Peadar Ó Guilín's Blog, page 15
June 10, 2014
Reading, Writing, Not Watching, Publishing
Not Watching
Holy Moly! The new series of Orange is the New Black is on Netflix and I haven't watched a single episode!
I have yet to catch up on the big battle in A Game of Thrones!
I'm behind on The Americans. Two installments recorded and left lonely on my TVR.
And there's more. So much mooooore! And... and the World Cup starts in two days! God help me. God help us all and our eyes that grow more square by the day.
Reading
Here I'm doing better. I've read the novels and the novellas for the Hugos. I'm pretty disappointed with the novellas, to be honest. I yawned and yawned until a small bird built a home for itself in my mouth. At least the Stross made me laugh a bit. There's a guy who knows how to take something to its most appalling limits.
I also read Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. If you've ever wanted to write or paint or artify yourself in any other way, but found yourself instead spending all your time right here online, then this is for you. Oh, it's all a bit high-falutin' for my taste, with references to muses and angels and so on. But it definitely helps.
I'm also enjoying Nick Harkaway's Tigerman on audiobook. So far, although I'm getting through it at a crawl, it's a joyful crawl. I love that guy.
Writing
Just as things in my writing career seem to be going increasingly pear-shaped, I find I'm being more creative than at any other point in my life. Terry Pratchett-sized* particles of inspiration seem to be smashing into me at all hours of the day and night. On holiday last weekend, I nearly died several times to nork attack when ideas distracted me from my very necessary self-defense.
But before I can act on any of this, I need to finish the book I'm working on right now. My current, untitled Work in Progress is up to nearly 75K in first draft. That's pretty darn good progress, to be honest, but I want it off the deck fast, so I can move on.
Publishing
Yes, yes. Two more days until The Volunteer is available for purchase by the sweaty masses. Curse their meaty little fists!
*It's, you know, a reference. Can't remember which of his books, though...
Holy Moly! The new series of Orange is the New Black is on Netflix and I haven't watched a single episode!
I have yet to catch up on the big battle in A Game of Thrones!
I'm behind on The Americans. Two installments recorded and left lonely on my TVR.
And there's more. So much mooooore! And... and the World Cup starts in two days! God help me. God help us all and our eyes that grow more square by the day.
Reading
Here I'm doing better. I've read the novels and the novellas for the Hugos. I'm pretty disappointed with the novellas, to be honest. I yawned and yawned until a small bird built a home for itself in my mouth. At least the Stross made me laugh a bit. There's a guy who knows how to take something to its most appalling limits.
I also read Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. If you've ever wanted to write or paint or artify yourself in any other way, but found yourself instead spending all your time right here online, then this is for you. Oh, it's all a bit high-falutin' for my taste, with references to muses and angels and so on. But it definitely helps.
I'm also enjoying Nick Harkaway's Tigerman on audiobook. So far, although I'm getting through it at a crawl, it's a joyful crawl. I love that guy.
Writing
Just as things in my writing career seem to be going increasingly pear-shaped, I find I'm being more creative than at any other point in my life. Terry Pratchett-sized* particles of inspiration seem to be smashing into me at all hours of the day and night. On holiday last weekend, I nearly died several times to nork attack when ideas distracted me from my very necessary self-defense.
But before I can act on any of this, I need to finish the book I'm working on right now. My current, untitled Work in Progress is up to nearly 75K in first draft. That's pretty darn good progress, to be honest, but I want it off the deck fast, so I can move on.
Publishing
Yes, yes. Two more days until The Volunteer is available for purchase by the sweaty masses. Curse their meaty little fists!
*It's, you know, a reference. Can't remember which of his books, though...
June 9, 2014
Not All Tombs Are Created Equal
I spent the weekend hunting megalithic tombs in Co. Sligo. Now, you know me. You know I won't get out of bed for anything younger than the pyramids, and these beauties have at least 500 years on their Egyptian cousins.
The first thing that struck me as I puffed my way up to the top of the hill at Carrowkeel, was that these people really knew how to die. The views here were some of the best I have ever experienced with stunning scenery visible in all of the cardinal directions.
But the really amazing thing about these tombs, was the fact that, on hands and knees, we were able to crawl inside them, and once there, to stand up straight and admire a ceiling that, 5000 years after the death of its builders, still keeps out every drop of moisture. It was an incredible feeling.
Outside again, and in the distance we could see the curiously shaped Ben Bulbin mountain and the faintest shadow of Knocknarea where Queen Maeve is said to lie buried in full armour, facing north towards her enemies. So, yeah, after a quick stop off to see the numerous dolmens and stone circles of Carrowmore, we had to pay our respects to her majesty. However, if she is buried there, she is as much of an interloper as we were -- for she lived halfway between our time and that of the original inhabitants of the area.
Again, the views were beyond spectacular, and I was thinking, sure you can't blame her for pushing into the bed beside our common ancestors. I wouldn't mind it for myself when my own time comes.
I hope you all had a great weekend too!
The first thing that struck me as I puffed my way up to the top of the hill at Carrowkeel, was that these people really knew how to die. The views here were some of the best I have ever experienced with stunning scenery visible in all of the cardinal directions.
But the really amazing thing about these tombs, was the fact that, on hands and knees, we were able to crawl inside them, and once there, to stand up straight and admire a ceiling that, 5000 years after the death of its builders, still keeps out every drop of moisture. It was an incredible feeling.
Outside again, and in the distance we could see the curiously shaped Ben Bulbin mountain and the faintest shadow of Knocknarea where Queen Maeve is said to lie buried in full armour, facing north towards her enemies. So, yeah, after a quick stop off to see the numerous dolmens and stone circles of Carrowmore, we had to pay our respects to her majesty. However, if she is buried there, she is as much of an interloper as we were -- for she lived halfway between our time and that of the original inhabitants of the area.
Again, the views were beyond spectacular, and I was thinking, sure you can't blame her for pushing into the bed beside our common ancestors. I wouldn't mind it for myself when my own time comes.
I hope you all had a great weekend too!
May 30, 2014
Hugo Voter Packet is Now Available
Just in case you weren't paying attention, I thought I'd pass on the fact that the Hugo Voter Packet is now available to download for all those who qualify to vote for the Hugo Awards -- that's you if you've bought a membership to this year's WorldCon.
Wow! So much free reading pleasure...
I'll be in my bunk.
Wow! So much free reading pleasure...
I'll be in my bunk.
May 21, 2014
Sample The Volunteer before The Volunteer Samples you!
For anybody eagerly waiting, or even, lethargically waiting, for the release of The Volunteer on 12 June 2014, what follows will come as a public service announcement. For everybody else, it might resemble one of the more virulent forms of spam. My apologies if you belong to the latter group.
But for everybody else -- and I know I'm speaking to the vast majority of the world's population -- a very massive and extremely free sample of the novel (20%) is waiting for your downloading pleasure here. Read it on your kindle or epub reader, on your PC screen... or print it out so that you can have your way with it out of sight of judging eyes.
But for everybody else -- and I know I'm speaking to the vast majority of the world's population -- a very massive and extremely free sample of the novel (20%) is waiting for your downloading pleasure here. Read it on your kindle or epub reader, on your PC screen... or print it out so that you can have your way with it out of sight of judging eyes.
May 20, 2014
Reading: The Girl With All the Gifts
If I never read another zombie apocalypse book again, it will be too soon.
However, the fact is that these days 97% of all speculative fiction is of the shambling kind, so, unless I want to swear off books altogether, some small amount of pathogen infected rotting meat is bound to enter my otherwise vegan diet.
Sometimes, as with World War Z, I find I even like the stuff, licking my chops and hoping that nobody has seen the pleasure on my grease-spattered face.
But only once, have I ever loved a zombie book, and that's the one I'm reading right now.
M.R. Carey's The Girl With All the Gifts is simply wonderful. Great writing. Good characters. Strong plotting with every ounce of sweet, sweet tension juice squeezed out of every situation. Meanwhile all the most well-worn paths are skilfully avoided.
You'll get no spoilers from me, but you should download the free sample and give it a real college try.
However, the fact is that these days 97% of all speculative fiction is of the shambling kind, so, unless I want to swear off books altogether, some small amount of pathogen infected rotting meat is bound to enter my otherwise vegan diet.
Sometimes, as with World War Z, I find I even like the stuff, licking my chops and hoping that nobody has seen the pleasure on my grease-spattered face.
But only once, have I ever loved a zombie book, and that's the one I'm reading right now.
M.R. Carey's The Girl With All the Gifts is simply wonderful. Great writing. Good characters. Strong plotting with every ounce of sweet, sweet tension juice squeezed out of every situation. Meanwhile all the most well-worn paths are skilfully avoided.
You'll get no spoilers from me, but you should download the free sample and give it a real college try.
May 7, 2014
My Birthday is June 12th
You won't need to buy me one of these, since I already have one. But you will be able to treat yourself if you are so inclined... If not, I have friends who will visit and change your mind for you...
A 20% sample is available too, right here...
WARNING! May contain slight traces of cannibalism, violence and moments of transcendent beauty that will fill the void you never knew you had.
A 20% sample is available too, right here...
WARNING! May contain slight traces of cannibalism, violence and moments of transcendent beauty that will fill the void you never knew you had.
May 6, 2014
You Are The Most Infuriating Woman I Have Ever Met
Ah, the Simpsons. They do love to mock a good cliché.
Once upon a time there was an episode where a grown up version of Lisa Simpson falls in love with a British Student. "You are the most infuriating man I have ever met," she says. And instantly, they are passionately kissing.
I laughed myself silly the first time I saw that scene. I am not, and never have been an expert on romance literature. I had no idea that such a cliché existed, but it crystalised immediately for me when the Simpsons spelled it out for me, and ever since then, I've seen it everywhere, and not just in traditional hetero stories. A lesbian YA fantasy I read recently had that exact same dynamic going on.
However... a book I'm reading at the moment really takes the biscuit in that regard: it uses the words: "She was the most infuriating woman he had ever met", and then proceeds to spend 1000 pages bringing the future lovers slightly closer together. I couldn't believe it was so... blatant.
But I can't blame the author. The only reason I know to avoid this particular pitfall -- one that would have those of my readers with a romance background rolling their eyes -- is because a cartoon inoculated me against it.
LISTENING
I'm listening to the audiobook of Garth Nix's Sabriel at the moment. So far, a third of the way through, the word that comes most easily to mind, is "delightful".
Also, Dan Carlin, of Hardcore History fame, is knocking it out of the park at the moment with his ongoing series on the First World War. Highly recommended for history buffs.
Once upon a time there was an episode where a grown up version of Lisa Simpson falls in love with a British Student. "You are the most infuriating man I have ever met," she says. And instantly, they are passionately kissing.
I laughed myself silly the first time I saw that scene. I am not, and never have been an expert on romance literature. I had no idea that such a cliché existed, but it crystalised immediately for me when the Simpsons spelled it out for me, and ever since then, I've seen it everywhere, and not just in traditional hetero stories. A lesbian YA fantasy I read recently had that exact same dynamic going on.
However... a book I'm reading at the moment really takes the biscuit in that regard: it uses the words: "She was the most infuriating woman he had ever met", and then proceeds to spend 1000 pages bringing the future lovers slightly closer together. I couldn't believe it was so... blatant.
But I can't blame the author. The only reason I know to avoid this particular pitfall -- one that would have those of my readers with a romance background rolling their eyes -- is because a cartoon inoculated me against it.
LISTENING
I'm listening to the audiobook of Garth Nix's Sabriel at the moment. So far, a third of the way through, the word that comes most easily to mind, is "delightful".
Also, Dan Carlin, of Hardcore History fame, is knocking it out of the park at the moment with his ongoing series on the First World War. Highly recommended for history buffs.
April 27, 2014
Yup. It's Spring
Sometimes I forget what a lovely area I live in and then this happens.
I was cycling on a country road barely wide enough for a single car, and the first thing that hits me is not a tractor, as you might expect, but the most powerful smell of pollen I've ever had in my life. Then I saw the field and was compelled to stop and gawp.
Take that, Winter!
I was cycling on a country road barely wide enough for a single car, and the first thing that hits me is not a tractor, as you might expect, but the most powerful smell of pollen I've ever had in my life. Then I saw the field and was compelled to stop and gawp.
Take that, Winter!
April 21, 2014
Watching, Reading, Eating
Watching
There were times last year, when every night of the week I watched an hour or more of TV. But sadly, my friends, those days of free and easy entertainment seem far behind me.
About the best thing I've seen this year was True Detective and even that was hurt by the fact that about half of Rusty's lines were inaudible. Good show, though.
At the moment, I'm looking at continuations of series I used to watch: The Americans, A Game of Thrones and Mad Men. All are good, but I have nothing to say about them that you haven't heard a million times before. Except that I will be sad to see a certain nasty character depart A Game of Thrones. I always thought he did the part justice.
Hugo Controversy
Every year, I take a different stance on the controversy of the awards season. This year, I find myself agreeing with John Scalzi's position. That is, I'm going to read everything and rank them according to how they make me feel. Yes, it's true that one person on the list has made statements that leave me feeling slightly sick. I've even met the person about whom he made those statements and found her to be both charming and intelligent. But I'm not going to feed anybody's persecution complex by treating them differently.
Of course, if it ever comes to actually paying for anything he's written, then, in that case, I will reserve my right as a customer to say "no thanks".
As for the novels category: Ancillary Justice is a really good book; Wheel of Time is not for me, but is historically important. I haven't read the others yet, but I will.
Reading
Mostly history here. Lots of stuff about the British in India and Afghanistan, written by William Dalrymple who prides himself on actually consulting sources from both sides of a given conflict. Shocking, I know, and when it comes to the Indian Mutiny, almost unprecedented!
What have I learned?
Everybody who invades Afghanistan succeeds. And then fails.
I bet you didn't know that!
[image error]
Podcasting
It's not too late to listen to a podcast of my story Heartless. Honestly! Really! It's free! It's getting marvellous comments in the Podcastle Forum! I would be your friend. Well, only until the next time I wanted something from you and that is likely to be all too soon!
Eating
I have pickled a turnip.
--What does it taste like?
Why, it tastes exactly as you would expect a turnip to taste if you soaked it in a solution of salt and vinegar for a week. I'm not sure what else I was expecting. It's nice. Not extraordinary. It is itself and I will not be prejudiced against it.
There were times last year, when every night of the week I watched an hour or more of TV. But sadly, my friends, those days of free and easy entertainment seem far behind me.
About the best thing I've seen this year was True Detective and even that was hurt by the fact that about half of Rusty's lines were inaudible. Good show, though.
At the moment, I'm looking at continuations of series I used to watch: The Americans, A Game of Thrones and Mad Men. All are good, but I have nothing to say about them that you haven't heard a million times before. Except that I will be sad to see a certain nasty character depart A Game of Thrones. I always thought he did the part justice.
Hugo Controversy
Every year, I take a different stance on the controversy of the awards season. This year, I find myself agreeing with John Scalzi's position. That is, I'm going to read everything and rank them according to how they make me feel. Yes, it's true that one person on the list has made statements that leave me feeling slightly sick. I've even met the person about whom he made those statements and found her to be both charming and intelligent. But I'm not going to feed anybody's persecution complex by treating them differently.
Of course, if it ever comes to actually paying for anything he's written, then, in that case, I will reserve my right as a customer to say "no thanks".
As for the novels category: Ancillary Justice is a really good book; Wheel of Time is not for me, but is historically important. I haven't read the others yet, but I will.
Reading
Mostly history here. Lots of stuff about the British in India and Afghanistan, written by William Dalrymple who prides himself on actually consulting sources from both sides of a given conflict. Shocking, I know, and when it comes to the Indian Mutiny, almost unprecedented!
What have I learned?
Everybody who invades Afghanistan succeeds. And then fails.
I bet you didn't know that!
[image error]
Podcasting
It's not too late to listen to a podcast of my story Heartless. Honestly! Really! It's free! It's getting marvellous comments in the Podcastle Forum! I would be your friend. Well, only until the next time I wanted something from you and that is likely to be all too soon!
Eating
I have pickled a turnip.
--What does it taste like?
Why, it tastes exactly as you would expect a turnip to taste if you soaked it in a solution of salt and vinegar for a week. I'm not sure what else I was expecting. It's nice. Not extraordinary. It is itself and I will not be prejudiced against it.
