Cheryl B. Dale's Blog: RANDOM MUSINGS, page 44
January 28, 2012
DESERT FIRE
DESERT FIRE, by H.M Prevost, is an action packed YA novel where teenager Nick Chevalier accidentally happens on some military secrets that make him a target for terrorists.
When a jet crashes into the desert near Abu Dhabi, only a stowaway manages to eject safely.
Nick, an aspiring journalist, has just moved with his mother and sister to the United Arab Emirates. When he sees the plane going down, his investigative juices start flowing. Grabbing a ride with a couple of Arab kids, they arrive first on the scene. Nick notices the plane's military markings and then finds a survivor. The man tries to tell Nick something but dies as Nick sees a charred American insignia on his miitary uniform. The other kids, scared of trouble, grab him as sirens wail and a helicopter appears. They escape.
Only later does Nick find the soldier gave him something. A mini CD that lands Nick in big trouble.
I had to suspend disbelief a lot. From the moment Nick, a newcomer and a Canadian, jumped into a Hummer with Arab kids he didn't know, I kept wanting to say, "Dude! Think this over! You're new here and don't even speak the language!" But he kept doing stuff like that so finally, I just went with the flow because the description of the country and its citizens made me want to keep reading. The author has obviously lived a long time in the Arab world and loves it.
Very nice read.
When a jet crashes into the desert near Abu Dhabi, only a stowaway manages to eject safely.
Nick, an aspiring journalist, has just moved with his mother and sister to the United Arab Emirates. When he sees the plane going down, his investigative juices start flowing. Grabbing a ride with a couple of Arab kids, they arrive first on the scene. Nick notices the plane's military markings and then finds a survivor. The man tries to tell Nick something but dies as Nick sees a charred American insignia on his miitary uniform. The other kids, scared of trouble, grab him as sirens wail and a helicopter appears. They escape.
Only later does Nick find the soldier gave him something. A mini CD that lands Nick in big trouble.
I had to suspend disbelief a lot. From the moment Nick, a newcomer and a Canadian, jumped into a Hummer with Arab kids he didn't know, I kept wanting to say, "Dude! Think this over! You're new here and don't even speak the language!" But he kept doing stuff like that so finally, I just went with the flow because the description of the country and its citizens made me want to keep reading. The author has obviously lived a long time in the Arab world and loves it.
Very nice read.
January 27, 2012
BAD EYES
Had to have eye surgery recently. Seems I have these things like calluses that grow over my corneas and have to be removed every few years. It's a pain, especially when I'm a visual learner. When I listen to stuff, my mind wanders so I never remember what I heard. But give me a book and I can plough right through it and soak it all up.
Except now I'm watching movies for the next few days. We saw FLAWLESS with Demi Moore and Michael Caine last night. Not a bad film. And before that, we watched MORNING GLORY with Rachael McAdams, Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton. It was cuter than I expected. I like movies that make me laugh.
So don't know what's in store for tonight. I hate going through the lists and trying to pick something out. Especially when we've seen most of the really really good ones.
Wonder if all that reading contributed to my problem? Like maybe my eyes had to toughen up to stand up to all those words?
Don't even want to think about it.
Except now I'm watching movies for the next few days. We saw FLAWLESS with Demi Moore and Michael Caine last night. Not a bad film. And before that, we watched MORNING GLORY with Rachael McAdams, Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton. It was cuter than I expected. I like movies that make me laugh.
So don't know what's in store for tonight. I hate going through the lists and trying to pick something out. Especially when we've seen most of the really really good ones.
Wonder if all that reading contributed to my problem? Like maybe my eyes had to toughen up to stand up to all those words?
Don't even want to think about it.
January 21, 2012
FINAL GALLEYS
So I got the final galleys for THE MAN IN THE BOAT this past week. As I'm going through them with a fine tooth comb since this is the very last chance to correct typos or other simple mistakes (e.g., the hero was working in clay, then marble, then clay again for the same piece), I notice awkward phrases, unnecessary words, and other stuff I'm always telling other people not to do.
How can this happen? I ask myself. I had a copy editor and a line editor. They went through it, sent me corrections, I sent it back, they went through it again, sent it back to me, I sent it back to them... Altogether the three of us went through the blooming manuscript eight or more times!
I guess the truth is, there are always things we could do better. Anyway, the galley corrections are now in. I'm still waiting on my cover art though. I'm anxious to see what it looks like!
How can this happen? I ask myself. I had a copy editor and a line editor. They went through it, sent me corrections, I sent it back, they went through it again, sent it back to me, I sent it back to them... Altogether the three of us went through the blooming manuscript eight or more times!
I guess the truth is, there are always things we could do better. Anyway, the galley corrections are now in. I'm still waiting on my cover art though. I'm anxious to see what it looks like!
January 16, 2012
IS AMAZON SPYING ON ME?
I can't believe it! Amazon just emailed me a link to these books!
DIETING FOR DUMMIES
DETOX DIETS FOR DUMMIES
EXERCISE BALLS FOR DUMMIES
EATING CLEAN FOR DUMMIES
RESHAPING IT ALL
THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR: HOW TO STOP CONFUSING WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE WITH WHO YOU ARE
Huh?
And those are just some of the dieting, exercise, spiritual books they think I might "want to know about."
Well, I don't think my mind and my body are any of their business! If I want to do something about them, I will!
Not going to let my guy see this. He's been after me to eat less butter.
DIETING FOR DUMMIES
DETOX DIETS FOR DUMMIES
EXERCISE BALLS FOR DUMMIES
EATING CLEAN FOR DUMMIES
RESHAPING IT ALL
THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR: HOW TO STOP CONFUSING WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE WITH WHO YOU ARE
Huh?
And those are just some of the dieting, exercise, spiritual books they think I might "want to know about."
Well, I don't think my mind and my body are any of their business! If I want to do something about them, I will!
Not going to let my guy see this. He's been after me to eat less butter.
January 14, 2012
HARD BOOK vs KINDLE
Someone recommended a book on writing I hadn't read. (Unusual because I think I've read kazillions!) So I look on Amazon to find it. Sure enough, it's there.
The trade paperback edition is $6.61 while the Kindle copy is $13.99. I'm a Prime member (my guy uses it for the streaming movies) so I don't pay shipping. So I think: 6.61 vx 13.99; 6.61 vs 13.99. I love my Kindle but...
I order the trade paperback. Now I'm reading and trying to press buttons to turn pages. But I'll survive.
Oh, and after getting about a third of the way through, I realize it still isn't as good as my old favorite, SELF-EDITING FOR THE FICTION WRITER. But that's okay. It never hurts to read about craft. There may be something in here I didn't know or had forgotten.
I do think they need to set Kindle prices as low as the paperbacks though.
The trade paperback edition is $6.61 while the Kindle copy is $13.99. I'm a Prime member (my guy uses it for the streaming movies) so I don't pay shipping. So I think: 6.61 vx 13.99; 6.61 vs 13.99. I love my Kindle but...
I order the trade paperback. Now I'm reading and trying to press buttons to turn pages. But I'll survive.
Oh, and after getting about a third of the way through, I realize it still isn't as good as my old favorite, SELF-EDITING FOR THE FICTION WRITER. But that's okay. It never hurts to read about craft. There may be something in here I didn't know or had forgotten.
I do think they need to set Kindle prices as low as the paperbacks though.
January 9, 2012
SOCIAL NETWORKS
All right. I'm doing a blog. I've signed up for FaceBook. I'm in several writing groups and on several writing links (besides my publisher's groups). I've joined Google's groups. I'm on LinkedIn. And I'm on GoodReads.
I'm blogging, reviewing books, reading books and doing email. Oh, and keeping up with my edits as they come, too.
But I'm rather hard-pressed to find time for writing. I'm wondering if it's a procrastination issue or if I need to stop being such a virtual social butterfly.
I'm blogging, reviewing books, reading books and doing email. Oh, and keeping up with my edits as they come, too.
But I'm rather hard-pressed to find time for writing. I'm wondering if it's a procrastination issue or if I need to stop being such a virtual social butterfly.
January 4, 2012
A NEW YEAR
So it's 2012. I hoped it would start off well and continue that way.
No chance.
Our heat went out Sunday night. The repair people were off Monday for New Year's Day. So it was yesterday before they got to us. And then it was after dark. The poor repairman said they're just been covered up with people who had no heat. He did get ours halfway working. He's supposed to come back Thursday afternoon when it's warmer to finish charging it.
And then Monday my computer died.
My guy, good man that he is, took me to Best Buy and we picked out another one. He got it set up except for a few little things he's working on now, and I'm able to work.
So looks like 2012 will be another 2011. Some good stuff, a lot of bad stuff. But everything going smoothly would get kind of dull after a while, wouldn't it?
So Happy New Year, everyone! Let the fun begin!
No chance.
Our heat went out Sunday night. The repair people were off Monday for New Year's Day. So it was yesterday before they got to us. And then it was after dark. The poor repairman said they're just been covered up with people who had no heat. He did get ours halfway working. He's supposed to come back Thursday afternoon when it's warmer to finish charging it.
And then Monday my computer died.
My guy, good man that he is, took me to Best Buy and we picked out another one. He got it set up except for a few little things he's working on now, and I'm able to work.
So looks like 2012 will be another 2011. Some good stuff, a lot of bad stuff. But everything going smoothly would get kind of dull after a while, wouldn't it?
So Happy New Year, everyone! Let the fun begin!
December 27, 2011
WILLIAM AND KATE, A Royal Love Story
This book, by journalist Christopher Andersen, is an easy read.
Being an Anglophile, though not one who keeps close tabs on the royal family, I enjoyed reading about Kate and William's romance. Andersen does a good job of putting us into the world the royals inhabit, and shows us warts and all: William drinking and partying, and Kate playing the ever-patient, forgiving female.
For years, she waited in the background for him to make up his mind about her. She bore the royal complaints about her not having a job (hard to keep a regular job when you're trying to be available at all times for your high-profile boyfriend) and about her family being common (like the royals aren't the most dysfunctional family around). When he finally popped the question, she waited another year or so before her position as his fiancee was publicized. The woman is either ultra-devious or a saint.
Andersen says she had a crush on the prince all her life. He also paints her mother as the mastermind behind her daughter's match. Maybe so, but Kate was the one who persuaded William she was the one woman for him.
As for William, the tales about him being his mother's confidante and his later attempts to guide Harry make one feel sorry for him despite his younger vices. It was gratifying to read how his main ambition is to serve his country. Since he can't be sent into war (as Harry was briefly), his search and rescue position is laudable. He has grown into the kind of man a mother would be proud of. And all while living in the fishbowl of the papparazzi. I can't begin to imagine how terrible it must be to have every little movement recorded and broadcast to the public.
Yes, there were a lot of suppositions and rumors and gossip in the book, but it left me hopeful that William and Catherine (I was surprised to learn that her family always called her that rather than Kate) will enjoy a happier marriage than William's parents.
Being an Anglophile, though not one who keeps close tabs on the royal family, I enjoyed reading about Kate and William's romance. Andersen does a good job of putting us into the world the royals inhabit, and shows us warts and all: William drinking and partying, and Kate playing the ever-patient, forgiving female.
For years, she waited in the background for him to make up his mind about her. She bore the royal complaints about her not having a job (hard to keep a regular job when you're trying to be available at all times for your high-profile boyfriend) and about her family being common (like the royals aren't the most dysfunctional family around). When he finally popped the question, she waited another year or so before her position as his fiancee was publicized. The woman is either ultra-devious or a saint.
Andersen says she had a crush on the prince all her life. He also paints her mother as the mastermind behind her daughter's match. Maybe so, but Kate was the one who persuaded William she was the one woman for him.
As for William, the tales about him being his mother's confidante and his later attempts to guide Harry make one feel sorry for him despite his younger vices. It was gratifying to read how his main ambition is to serve his country. Since he can't be sent into war (as Harry was briefly), his search and rescue position is laudable. He has grown into the kind of man a mother would be proud of. And all while living in the fishbowl of the papparazzi. I can't begin to imagine how terrible it must be to have every little movement recorded and broadcast to the public.
Yes, there were a lot of suppositions and rumors and gossip in the book, but it left me hopeful that William and Catherine (I was surprised to learn that her family always called her that rather than Kate) will enjoy a happier marriage than William's parents.
December 19, 2011
THE MISREMEMBERED MAN
THE MISREMEMBERED MAN by Christine McKenna is an excellent read.
Ms. McKenna has a wonderful voice and does a wonderful job defining her characters. I know them as well as I might know my neighbors. I can see the Irish setting, hear the lilting speech patterns, visualize even the minor characters...all from her writing.
There were terrible parts of the story I didn't enjoy. Such places as the horrific orphanages Ms. McKenna writes about actually existed, and the ugliness of that reality isn't easy to learn about. But to balance things out, the characters got into situations where I laughed out loud.
When farmer Jamie becomes depressed after being left alone with his farm and its animals to care for, his friends decide he needs a good woman.
When schoolteacher Lydia gets out for the summer, her friend gives her something to look forward to besides remaining at the beck and call of her widowed, ailing mother.
This is not a romance, even though it sounds like the beginnings of one. It's a reminder of how inhumane caretakers of children can warp lives. It's also a portrait of how hope is an integral part of the human character. It's also a story of how strange life can sometimes be.
Great book.
Ms. McKenna has a wonderful voice and does a wonderful job defining her characters. I know them as well as I might know my neighbors. I can see the Irish setting, hear the lilting speech patterns, visualize even the minor characters...all from her writing.
There were terrible parts of the story I didn't enjoy. Such places as the horrific orphanages Ms. McKenna writes about actually existed, and the ugliness of that reality isn't easy to learn about. But to balance things out, the characters got into situations where I laughed out loud.
When farmer Jamie becomes depressed after being left alone with his farm and its animals to care for, his friends decide he needs a good woman.
When schoolteacher Lydia gets out for the summer, her friend gives her something to look forward to besides remaining at the beck and call of her widowed, ailing mother.
This is not a romance, even though it sounds like the beginnings of one. It's a reminder of how inhumane caretakers of children can warp lives. It's also a portrait of how hope is an integral part of the human character. It's also a story of how strange life can sometimes be.
Great book.
December 18, 2011
HOLIDAY COOKING
The only thing I can cook okay is candy. I make it and give it away (what we don't eat) once a year, sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm not talking about magazine type candy like peanut butter balls or chocolate covered peanuts. I'm talkin about old-time homemade candy. Fudge with pecans, fudge with peanut butter, peanut butter candy, pralines, panocha, and my personal favorite: divinity. Sometimes I make cream cheese candy or orange candy, but they aren't that popular so I don't make them that often. I can only eat so many leftovers, you know.
I began by making fudge when I was, oh, nine or ten. Then I added the others, except for divinity. I never could get divinity right. But one of my neighbors, Mrs. Margaret Harvell, made the best divinity ever and when she saw me gobbling it up, she offered to teach me how. Think I didn't jump at the chance?
"This is never-fail divinity," she assured me. "It always comes out pretty." So I watched the boiling syrup till she showed me it was spinning threads (that was the first time I understood what 'spinning a thread' in candy talk means). Then I watched her beat the egg whites stiff. Then I watched her pour the syrup into the egg whites as she continued beating. Then we spooned it out into pretty swirls. Perfect.
And the first time I made it by myself, it was perfect! I was nineteen or so before I actually had a batch fail and realized that confidence was the key. That was the big thing Mrs. Harvell gave me. Since then I've only had three or four batches not work.
She's dead now, but her divinity recipe is still going strong! Even in this sugar-conscious, calorie-conscious, healthy-eating age, people ask me for it. Thank you, Mrs. Margaret Harvell!
I began by making fudge when I was, oh, nine or ten. Then I added the others, except for divinity. I never could get divinity right. But one of my neighbors, Mrs. Margaret Harvell, made the best divinity ever and when she saw me gobbling it up, she offered to teach me how. Think I didn't jump at the chance?
"This is never-fail divinity," she assured me. "It always comes out pretty." So I watched the boiling syrup till she showed me it was spinning threads (that was the first time I understood what 'spinning a thread' in candy talk means). Then I watched her beat the egg whites stiff. Then I watched her pour the syrup into the egg whites as she continued beating. Then we spooned it out into pretty swirls. Perfect.
And the first time I made it by myself, it was perfect! I was nineteen or so before I actually had a batch fail and realized that confidence was the key. That was the big thing Mrs. Harvell gave me. Since then I've only had three or four batches not work.
She's dead now, but her divinity recipe is still going strong! Even in this sugar-conscious, calorie-conscious, healthy-eating age, people ask me for it. Thank you, Mrs. Margaret Harvell!
