now stopped working on it for the timebeing while it’s with my editor.
After having worked on the book since April I’ve become rather addicted to the daily discipline of writing then self-editing. Doing nothing on the book is hard work! Not writing at all (apart from blogs) is hard work too but I can only manage one novel at a time.
That’s untested, so I really mean I only want to concentrate on one at a time.
I’m not in a hurry for my next book idea but I am lost with all those extra free hours. I’m looking forward to receiving my next writing “fix” when the editor’s comments arrive.
www.thomaswdevine.com
August 26, 2017
Literary & Other Fiction
I follow the bookreviews in The Weekend. This weeks “book of the week” was reviewed by Sue Green. In it, she says that the author (Paula Weston) “won’t win any literary awards but the tension and tempo ensure the reader [of The Undercurrent] is swept along.”’
As a writer of thrillers I’d certainly settle for moving the reader.
I’m not much into reading literary fiction, though I’m currently ploughing through The Shipping News by E. Annie Prolux. Plenty of literary awards there. Sometimes the language is so flowery that it detracts from the story but, in the main, the writer creates stunning word pictures that I deeply admire.
As a writer of thrillers I’d certainly settle for moving the reader.
I’m not much into reading literary fiction, though I’m currently ploughing through The Shipping News by E. Annie Prolux. Plenty of literary awards there. Sometimes the language is so flowery that it detracts from the story but, in the main, the writer creates stunning word pictures that I deeply admire.
August 19, 2017
Censorship & Publicity
“It’s a great result,” New Zealand author, Shona Moller says (The Dominion Post, August 19, 2017). “We got the publicity of them doing it and then they’ve switched, so it’s the best of both worlds.”
What’s she so happy about?
Her book “The Trajectory of a Fallen Angel” and the decision by Amazon that the cover was too sexy to be promoted on its website, and then, after publicity, a reversal of that decision.
The offending cover? A photographic depiction of a woman’s mouth, chin and neck, with a hint of cleavage.
I’m sure I’ve seen more lurid and inappropriate covers on Amazon.
Moller describes it as, “Not provocative at all.” That isn’t quite true, otherwise why use the image? Still, by today’s standards, it’s hardly offensive.
But boy is she lucky getting the publicity!
What’s she so happy about?
Her book “The Trajectory of a Fallen Angel” and the decision by Amazon that the cover was too sexy to be promoted on its website, and then, after publicity, a reversal of that decision.
The offending cover? A photographic depiction of a woman’s mouth, chin and neck, with a hint of cleavage.
I’m sure I’ve seen more lurid and inappropriate covers on Amazon.
Moller describes it as, “Not provocative at all.” That isn’t quite true, otherwise why use the image? Still, by today’s standards, it’s hardly offensive.
But boy is she lucky getting the publicity!
August 11, 2017
Second Opinions
Getting a manuscript back from an assessor (editor) is like discovering you’ve finished a jigsaw puzzle but not noticed there are missing pieces. It’s satisfying to fit them in for a better image.
Of “Political Secret” (my 11th novel to be) my assessor says:
‘This is an exciting story about two young people on the run from Russian secret police. Usually this kind of thing happens in Europe, but the original feature of this story is that it mostly takes place in various (very nicely captured) scenic locations in the South Island of New Zealand. There is an international level happening at the same time.
‘Overseas readers should find the fabulous New Zealand locations interesting.’
She also says that there is a ‘level of tension and momentum throughout the story as the reader wonders if and when the Russians will catch up with [the young couple].’
‘An engaging read’, she concludes.
Revision first, then final touches by yours truly, and it goes to my second editor before getting a final polish.
Publication date? Likely October/November. I’ll keep you posted.
www.thomaswdevine.com
Of “Political Secret” (my 11th novel to be) my assessor says:
‘This is an exciting story about two young people on the run from Russian secret police. Usually this kind of thing happens in Europe, but the original feature of this story is that it mostly takes place in various (very nicely captured) scenic locations in the South Island of New Zealand. There is an international level happening at the same time.
‘Overseas readers should find the fabulous New Zealand locations interesting.’
She also says that there is a ‘level of tension and momentum throughout the story as the reader wonders if and when the Russians will catch up with [the young couple].’
‘An engaging read’, she concludes.
Revision first, then final touches by yours truly, and it goes to my second editor before getting a final polish.
Publication date? Likely October/November. I’ll keep you posted.
www.thomaswdevine.com
August 5, 2017
The Right to Marry
I was thinking about the latest Planet of the Apes movie and about human and animal rights. It occurred to me to ask: why do people have to get a licence to get married? What business is it of governments?
Are we chattels of our houses of representatives, that they have to licence two people to wed for it to be legal?
Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry...”
So why, in many jurisdictions, do we need to be authorised by the State?
Now there’s a human right and freedom of action worth fighting for. Wish I was young and energetic enough to start a campaign.
Are we chattels of our houses of representatives, that they have to licence two people to wed for it to be legal?
Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry...”
So why, in many jurisdictions, do we need to be authorised by the State?
Now there’s a human right and freedom of action worth fighting for. Wish I was young and energetic enough to start a campaign.
July 29, 2017
Perfection & Forgiveness
In a recent article (NZ Catholic, July 16-29, 2017) and based on a teaching of St John of the Cross, Ronald Rolheiser wrote:
“You cannot be a saint or a highly moral person if you allow yourself a moral exemption or two. Thus, I may not allow myself to split off one moral flaw or sinful habit and see it as unimportant in the light of my positive qualities and the overall good that I do.”
He gives one example, among others, as follows:
“Failure to be sensitive to who is weak and vulnerable in one area deeply compromises one’s moral standing on other issues [to do with justice and peace].”
Virtually all of us will never be declared to be a saint and most of us have moral lapses. However, Rolheiser urges us to forgive ourselves our inconsistencies so that we can do some good.
Since none of us is perfect I guess that’s a message we can all accept.
“You cannot be a saint or a highly moral person if you allow yourself a moral exemption or two. Thus, I may not allow myself to split off one moral flaw or sinful habit and see it as unimportant in the light of my positive qualities and the overall good that I do.”
He gives one example, among others, as follows:
“Failure to be sensitive to who is weak and vulnerable in one area deeply compromises one’s moral standing on other issues [to do with justice and peace].”
Virtually all of us will never be declared to be a saint and most of us have moral lapses. However, Rolheiser urges us to forgive ourselves our inconsistencies so that we can do some good.
Since none of us is perfect I guess that’s a message we can all accept.
July 22, 2017
“Political Secret” a Work in Progress
I couldn’t let this milestone pass without recording it.
Following further self-editing, based on the comments of a beta reader, I have sent the manuscript of my 11th novel to a manuscript assessor. I’m satisfied with its progress to that extent.
The story idea started off very simply – the protagonist would have something that somebody else wanted very badly; he or she would be chased and the chase would end in a wilderness encounter.
At first I was going to make the protagonist a woman but, as my idea developed, I decided on a man.
I chose a setting that I knew well – the region of my birth and young adulthood, and where I lived and worked or, later, visited for work as an employee of the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
Here’s the blurb I’m currently running with:
“ In an incident on the Moscow Metro, Lee St John, a press attaché with the New Zealand Embassy, gains access to an American secret with potential to start World War III.
“Tailed back to his own country by a Russian agent, and trying to keep the secret from getting out, Lee crisscrosses the South Island. He encounters New Zealand-born Natalie Voitenko but, when pursuer catches up with pursued, is she friend or foe?
“ Meanwhile, Lee’s long-distance lover, Sophie Patterson, tries to find an explanation for his disappearance.”
Sound interesting? Comments welcome.
[www.thomaswdevine.com]
Following further self-editing, based on the comments of a beta reader, I have sent the manuscript of my 11th novel to a manuscript assessor. I’m satisfied with its progress to that extent.
The story idea started off very simply – the protagonist would have something that somebody else wanted very badly; he or she would be chased and the chase would end in a wilderness encounter.
At first I was going to make the protagonist a woman but, as my idea developed, I decided on a man.
I chose a setting that I knew well – the region of my birth and young adulthood, and where I lived and worked or, later, visited for work as an employee of the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
Here’s the blurb I’m currently running with:
“ In an incident on the Moscow Metro, Lee St John, a press attaché with the New Zealand Embassy, gains access to an American secret with potential to start World War III.
“Tailed back to his own country by a Russian agent, and trying to keep the secret from getting out, Lee crisscrosses the South Island. He encounters New Zealand-born Natalie Voitenko but, when pursuer catches up with pursued, is she friend or foe?
“ Meanwhile, Lee’s long-distance lover, Sophie Patterson, tries to find an explanation for his disappearance.”
Sound interesting? Comments welcome.
[www.thomaswdevine.com]
July 14, 2017
Life & Death
Have you been sitting on the fence over human euthanasia? I’ve fallen off it a few times, both ways.
One of the most persuasive arguments I’ve come across for being pro-euthanasia is: we put animals out of their misery, why can’t we do the same for people?
That appeals to our compassion. Scratch the surface, though, and you find that some people also have a pet put down because:
• it costs too much to feed
• the vet bill is going to be too high
• it’s become a nuisance
• it stops me going on holiday
• etc
Can you see people like that, if they had the choice, also acting the same way over an elderly relative, or a child or adult with an incurable disability?
It’s a slippery slope once we reach the edge.
In the next twenty years, if we don't resist, I can see governments deciding that the State can no longer afford the cost of caring for the geriatric and infirm members of society.
[Other pro-euthanasia arguments are rebutted in NZ Catholic: July 16-29, 2017.]
One of the most persuasive arguments I’ve come across for being pro-euthanasia is: we put animals out of their misery, why can’t we do the same for people?
That appeals to our compassion. Scratch the surface, though, and you find that some people also have a pet put down because:
• it costs too much to feed
• the vet bill is going to be too high
• it’s become a nuisance
• it stops me going on holiday
• etc
Can you see people like that, if they had the choice, also acting the same way over an elderly relative, or a child or adult with an incurable disability?
It’s a slippery slope once we reach the edge.
In the next twenty years, if we don't resist, I can see governments deciding that the State can no longer afford the cost of caring for the geriatric and infirm members of society.
[Other pro-euthanasia arguments are rebutted in NZ Catholic: July 16-29, 2017.]
