David McMullen-Sullivan's Blog, page 21

Killer Robots Need Love Too

The first story I ever wrote came about because I wrote down the most absurd thing I could think of at the time. Since then, I've thought of things more ludicrous than my first quip, but my whole point is - it got me started. So, I'm recollecting all of the things in my life that I achieved because I set aside my fear of looking stupid or silly, gave no care to the fact that I was sure to be shunned or made fun of. I have to say, overall, it was worth it. Fear is a very sensible emotion when a hungry lion is chasing you, or when Lindsey Lohan knocks at your door - but it's totally counterproductive in life. So, I'm recommitting myself to taking more risks in my life (and in my writing). I hope my work will be better for it. Only time will tell.

Moorehead Manor Sequel

I'm halfway done with the sequel to Moorehead Manor. But I wanted to let everyone know how seriously I take their reviews, especially the bad ones. In the midst of writing this story, I got a review that said Moorehead Manor was very predictable. Well, I saw that as a challenge. Even though I already had a complete outline for the sequel, I literally went in and gutted the entire ending I had. If the first installment was predictable, then this next one had to be a roller coaster ride. So, I've redone the entire ending in the most twisted way I could think of given the characters and the main plot of the book. Now, whether I have succeeded in making the sequel a macabre, carnival ride - you the reader will have to let me know. Cheers!

Opposite Words Attract

So today, I noticed a word combination used in a news story. The story had to do with the "wealthy poor". The societal implications of the demise of the middle class aside, I loved the use of two words so diametrically opposed to each other. It made me want to think up a word combo with a similar nature. The first combination that came to mind included an image with it, an image of some Elizabethan heroine as she professed words of love to her paramour. It went something like this: “Oh Heathcliff, I’m so wretchedly happy.”

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I think that’s hilarious. Of course, just my luck, someone’s probably thought of it and used it in literature already.

Return to Moorehead Manor

Well darn. I've been working on my WWII story these days, and today, all the plot points for a sequel to Moorehead Manor popped into my head. I had an entire outline written out in two minutes. It's too hard to resist writing it; so I'll be splitting my time between this and the story I was already working on. Now the only question is which one I'll finish first. Ugh!

Time to Get Out of the Nursing Home

Now that I have finished the third story in my Shady Oaks Murders series, I am going to put it aside and move on to other things. It is about time I got back to a more serious piece of work. So I will be returning to my WWII story. It makes me sorry that there are so few WWII veterans alive today. How wonderful it would be to hear their accounts first hand of what it was like to live and fight in those dark times. I am crossing my fingers that I do the subject matter justice.

The Taylor Swifting

I found it difficult to murder Taylor Swift off - literarily speaking. In doing my research for this next installment of the Shady Oaks Murder Series, I grew to like her. But my two little old ladies need their next victim, and there are so many girls out there that love One Direction (not to mention the requests I've been getting from Kanye West). So, who am I not to give the public what they want?

I'm doing the last rewrite and will be publishing it sometime in the next few days if all goes well. As always, I say to all the "Swifties" out there: relax, it's just a joke.

Happy Holidays!

Almost finished with the next Shady Oaks installment

Where does the time go? Almost finished with the next story in my Shady Oaks Murder series. The next pop star in line will die Swiftly (hint, hint). It's an all-star cast this time with a little mystery thrown in, and I hope that readers enjoy it. I'm sure I'll get my usually hate mail, but after all - it's just a joke.

The Next Shady Oaks Murder

Well, I've been away from my writing for a while (life gets too busy sometimes), and I've been preparing to get back into doing some stand-up comedy nights around town. I am half way through my WWII story, but I never can seem to get my mind off my two favorite little old ladies - Clara and Esther. So, I've also been working on the third installment of the Shady Oaks Murders Series. As with the other two, either I will get more hate mail or people will enjoy the ride. Only time will tell. It took me a while to decide who should be the next victim for my lovable spinsters, but I got so many requests for a particular female singer that I just couldn't say no. It should be out soon, and I hope everyone gets a few good laughs out of it.

One Direction Song

I stink as a song writer. But a few people asked me about the chorus that's in my One Direction story. So here it is:

It was three thirty-two in the AM hour,
I was barely awake.
Didn’t have all that I wanted to give you,
But you just wouldn’t wait.
There was war and hunger.
There was no world peace.
Could my love protect you,
Would my fears ever cease.

But you come into this world,
And you’re such a surprise
Cause you’ve got her beauty,
And you’ve got my eyes
Now there are different ways, that I can say, you are my precious pearl,
So amazed of my little girl.

Now everyday’s a promise,
And all the stars we share,
And I’m watchin over you,
With all my hopes and prayers

Cause miracles can happen,
Now I know they do.
Cause that’s how I saw Heaven,
The moment I saw you.

And you come into this world,
And you’re shiny and new.
Cause you’ve got her beauty,
You’re so perfect and true.
Now there are different ways, that I can say, you are my precious pearl,
So amazed of my little girl.

I’ll watch her grow, walk and run,
she’ll do much more then I have done.
She’ll play with glee, she’ll pick a flower.
I’ll see her shine with every hour.

At nine she’ll climb a tree, sure to skin her knees.
She’ll smile at sixteen, and ask me for the keys.
One day I’ll walk her down the aisle, couldn’t be prouder that day,
And when I take my last breath, she’ll say, ‘Daddy, it’s ok’.

But you’ve come into this world,
And you’re such a surprise
Cause you’ve got her beauty,
And you’ve got my eyes
Now there are different ways, that I can say, you are my precious pearl,
So amazed of my little girl.

The 95th Squadron Takes Off

I have finally begun working on The 95th Wore High Heels. It's been interesting from a research point of view since I want to get as close to the dress and vernacular as I can. So I've been watching old WWII movies - and thank goodness for my neighbor who was actually in the war.