Michelle Styles's Blog, page 44

Heartwarming read and an upcoming writing contest

Last evening I finished Neurosurgeon and Mum! Kate Hardy's latest. And in traditional Kate Hardy style, it grabbed me by the heart strings and refused to let go.
I loved how it wasn't a traditional medical but possibly closer to Kate's MH but the medical detail was also expertly woven in. She also created a lovely community and really brought her world to life. I love the fact that her heroine was the high flying consultant and the hero -- the locum g.p. who shows her why life is for living.


Re...

Shining sun

It is another gorgeous day but I'm busy working on my revisions. Sometimes, I suspect that it is much easier just simply to throw the whole thing out and start again. However, I'm stubborn and it is FINALLY starting to get better.

The wonderful Kate Hardy sent me a copy of her latest -- Neurosurgeon and Mum! and after reading the first page, I had a few light bulb moments about why my heroine behaves the way she does. (BTW the book is typical Kate Hardy heart warming. ) It does go back to the...

Birthdays and other things

Today is the ever so lovely India Grey's significant birthday. Hooray for India! And hooray that she is writing more books!

I will be appearing on the newish Silk and Shadows blog tomorrow. There is a signed copy of An Impulsive Debutante up for grabs.

My revisions are being done. My editor was right about the book (editors generally are) but I am working away. Unlike some authors, I do not mind admitting that at times I have to sweat and slave over my work. Writing can be tough. It is supposed...

Going Postal and Steampunk

One of my favourite Terry Pratchett's -- Going Postal is being broadcast on Sky at the moment, the conclusion is today. Thus far, it has been a thoroughly engaging adaptation of the book. They used a steampunk type setting for the tv adaptation, and it really works. You can't really define Terry Pratchett as anything but fantasy, but the steampunk setting works for this production. My fingers are crossed that they do The Word at some point as well. I would also like some of the Watch...

29 May and all that

Today is Oak Apple Day -- Charles II's birthday and the day that the monarchy was restored in 1660. Oak Apple because he hid in an oak tree to escape during the English Civil War

Today is the day that the Ottoman Turks broke the siege of Constantinople in 1453 and ended the Byzantine Empire. Some scholars also consider it is the date the Roman Empire finally fell as the Byzantine was merely Rome in the East. No word on if this was the Sultan's birthday...

Today in 1953, Hillary and Tenzing Nor...

Zero-sum gain or fingernails on a chalkboard time

The phrase 'zero-sum gain' is like fingernails on a chalk board for me. I just read it on a worksheet handout for an upcoming RWA workshop on Professional jealousy. It is a common error of the English language and shows that the person using the phrase doesn't know what it means and is simply throwing the words about -- a malapropism.
The actual phrase is zero-sum game. Specifically, the phrase describes a type of game in game theory. I had to do game theory when I did my econ degree so indul...

They may look innocent ...( a kitten post)

They look cute and innocent but they are fearless fiends. Earlier today, Heathcliff (the one at the back) was discovered hanging by one paw from the top window in the dining room. Inquiring minds want to know how he got there.I have had to take to hiding my Montblanc pen, the pen I use for revisions. As soon as I put it down, it is a signal for a raid and the pen disappears...And then there is the campaign desk incident. Thankfully none of the French door's windows broke but the desk needs...

Should have worn sun glasses

Yesterday, as I stood precariously balanced on the weed choked slope, pulling brambles, a stick bounced free of its confines and hit me in my eye. Now I know what being poked in the eye with a sharp stick feels like -- painful. It hit the corner of my eye, rather than the eyeball. Basically I'm trying to rest it but if it still hurts as fiercely tomorrow, I will go see the doctor. Honest.

Next time, I will garden in sun glasses.

I never really considered the possibility of being hit in the e...

Winners from my newsletter contest

I drew Teresa B's name and Cindi H's name out of the hat and sent them both emails. Thank you to everyone who entered.

It is my sister's significant birthday today. I still remember the day she was born. The people my brother and I stayed with had to go to a church dinner so we had a babysitter, several teenagers. It was all terribly upsetting. BUT it was wonderful a few days later when my sister came home. She *brought* me a stuffed hippo.
Anyway, I really wish I was there in person to say H...

Ashes to Ashes -- the final

Ashes to Ashes had a very satisfactory ending. All emotional lines tied up.
It made a ton of sense. The writers had always said it was about death.
I was delighted to see Nelson again as I always thought he knew more than he let on. I still remember when he says in answer to Sam's question about how do you know when you are dead -- when you stop feeling.
Gene Hunt retains his integrity and you know what will go on...Long live Gene Hunt. next car -- a Mercedes? And sometimes all you can do is ...