Ann Benjamin's Blog, page 268

Day 27, Blogging Challenge: What’s in My Closet?

I’m lucky to have more closets than ever, so here’s where most of my clothes go (Hubs has his own).  I think we all have Pinterest dreams of fancy places to store our garments, but this is where I am today:

 

 

Day 26, Blogging Challenge: My Hidden Talent

Kind of a busy day and I’m not sure what mental capacity for this answer, so I’m just going to go with the first thing that comes to mind…  While not exactly ‘hidden,’ I like bringing forcing people together.  I’ve honestly always believed if I am friends with a person and friends with another person, then why shouldn’t we all be friends?

So let this be a heads up – if you ever come to a party at my house – bring a bottle of bubbly and get ready to meet some new people!

Book Review: The Steampunk Chronicles (series)

So, after reading The Girl in the Steel Corset, I whipped through the rest of the Steampunk Chronicles series (written by Kady Cross).  As a whole, I liked the books (clearly, or I wouldn’t have purchased the entire set – which reminds me, Kady’s publisher, the books should be sold as a package).  To start, I would say one of my biggest issues was, by the fourth (last) book, how I actually wanted to read a lot more about the C/D story line than the A characters.  It wasn’t that Finley and Griffin weren’t interesting, it was more the repetition of their dynamic left me wanting more (and a defined/resolved romantic story line is something that can be done well).

While I liked how there was a clearly defined ‘big bad,’ I’m not sure the antagonist had the momentum to go through all 4 books.  While reading, I of course made comparisons to my own work in progress.  As my bad guy will only be revealed in Book #2, I think this will keep things interesting for the reader, rather than just have an antagonist who is so purely evil that of course the good guys are going to triumph in the end.

I did like the romance – even the implied clutch my pearls sex (especially in a YA book).  In my own work, I don’t think I’ll be able to get much more than some make out scenes, mostly because in the suspension of disbelief for Victorian England, it seems unlikely everyone would be falling into bed with each other (this is of course in direct conflict with my beloved Regency Romances, but whatever).

Also, there were a few words that really stuck out to me as being far too modern – the repeated use of the word ‘pissed’ (and not meaning intoxicated) struck me as odd.  While I have to battle a lot of protocol of how characters address my character (who just so happens to be The Queen of England), in the next edit, I want to make sure nothing comes across as awkward.

And finally, while I did appreciate the ‘steampunk’ elements, I have seen better world building and incorporation of these details.  Simply coming up with inventions for everything is nice (especially when one of your supporting cast is a genius with these sort of things, to the point that she can ‘speak’ to metal), but I again make comparisons to Ms. Carriger’s world – where technology is present, but not overbearing.  Technological elements may serve some importance, but are not a crutch.  I know I have the furthest to go on this point, so I think I’m especially focused on this part of my manuscript.

Overall, I would recommend the series.  While the books don’t reach the levels of my beloved Gail Carriger, they still present a relatively diverse cast and some strong female leads.

 

Day 25, Blogging Challenge: My Biggest Regret

Funnily enough, I wrote a whole essay on this, which has since been eaten by the interwebs, however, I don’t think I’ve changed my mind.  Before I give my answer, I think it’s important to note that the thought of ‘my biggest regret’ is fully what prompted me to self publish my books.  I thought if something happened to me, I would always wonder, ‘I had the ability to publish – why didn’t I?’  (It’s what drives me to always send my unpublished novels to my sister before I fly somewhere – I’m superstitious like that).

Anyway, outside of not kissing a few boys I really should have, my biggest regret is not spending at least one summer with Drum Corps International.  I think back to two of my summers in college and realize I made a huge mistake by at least not auditioning for Spirit of Atlanta or Carolina Crown.  Honestly, if I had a karmic remote control, I would go back and march at least one summer.

Could have been me! Photo by one of my favorite marching arts photographers, John Matter.

Sunday Sentence.

“A shared history does not entitle you to a future, my friend.”

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

I got the idea for Sunday Sentence, which is a weekly meme hosted by David Abrams at The Quivering Pen.

Day 24, Blogging Challenge: What Attracts Me (In Love)

I love a lot of things, but the person I am most attracted to in the world is Tom Hardy this nerd.

I was fortunate enough to find someone who I was attracted to at an early age (even better, I still think he’s fun to look at!).  I’ve been with Hubs since 2001 (married in 2003).  At the beginning, I thought he was cute and unlike anyone I had met.  Since then, he’s proven to be my best friend and the love of my life.  I’m attracted to Mr. Wright for a number of reasons – but at the top would be his intelligence, his sense of humor, his silly quirks and the full commitment he gives towards his interests.

As a matter of additional attraction, I’m looking ahead to a period of concentrating on my writing (a full time job yes, but unfortunately right now, an unpaid one) and am very fortunate to have his complete support. 

But I would never kick you out of bed, Tom.

Day 23, Blogging Challenge: If I Won the Lottery…

(See yesterday’s post).  Sure, I have a wish list of things I’d love to get, but I think if I won the lottery, I would buy homes in multiple cities, a private jet and spend my life traveling (and flying friends and family to wherever I was).  I would spend money to market my books and work with top editors to push my work to its best level.  And I would donate heavily to multiple charities!

Well said, Ms. Palermo.

Day 22, Blogging Challenge: My Worst Habits

For better or for worse:

I bite my nails.  Yes, gross.  Yes, when I’m stressed.  Yes, I’m 35 and still do this.
I am habitually early or on time and get frustrated when others are not.  Coming from the world of marching band where ‘on time’ is 15 minutes early, I’ve never been able to kick the habit.  Now, I enjoy my quiet extra 30 minutes before everyone else gets in the office.  Of course, I sometimes frustrate my husband, because I always stress out and we’re always the first people to everywhere.  I’d like to think I’m getting better, but the reality is probably the opposite.  Living in LA for 5 years (where traffic could wildly change and impact how long it takes to get someone) didn’t help me.
Given my misophonia, I am bad about shared spaces.  Because I’m terrible at handling sounds, I get frustrated easily.  Headphones are a coping mechanism, but I would love to just not have sounds bother me.
I curse.  A lot.  Like, probably too much.  It’s unprofessional.  I should probably work on dialing it back a bit.
I don’t have a lot of patience.  I’d love to have more.
Is there such a thing as the opposite of procrastinating?  I should probably let things go or at least not be so Type A about planning.  Ah well…nobody’s perfect!

 

Day 21, Blogging Challenge: What Makes You Sad

Way to harsh my buzz on a Thursday, Blogging Challenge.  Also, while there are any number of things that make me angry or frustrated, it’s rare something makes me legit sad.  I think you’ll notice a trend below (and sorry I missed a day – work was hectic!).

Ferguson and to a much greater extent race relations in the United States
Police violence and the continued lack of action
Gun violence and the continued lack of action
Donald Trump
Poachers
Women’s lack of choice
Basic lack of access to water
Basic lack of access to education
When Jon Stewart left the Daily Show