L.M. Pruitt's Blog, page 21
September 21, 2011
Writing Wednesday!
Before I start this, let me make a disclaimer: no, I am not being paid by Mira Grant to pimp her books. They are, quite simply, that awesome.
I'm in the middle of re-reading Feed. It's always fun to re-read a book, especially if you're like me and you go stalker-tastic and hunt up as much as you can about the book and the characters and whatnot. This time, I'm picking up on lots of little hints and clues about something that was like, "whoa, what the fuck" when it came up in the second book. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but I'm getting used to it.
I'm also prepping myself for the scene toward the end where one of the major characters dies. I wept, flat out wept, when this death occurred. It wasn't the fact this person died--ok, yes, that also had a lot to do with it. But really, it was the way Grant wrote the scene. To make it short and not too spoilery, there's a complete and total dissolution of self before the death. There's grief before the actual event, actual grief--in a commercial fiction, zombie book.
Clearly, Grant is something of a rule-breaker. Even more clearly, she rocks.
The last time I discussed these books, in relation to Writing Wednesday, I mentioned how I would feel accomplished if I was ever able to reach a reader in such a way. In the past month, since the re-release of Shades of Gray and the release of the mini-prequel, Hole in the Wall, I've seen my sales go up, I've done an amazing blog tour and made contact with new readers.
My proudest moments have come from the reviews where people told me they laughed and cried and held their breath and felt.
I don't know if I'll ever have the same huge fan base that Grant has accomplished with Feed and Deadline. But when I read reviews like those, I feel like maybe, just maybe, I'll somehow manage to get my writing in the same league.
I'm in the middle of re-reading Feed. It's always fun to re-read a book, especially if you're like me and you go stalker-tastic and hunt up as much as you can about the book and the characters and whatnot. This time, I'm picking up on lots of little hints and clues about something that was like, "whoa, what the fuck" when it came up in the second book. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but I'm getting used to it.
I'm also prepping myself for the scene toward the end where one of the major characters dies. I wept, flat out wept, when this death occurred. It wasn't the fact this person died--ok, yes, that also had a lot to do with it. But really, it was the way Grant wrote the scene. To make it short and not too spoilery, there's a complete and total dissolution of self before the death. There's grief before the actual event, actual grief--in a commercial fiction, zombie book.
Clearly, Grant is something of a rule-breaker. Even more clearly, she rocks.
The last time I discussed these books, in relation to Writing Wednesday, I mentioned how I would feel accomplished if I was ever able to reach a reader in such a way. In the past month, since the re-release of Shades of Gray and the release of the mini-prequel, Hole in the Wall, I've seen my sales go up, I've done an amazing blog tour and made contact with new readers.
My proudest moments have come from the reviews where people told me they laughed and cried and held their breath and felt.
I don't know if I'll ever have the same huge fan base that Grant has accomplished with Feed and Deadline. But when I read reviews like those, I feel like maybe, just maybe, I'll somehow manage to get my writing in the same league.
September 20, 2011
Teaser Tuesday!
So, I'm not reading anything new this week. Really, I shouldn't be reading anything at all, since I'm thisclose to finishing Taken. But, my subconscious or whatnot has been bugging me to pick this book back up and read it again, despite the fact that after reading it the first time I had horrible dreams/nightmares, freaked out anytime I heard a moan, and freaked out more when I didn't hear anything.
Yes. I'm rereading Feed. I'm not sure whether to curse you or praise you to the heavens, Mira Grant.
You can purchase Feed and Deadline at various places, or just click the pretty pictures below. As always, happy reading!
Yes. I'm rereading Feed. I'm not sure whether to curse you or praise you to the heavens, Mira Grant.
Our story opens where countless stories have ended in the past twenty six years: with an idiot--in this case, my brother Shaun--deciding it would be a good idea to go out and poke a zombie with a stick to see what happens.I read those opening lines in Borders (may you rest in peace) and bought the book right away. Devoured it (no pun intended) in a day, maybe two--I think I was working doubles, which slowed down my reading, since I barely had time to sleep let alone read. Did the same with the second book, Deadline. And I'll tell you now, if anyone knows how to get their hands on an ARC of the third book (not due out until right around my birthday next year, i.e, the first part of June), Blackout, you will live a life of amazing luxury--in one of my books. And I'll love you forever.
You can purchase Feed and Deadline at various places, or just click the pretty pictures below. As always, happy reading!
September 19, 2011
Media Monday--What I Want to Be Watching
With the end of True Blood, I have a dearth in my viewing schedule. Actually, I don't really have a viewing schedule, since I'm super selective about what I watch, which may not seem the case, but is the truth. I mean, really--you have to be a conscious effort into following both Boardwalk Empire AND South Park.
So, what I'm looking forward to/salivating over this season:
Mad Men
Boardwalk Empire
Walking Dead
The Good Wife
Two Broke Girls
There might be more. I doubt it. You'll notice that four of the five up there are drama--I like to be engrossed while watching television. Now, if I just want to relax, which is totally different, I go straight for turn your brain off comedy, which I'm hoping is the case for TBG.
The Fall 2012 Season kicks off tonight, with one of those shows being TBG. What shows are YOU looking forward to this year?
So, what I'm looking forward to/salivating over this season:
Mad Men
Boardwalk Empire
Walking Dead
The Good Wife
Two Broke Girls
There might be more. I doubt it. You'll notice that four of the five up there are drama--I like to be engrossed while watching television. Now, if I just want to relax, which is totally different, I go straight for turn your brain off comedy, which I'm hoping is the case for TBG.
The Fall 2012 Season kicks off tonight, with one of those shows being TBG. What shows are YOU looking forward to this year?
September 16, 2011
Food Friday--Deviled Eggs
I realized something the other day--it's been forever since I actually shared a recipe on Food Friday. I'm actually preparing this today to take to a cookout/day drinking event. It's a standard party treat that never gets old.
*Boil a dozen eggs (please, don't make me explain this part)
*Ice, peel, and halve; keep all the yolks in a separate bowl.
*Add mayo, mustard, salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy!
*Boil a dozen eggs (please, don't make me explain this part)
*Ice, peel, and halve; keep all the yolks in a separate bowl.
*Add mayo, mustard, salt and pepper to taste.
This is where you can get creative. Depending on my mood and the occasion, I'll use Creole mustard with Tony Catcatori seasoning, or honey mustard with sea salt, or even just good old fashioned yellow mustard. Like I said, get creative, work with your own personal tastes. It ain't called the incredible, edible egg for nothing.*Spoon the filling into each egg half; dust with an appropriate spice
Enjoy!
September 14, 2011
Writing Wednesday
I'm nearing the end. Maybe another 20K to go. I honestly may lose my mind. God help us all.
September 13, 2011
Teaser Tuesday!
Today, I'm SUPER excited. Yes, I'm so excited, I had to break out the CAPS button. Just be happy I restrained myself and didn't bold it as well.
The latest offering from J.D. Robb, New York to Dallas, came out today. I love this series. Seriously, I LOVE it. There I go with the CAPS again. Anyway, I bought it after work (which reminds me, with the demise of Borders, I was torn between Books a Million and Barnes & Noble. Today settled that--Books a Million is even more freaking expensive than B&N, which I didn't think was possible. Or I can hope Wal-Mart stays up on new releases. But I digressed a while back.), and rushed home to read, but not before posting my teaser:
And now, I leave you all to go devour my book. I love Tuesdays!
The latest offering from J.D. Robb, New York to Dallas, came out today. I love this series. Seriously, I LOVE it. There I go with the CAPS again. Anyway, I bought it after work (which reminds me, with the demise of Borders, I was torn between Books a Million and Barnes & Noble. Today settled that--Books a Million is even more freaking expensive than B&N, which I didn't think was possible. Or I can hope Wal-Mart stays up on new releases. But I digressed a while back.), and rushed home to read, but not before posting my teaser:
She may have been going into her own personal hell to face a killer, but right at that moment she considered herself the luckiest woman in the world.
And now, I leave you all to go devour my book. I love Tuesdays!
September 12, 2011
Media Monday--True Blood Season Finale: I'm Still Waiting
Well. That was disappointing. On a variety of levels.
Things I Was Expecting to Happen, And They Did:
The Fairy Thing Went Nowhere. Nowhere. No.Where. Honestly, what was the point? All it did was provide an easy out for times when there was no other way. Again, in writing, we call that a deus ex machina. It doesn't fly in books. It doesn't fly in television.
No Real Resolution--For Anything. The end of this episode seemed like the set up for...well, another episode. It did not seem like an appropriate cliffhanger to keep us interested for nine months. Hell, I barely cared nine minutes after it was over.
The Continuation of Making Likeable Characters Either Total Assholes--Or Dead. I may be alone, but I've always loved Hoyt. He's like the adorable puppy/boyfriend you always wanted, if only for a little bit. And now he's the absolute asshole of the show. Tara? The damaged friend, the one you actually kind of love to hate but still love. And now she's dead. Jesus? A grounded half to Lafayette, but grounded because he understands the potential craziness of magic. And how he's dead. Alan Ball, what the hell were you thinking?
Things I Wasn't Expecting, And They DID Happen
The Introduction of MORE Characters. Alan Ball, just because you killed some people off--some who definitely didn't need to go--does NOT mean you bring in more people who the audience will end up disliking. Didn't you learn your lesson from Tommy Mickens?
The End of the Bill/Sookie/Eric Triangle. Jeez, really? It's a triangle for all of what, three episodes? And talk about the most anticlimatic breakup ever. I was so bored, I actually started checking the sales on my books.
Pam's Breakdown. The only part of the entire episode I cared/teared up over. Add to that Pan letting Ginger comfort her, when she is clearly not a people person, and it just hurt my heart.
Overall, a disappointing ending to a disappointing season. The news has already been released that there will be a fifth season, so maybe Ball and company can redeem themselves. If not, well--my Sundays will be free and clear.
Things I Was Expecting to Happen, And They Did:
The Fairy Thing Went Nowhere. Nowhere. No.Where. Honestly, what was the point? All it did was provide an easy out for times when there was no other way. Again, in writing, we call that a deus ex machina. It doesn't fly in books. It doesn't fly in television.
No Real Resolution--For Anything. The end of this episode seemed like the set up for...well, another episode. It did not seem like an appropriate cliffhanger to keep us interested for nine months. Hell, I barely cared nine minutes after it was over.
The Continuation of Making Likeable Characters Either Total Assholes--Or Dead. I may be alone, but I've always loved Hoyt. He's like the adorable puppy/boyfriend you always wanted, if only for a little bit. And now he's the absolute asshole of the show. Tara? The damaged friend, the one you actually kind of love to hate but still love. And now she's dead. Jesus? A grounded half to Lafayette, but grounded because he understands the potential craziness of magic. And how he's dead. Alan Ball, what the hell were you thinking?
Things I Wasn't Expecting, And They DID Happen
The Introduction of MORE Characters. Alan Ball, just because you killed some people off--some who definitely didn't need to go--does NOT mean you bring in more people who the audience will end up disliking. Didn't you learn your lesson from Tommy Mickens?
The End of the Bill/Sookie/Eric Triangle. Jeez, really? It's a triangle for all of what, three episodes? And talk about the most anticlimatic breakup ever. I was so bored, I actually started checking the sales on my books.
Pam's Breakdown. The only part of the entire episode I cared/teared up over. Add to that Pan letting Ginger comfort her, when she is clearly not a people person, and it just hurt my heart.
Overall, a disappointing ending to a disappointing season. The news has already been released that there will be a fifth season, so maybe Ball and company can redeem themselves. If not, well--my Sundays will be free and clear.
September 8, 2011
Random Thursday--Goals
Today, I have very few goals. Because I like to pretend I can accomplish things.
1. Eat breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day.
2. Do laundry. Or get someone to do it for me.
3. Go to the grocery store. So I can eat at some other point today.
4. Finish writing Taken. I don't know if I'll make the last one. I've got between 30 and 35K to go. My brain may in fact leak out of my ears before the end. But I'm going to give it the ol' college try. Wish me luck.
1. Eat breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day.
2. Do laundry. Or get someone to do it for me.
3. Go to the grocery store. So I can eat at some other point today.
4. Finish writing Taken. I don't know if I'll make the last one. I've got between 30 and 35K to go. My brain may in fact leak out of my ears before the end. But I'm going to give it the ol' college try. Wish me luck.
September 7, 2011
Writing Wednesday--Close to the End
Close to the end of what, you might ask? Depending on the day, it could be close to the end of my rope, but in this particular case, I'm referring to the end of my work in progress, Taken, featuring Frankie Post.
One of my biggest problems--and also one of my biggest strengths--is my imagination. It's great, because, well, it's hard to be a writer if you don't have any imagination. But it sucks, because, well, my brain will flash forward way faster than it should. So maybe that's ADD combined with imagination.
I tend to get super impatient around the halfway to three quarter mark of a work. I mean, like dancing with ants in my pants impatient. I can see how things are supposed to go--dialogue, specific scenes, everything on how to get from point A to point B. I just can't type it fast enough, not and not risk screwing up the first draft so much it'd take forever and five days to fix it. A rough first draft is one thing. A disaster of a first draft is another. Which is exactly what I would end up with if I typed as fast as I wanted to.
So, even though I want to sit down after dinner (hey, nutrition is important) and bang out a good four to five thousand words, I'll limit myself to around two or three thousand. Because I'd rather get it close to right the first time, than so far off I won't even recognize what the hell I wrote when it finishes edits.
So maybe I am close to the end of my rope. But at least it will be well constructed.
One of my biggest problems--and also one of my biggest strengths--is my imagination. It's great, because, well, it's hard to be a writer if you don't have any imagination. But it sucks, because, well, my brain will flash forward way faster than it should. So maybe that's ADD combined with imagination.
I tend to get super impatient around the halfway to three quarter mark of a work. I mean, like dancing with ants in my pants impatient. I can see how things are supposed to go--dialogue, specific scenes, everything on how to get from point A to point B. I just can't type it fast enough, not and not risk screwing up the first draft so much it'd take forever and five days to fix it. A rough first draft is one thing. A disaster of a first draft is another. Which is exactly what I would end up with if I typed as fast as I wanted to.
So, even though I want to sit down after dinner (hey, nutrition is important) and bang out a good four to five thousand words, I'll limit myself to around two or three thousand. Because I'd rather get it close to right the first time, than so far off I won't even recognize what the hell I wrote when it finishes edits.
So maybe I am close to the end of my rope. But at least it will be well constructed.
September 6, 2011
Teaser Tuesday!
Today--I have jury duty! Big, fat, not happy day to me. Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone should do their civil duty. I just think they should keep a record of people who always end up getting dismissed for certain concrete reasons, i.e. a degree in criminalology, and to keep things truckin', not call those people again. Or just do like one of my professors suggested and come up with a professional juror job position type thing.
Anyway. Today's teaser comes from Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, which I will be reading while waiting for them to decide they don't want me to sit on the jury. At least my morning will be somewhat productive. Anywhere, here it is:
Short, and to the point. Oh, and it has a really pretty cover, which is always awesome. And even though I'm too old for him in real life, I do have a crush on Adrian. Because I like bad boys. Yum.
Anyway. Today's teaser comes from Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, which I will be reading while waiting for them to decide they don't want me to sit on the jury. At least my morning will be somewhat productive. Anywhere, here it is:
A large part of our job didn't even involve interacting with the vampiric world--it was the human world that needed tending.
Short, and to the point. Oh, and it has a really pretty cover, which is always awesome. And even though I'm too old for him in real life, I do have a crush on Adrian. Because I like bad boys. Yum.
