Mechelle Morrison's Blog: in a world where ...., page 4
May 23, 2017
When Tuesday feels like Monday
"He attacked everything in life with a mix of extraordinary genius and naive incompetence, and it was often difficult to tell which was which."
-Douglas Adams
-Douglas Adams
May 21, 2017
Hello, genetically similar Life Forms
For those moments when you wonder if we spin through space alone:
"Any planet is 'Earth' to those that live on it."
-Issac Asimov
"Any planet is 'Earth' to those that live on it."
-Issac Asimov
May 19, 2017
Buenas Noches amigos de mi Tierra
Find yourself wandering in cyber space tonight? Take solace:
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."
-Douglas Adams
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."
-Douglas Adams
May 17, 2017
Hola, My Species
The perfect inspiration for when your Fear seems more powerful than your inner Force:
"I was afraid that science-fiction buffs would say things like, 'You know, there's no sound in outer space.'
-George Lucas
"I was afraid that science-fiction buffs would say things like, 'You know, there's no sound in outer space.'
-George Lucas
May 15, 2017
Greetings, Earthlings
It's time to start talking about aliens and outer space. And why not? Things could not get stranger here.
Tonight's food for thought on journeys large and small:
It was a thunderingly beautiful experience -- voluptuous, sexual, dangerous, and expensive as hell.
-Kurt Vonnegut
Tonight's food for thought on journeys large and small:
It was a thunderingly beautiful experience -- voluptuous, sexual, dangerous, and expensive as hell.
-Kurt Vonnegut
March 13, 2017
Life, Writing and Everything Else
My sister and I walk every Saturday, rain or shine. She is a grant writer ... her work focuses on technical legal issues I can't begin to comprehend ... but I remember once telling her that I didn't know how anyone could write a story (or paper) beyond a single page.
Then I wrote Being. The thing is, Being took six years. I wrote it and re-wrote it and felt all proud and happy with myself for actually typing out 70,000 or so words that all had something to do with each other. I hired editors to rip it to shreds. I begged friends to comment. I attended writers' conferences and shyly sat through agent reviews. I named the story lots of names, and then re-named it lots of other names, and finally settled on BEING. One of these days I'll read it again and probably tweak it again because that's how writing works for me. It's elastic. The idea is there, it percolates over time, and then the idea is better.
When I finished Being I tucked it away and forgot about it. I figured that was it. There were no more stories in my head and anyway, I'd beaten my laptop to death and was therefore, laptop-less. Then I read my grandmother's super-sad life history and out popped Painted Boots--sort of my modern-day twist on her teenage life. My way, I guess of making the chance to say hello, grandma, you don't have to do what every one expects of you.
I self-pubbed Painted Boots then I self pubbed Being and then I figured that was it.
Then I started exchanging short stories with a few friends. I liked how my stories all sort of pointed back to a central idea involving intense scientists and their vision of saving the world before the Yellowstone caldera blew. Once that ball started rolling there was no stopping it; I mean, I LOVE the caldera. If it blows in my lifetime I hope I'm standing dead-center. Anyway, a year later I finished The Seeds Project Interviews. SEEDS has a sequel because, well, if you've read it you know it has to. The sequel is still in WIP status at the moment, but I'm hoping to finish it by late this year.
While I was writing SEEDS I figured I was on my last idea ever. At one point I developed a devastating case of writer's block and turned to a super-messy manuscript I had written four years earlier for emotional relief. At the time I called it Alien Lies--and much to my surprise, I finished it. I've since taken the unprecedented route of patiently working it through my critique group, chapter by chapter. The result is STUNNING. I mean, I can hardly stand it. This book so much better than anything I could have hoped for that I actually paid an artist to create a fabulous cover. I simply couldn't help myself.
So my re-worked Alien Lies, which I don't want to give away the new name of just yet, is my next release. It comes out in a few months; a YA sci-fi that you'll find to be one heck-of-a wild ride.
In a few months I'll introduce the finished product and post the Goodreads giveaway. Until then ...
Thank you for reading along with me. :-)
M
Then I wrote Being. The thing is, Being took six years. I wrote it and re-wrote it and felt all proud and happy with myself for actually typing out 70,000 or so words that all had something to do with each other. I hired editors to rip it to shreds. I begged friends to comment. I attended writers' conferences and shyly sat through agent reviews. I named the story lots of names, and then re-named it lots of other names, and finally settled on BEING. One of these days I'll read it again and probably tweak it again because that's how writing works for me. It's elastic. The idea is there, it percolates over time, and then the idea is better.
When I finished Being I tucked it away and forgot about it. I figured that was it. There were no more stories in my head and anyway, I'd beaten my laptop to death and was therefore, laptop-less. Then I read my grandmother's super-sad life history and out popped Painted Boots--sort of my modern-day twist on her teenage life. My way, I guess of making the chance to say hello, grandma, you don't have to do what every one expects of you.
I self-pubbed Painted Boots then I self pubbed Being and then I figured that was it.
Then I started exchanging short stories with a few friends. I liked how my stories all sort of pointed back to a central idea involving intense scientists and their vision of saving the world before the Yellowstone caldera blew. Once that ball started rolling there was no stopping it; I mean, I LOVE the caldera. If it blows in my lifetime I hope I'm standing dead-center. Anyway, a year later I finished The Seeds Project Interviews. SEEDS has a sequel because, well, if you've read it you know it has to. The sequel is still in WIP status at the moment, but I'm hoping to finish it by late this year.
While I was writing SEEDS I figured I was on my last idea ever. At one point I developed a devastating case of writer's block and turned to a super-messy manuscript I had written four years earlier for emotional relief. At the time I called it Alien Lies--and much to my surprise, I finished it. I've since taken the unprecedented route of patiently working it through my critique group, chapter by chapter. The result is STUNNING. I mean, I can hardly stand it. This book so much better than anything I could have hoped for that I actually paid an artist to create a fabulous cover. I simply couldn't help myself.
So my re-worked Alien Lies, which I don't want to give away the new name of just yet, is my next release. It comes out in a few months; a YA sci-fi that you'll find to be one heck-of-a wild ride.
In a few months I'll introduce the finished product and post the Goodreads giveaway. Until then ...
Thank you for reading along with me. :-)
M
January 11, 2017
imaginary worlds
My imaginary world goes into over-drive when the stresses of life turn surreal--so the next few years will no doubt keep me in a writing frenzy.
I've got two books slated for this year: the first in a series about weird aliens, and the sequel to SEEDS.
If you care to know all about my ideas in orbit, coming in 2018 one heck-of-a scary sci-fi will land right here on my author page. I just started writing it but I have to pace myself because seriously, it gives me nightmares. (Hopefully by the time it's ready to publish, the stuff on the news at night won't make it seem mild by comparison.)
Read on, fine Goodreaders,
M
I've got two books slated for this year: the first in a series about weird aliens, and the sequel to SEEDS.
If you care to know all about my ideas in orbit, coming in 2018 one heck-of-a scary sci-fi will land right here on my author page. I just started writing it but I have to pace myself because seriously, it gives me nightmares. (Hopefully by the time it's ready to publish, the stuff on the news at night won't make it seem mild by comparison.)
Read on, fine Goodreaders,
M
December 18, 2016
Chapter 2016: good-bye
We are a mere two weeks away from closing the chapter on 2016. It's been an odd one, to put it mildly.
But life rolls on and for me, December is and has always been my time to look back and remember the people and things for which I'm grateful. December is a month for gratitude. Gratitude sets the stage for a fresh, new year. Gratitude keeps me hopeful, happy and grounded.
When it comes to writing, I'm grateful to you, readers. I am grateful that people take the time from their busy lives to read what I write. And this year I'm especially grateful to my writing group. During 2016 I decided to run an entire book (not just select chapters) through my group. We are chapters away from finishing Alien Lies, and the book will release in early 2017. I'm excited to present this story. Not just because it's different, but because my critique group has made the book much MUCH better than it ever would have been through just my eyes.
If you're an author you know: Readers make our work shine.
For those of you waiting on the sequel to SEEDS ... (which is called Earth, Alone) ... it's coming. The first draft is finished and across 2017, my writing group will critique it chapter by chapter. I love this story, like I love all my stories. It twists and turns in ways I never imagined when I set out to write it. Next year, about this time, it will almost be ready to publish. (MG and Z's fate finally revealed! :-)
Goodreaders, enjoy a merry, safe, loving and happy holiday season. Spread peace and joy through your own corner of the world. In this way, we each do our part to knit our small blue and green planet with love.
See you in 2017,
Meche Morrison
But life rolls on and for me, December is and has always been my time to look back and remember the people and things for which I'm grateful. December is a month for gratitude. Gratitude sets the stage for a fresh, new year. Gratitude keeps me hopeful, happy and grounded.
When it comes to writing, I'm grateful to you, readers. I am grateful that people take the time from their busy lives to read what I write. And this year I'm especially grateful to my writing group. During 2016 I decided to run an entire book (not just select chapters) through my group. We are chapters away from finishing Alien Lies, and the book will release in early 2017. I'm excited to present this story. Not just because it's different, but because my critique group has made the book much MUCH better than it ever would have been through just my eyes.
If you're an author you know: Readers make our work shine.
For those of you waiting on the sequel to SEEDS ... (which is called Earth, Alone) ... it's coming. The first draft is finished and across 2017, my writing group will critique it chapter by chapter. I love this story, like I love all my stories. It twists and turns in ways I never imagined when I set out to write it. Next year, about this time, it will almost be ready to publish. (MG and Z's fate finally revealed! :-)
Goodreaders, enjoy a merry, safe, loving and happy holiday season. Spread peace and joy through your own corner of the world. In this way, we each do our part to knit our small blue and green planet with love.
See you in 2017,
Meche Morrison
November 10, 2016
the world was a better place when John Lennon was in it
When I was a child, John Lennon's song 'Imagine' defined the world I hoped to enjoy as an adult. I listened to his record over and over again.
Now that I'm all grown up it seems we've accomplished the exact opposite from the world 'Imagine' offered. But I've been thinking about 'Imagine' over the past few days. The words of a dreamer, I know. But still the words of hope.
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
-lyrics by John Lennon
Now that I'm all grown up it seems we've accomplished the exact opposite from the world 'Imagine' offered. But I've been thinking about 'Imagine' over the past few days. The words of a dreamer, I know. But still the words of hope.
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
-lyrics by John Lennon
September 25, 2016
Spiral Jetty
Unlike 'Metaphor, the Tree of Utah,' (we call it the weird Ball Tree) which is easily viewed from I-80 as you head for Wendover to gamble, Spiral Jetty is located on the Great Salt Lake's north shoreline. You can wander it to your heart's content, but ....
The first thing you should know? There are no exit signs stating 'Jetty' along I-15. So if you're coming up from Salt Lake City, you either know to take the Corinne exit (also known as the Golden Spike State Park exit). Or you don't.
Then you drive. Through Corinne, through the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, past numerous public gun ranges, past NASA's huge in-the-middle-of-freaking-nowhere propulsion testing facility. An easily-missed 'take a left here' keeps you on the paved road and aiming for the Golden Spike [tiniest state park ever, open 10-5/362.]
Passing Golden Spike means you're getting closer. It also means you're about to leave paved roadbed.
As dirt roads go, the road to the Jetty isn't a bad one. There are numerous cattle guards to cross (5, exactly, and lift your feet for good luck), and a few forks in the road aren't clearly marked (TG for GPS). At one point Siri became delirious and had to be shut down, as she kept insisting the 'destination was on the left' when in fact the only thing on the left were numerous Kettle Cattle Company signs warning KEEP OFF or face the consequences. No cattle could be seen.
For a long while, the Great Salt Lake shimmers in the distance, leaving you to wonder 'Are we There Yet?' Then, rounding a bend, you see a strange, ghostly collection of old piers fixed into basically dry lake bed (the lake's water level is quite low) and after that: the Jetty.
My daughter claimed it was the most anti-climatic moment of her life, but for reasons I won't elaborate, I disagree.
The Jetty is made of basalt (a form of lava), sand (actually, it's oolite, but whatever) and salt. It spirals into the lake bed in a great swirl. Thrilled to have arrived, and frankly shocked by how many other people were there, we hopped from the car and settled into exploring.
Having been on Antelope Island and the southern shore of GSL (a huge, dead lake, though not nearly the size it was in prehistoric times when it was a fresh water lake covering about half of Utah), I was not prepared for lava rock. But it made sense. The northern shore of the lake is not that far from Idaho--and Idaho, in its Jurassic prime, was a volcanic waste land.
Sorry, I digress.
We wandered the Jetty, taking pictures and marveling at people who had walked off across the lake bed in search of the water (about a mile off). Then we went back to the abandoned piers and wandered those too. I found an old nickel, collected a bunch of salt (it looks like clear, sharp rocks) and investigated a buoy so large it could orbit the Earth as our third moon. (I'll post pics of it on my IG one of these days).
So! If you're ever itching to get off the beaten path, Spiral Jetty may be for you.
Disclaimer. I feel compelled to share the 'locals' secret: don't ever, EVER visit the Great Salt Lake in spring (especially May). You'll be eaten alive by invisible gnats [the things are flying piranha]. The bugs are immune to insect repellent (in fact, I think they're drawn to it like I am to chocolate), and even a two-minute walk will leave you with hundreds of bites along your hairline. I should know. Been there. Done that.
Just sayin'
M
The first thing you should know? There are no exit signs stating 'Jetty' along I-15. So if you're coming up from Salt Lake City, you either know to take the Corinne exit (also known as the Golden Spike State Park exit). Or you don't.
Then you drive. Through Corinne, through the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, past numerous public gun ranges, past NASA's huge in-the-middle-of-freaking-nowhere propulsion testing facility. An easily-missed 'take a left here' keeps you on the paved road and aiming for the Golden Spike [tiniest state park ever, open 10-5/362.]
Passing Golden Spike means you're getting closer. It also means you're about to leave paved roadbed.
As dirt roads go, the road to the Jetty isn't a bad one. There are numerous cattle guards to cross (5, exactly, and lift your feet for good luck), and a few forks in the road aren't clearly marked (TG for GPS). At one point Siri became delirious and had to be shut down, as she kept insisting the 'destination was on the left' when in fact the only thing on the left were numerous Kettle Cattle Company signs warning KEEP OFF or face the consequences. No cattle could be seen.
For a long while, the Great Salt Lake shimmers in the distance, leaving you to wonder 'Are we There Yet?' Then, rounding a bend, you see a strange, ghostly collection of old piers fixed into basically dry lake bed (the lake's water level is quite low) and after that: the Jetty.
My daughter claimed it was the most anti-climatic moment of her life, but for reasons I won't elaborate, I disagree.
The Jetty is made of basalt (a form of lava), sand (actually, it's oolite, but whatever) and salt. It spirals into the lake bed in a great swirl. Thrilled to have arrived, and frankly shocked by how many other people were there, we hopped from the car and settled into exploring.
Having been on Antelope Island and the southern shore of GSL (a huge, dead lake, though not nearly the size it was in prehistoric times when it was a fresh water lake covering about half of Utah), I was not prepared for lava rock. But it made sense. The northern shore of the lake is not that far from Idaho--and Idaho, in its Jurassic prime, was a volcanic waste land.
Sorry, I digress.
We wandered the Jetty, taking pictures and marveling at people who had walked off across the lake bed in search of the water (about a mile off). Then we went back to the abandoned piers and wandered those too. I found an old nickel, collected a bunch of salt (it looks like clear, sharp rocks) and investigated a buoy so large it could orbit the Earth as our third moon. (I'll post pics of it on my IG one of these days).
So! If you're ever itching to get off the beaten path, Spiral Jetty may be for you.
Disclaimer. I feel compelled to share the 'locals' secret: don't ever, EVER visit the Great Salt Lake in spring (especially May). You'll be eaten alive by invisible gnats [the things are flying piranha]. The bugs are immune to insect repellent (in fact, I think they're drawn to it like I am to chocolate), and even a two-minute walk will leave you with hundreds of bites along your hairline. I should know. Been there. Done that.
Just sayin'
M
