I'm on vacation this week.
No, I'm not going on some trip to a tropical climate, or even straying very far from my own house.
Money is tight, and we can't afford to do things like that.
But that doesn't mean I can't have a good time while staying as far away as possible from my day job! In fact, this week is kind of a little peek into what my life would be like if I was able to write full time. I can plan my day arround what activities I like and when, then throw some writing time in wherever I can!
And so, I will read, relax, write, go out to dinner, and spend alot of quality time with the love of my life. Even after 17 years together, we still like to spend time together.
And hopefully, this week will provide me with the necessary skills to make it through to the next vacation!
It's not glamorous, or mysterious, but it's my idea of a good time!
What about you?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thankful For...What?
I've been a lazy blogger lately.
My brain hasn't been able to process much beyond my day job and life's errands. I think alot of it has to do with how the world has put everyone on an emotional roller coaster as of late.
The economy is so unpredictable, people are forever on edge, waiting for the perverbial other shoe to drop. In one instant, lives are altered by the decisions that corporate mongers make - downsizing, paycuts, hiring freezes. And some corporations are even instituting stricter rules and regualtions, or piling on more work to employees, because they know that options for them are limited.
You never know what might happen next. Big decisions carry even more weight than before, because you never know if you'll have a job from one day to the next. Statistics even say that most American families are only three paychecks away from bankruptcy.
Yet, through it all, I continually here the plattitude "well, you should be thankful you at least have a job for the moment."
Why?
Have we really come to the point that we have to be thankful for the opportunity to be miserable? They always say that it could be worse. But dammit, I say that it could always be better!
These large companies are heading for a wakeup call, and it won't be pretty. American workers are growing tired of rising duties and expectations, with little praise or compensation for it. And they will find it exceptionally hard to market and sell their products without dedicated workers down the chain.
What will the CEOs manage for their millions, then?
Just some pessimistic meanderings.
Apparently, I'm growing jaded as I age...
My brain hasn't been able to process much beyond my day job and life's errands. I think alot of it has to do with how the world has put everyone on an emotional roller coaster as of late.
The economy is so unpredictable, people are forever on edge, waiting for the perverbial other shoe to drop. In one instant, lives are altered by the decisions that corporate mongers make - downsizing, paycuts, hiring freezes. And some corporations are even instituting stricter rules and regualtions, or piling on more work to employees, because they know that options for them are limited.
You never know what might happen next. Big decisions carry even more weight than before, because you never know if you'll have a job from one day to the next. Statistics even say that most American families are only three paychecks away from bankruptcy.
Yet, through it all, I continually here the plattitude "well, you should be thankful you at least have a job for the moment."
Why?
Have we really come to the point that we have to be thankful for the opportunity to be miserable? They always say that it could be worse. But dammit, I say that it could always be better!
These large companies are heading for a wakeup call, and it won't be pretty. American workers are growing tired of rising duties and expectations, with little praise or compensation for it. And they will find it exceptionally hard to market and sell their products without dedicated workers down the chain.
What will the CEOs manage for their millions, then?
Just some pessimistic meanderings.
Apparently, I'm growing jaded as I age...
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Join Me on Blog Talk Radio!
Lesa Trapp of The Odd Mind Magazine is going to have me on her Blog Talk Radio Show!
The show is March 26th, at 9pm Eastern.
We'll talk about writing, books, guys...whatever comes up!
It's sure to be a blast, so stop by!
You can call in with your own questions and comments at 347-945-7025 or you can log into the chat room at www.blogtalkradio.com/theoddmind
Hope to see (or hear) you there!
The show is March 26th, at 9pm Eastern.
We'll talk about writing, books, guys...whatever comes up!
It's sure to be a blast, so stop by!
You can call in with your own questions and comments at 347-945-7025 or you can log into the chat room at www.blogtalkradio.com/theoddmind
Hope to see (or hear) you there!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Learning To Let Go...
I visited with my sister today. She stopped by on her way to San Antonio, Texas, where she is moving to be closer to her boyfriend. This might not seem like a big deal to most people, but it is for me.
You see, she's my baby sister - ten years younger than me. I also have a brother that's fourteen years younger than me. I helped raise them, and spent alot of my adolescence changing diapers, giving baths, reading stories, making meals, and babysitting.
My relationship with my siblings has always been more parental than big sister. So even though I do not have children of my own, I consider them my kids.
It is because of that bond that I've always been very protective of them. Even when I moved out and started a life of my own, I always came back for holidays, sent gifts, and made sure I made it home to celebrate their birthdays.
So when my sister told me she was moving to Texas, I kind of freaked out. All that went through my head was a million reasons why it was a bad idea. Our family has never really been more than two or three hours apart. EVER.
But then I got to thinking. She's 24. I moved away to college when I was 18. I got married and moved again when I was 22. No one tried to talk me out of any part of it. And I'm glad - because I learned to depend on myself and create my own life.
Yet here I was, working to convince my sister to stay put - to take the "safe" route, when she obviously wasn't happy, or she wouldn't be thinking of leaving in the first place.
And then it hit me. All that talk that parents spout about learning to let go of their kids, and how it hurts to see them stand on their two feet, even though that's what you raise them to do their whole lives, suddenly made sense.
I was being selfish. She was ready to start a life of her own - and I had to let her, no matter how much it hurt.
So when she called to tell me she was stopping by on her way through, I told her to disregard everything I'd said earlier. If this was what she wanted, then she should go for it and make the most wonderful life she could. I would always be here for her if she needed me.
She sounded the happiest I've ever heard her, and that happiness continued to when I got to see her today.
They say letting go of the one you love is one of the truest expressions of love there is.
And when she hugged me goodbye on my doorstep, a little piece of my heart went with her as I let her go.
Love never ceases to teach me things as I get older.
You see, she's my baby sister - ten years younger than me. I also have a brother that's fourteen years younger than me. I helped raise them, and spent alot of my adolescence changing diapers, giving baths, reading stories, making meals, and babysitting.
My relationship with my siblings has always been more parental than big sister. So even though I do not have children of my own, I consider them my kids.
It is because of that bond that I've always been very protective of them. Even when I moved out and started a life of my own, I always came back for holidays, sent gifts, and made sure I made it home to celebrate their birthdays.
So when my sister told me she was moving to Texas, I kind of freaked out. All that went through my head was a million reasons why it was a bad idea. Our family has never really been more than two or three hours apart. EVER.
But then I got to thinking. She's 24. I moved away to college when I was 18. I got married and moved again when I was 22. No one tried to talk me out of any part of it. And I'm glad - because I learned to depend on myself and create my own life.
Yet here I was, working to convince my sister to stay put - to take the "safe" route, when she obviously wasn't happy, or she wouldn't be thinking of leaving in the first place.
And then it hit me. All that talk that parents spout about learning to let go of their kids, and how it hurts to see them stand on their two feet, even though that's what you raise them to do their whole lives, suddenly made sense.
I was being selfish. She was ready to start a life of her own - and I had to let her, no matter how much it hurt.
So when she called to tell me she was stopping by on her way through, I told her to disregard everything I'd said earlier. If this was what she wanted, then she should go for it and make the most wonderful life she could. I would always be here for her if she needed me.
She sounded the happiest I've ever heard her, and that happiness continued to when I got to see her today.
They say letting go of the one you love is one of the truest expressions of love there is.
And when she hugged me goodbye on my doorstep, a little piece of my heart went with her as I let her go.
Love never ceases to teach me things as I get older.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Interview and Contest!
Through this writing journey, I've been lucky to meet some very talented people who also happen to be extremely gracious! One of those people is author Leslie Ann Dennis. Leslie agreed to chat with me about her writing, and even give away a PDF copy of her awesome book, Reason To Believe, so enjoy!
What made you want to be an author?
My answer is so NOT unique to authors. I read so much as a kid and throughout my adult life. It was the coolest escape EVER. I wanted to create the sort of places readers like myself would want to go and I also wanted to create characters that readers wanted to be like or be around. It's such a thrill to have readers nowadays tell me that's what I've managed to do with my stories. YAY!
How long did it take to get your first novel published?
That's a toughie. I have been through the slush pile with one version before. They asked me to cut 10,000 words and resend. I resent and the editor had left and the new editor passed on my sub w/all the new changes. I shelved the story. But as in many cases with writers, you can hide the book under your bed and hopes it stays quiet -- but it never does. So I pulled it back out in 2007 and rewrote it with a spicier slant. It sold in 3 months after I sent it in to the publisher.
Tell us about Reason To Believe.
Ahhh.. the book of my heart. It's got characters who I hope we can all identify with. Lane is strong-willed (a little hard-headed) but she's got a good heart and she loves her only living relative (her grandfather) enough to chase down a landowner in Scotland in order to save a tree that was planted in her grandfather's name 75 years ago. And it you love Scotsmen (and let me just say I adore them!), then I hope you'll fall in love with
Conlan MacGregor in this story. He's perfect in my opinion. And I was a wee bit jealous he didn't really exist in real life. At one point tho, as I was writing about him, someone asked if I'd ever been to Scotland, and I ALMOST said, "No, but my friend Conlan lives
there." Thank Goodness I caught myself before I slipped up and let everyone know how crazy we writers can be. In my heart, Conlan will ALWAYS be real.
Do I sense a weakness for Scottish men?
Oh Lord, yes. From the tartan to the accent, I'm in love with them all. :)
What do you do when you aren't writing?
I'm thinking of plots and characters that I can write about. I wish I was more disciplined and could actually write ALL the time when I have a second free, but I'll be honest and tell you I'm addicted to lots of television shows (which I can't watch all the time either, but I'm a heavy TiVo'er) and I also play MMORPGs (Online games like World of Warcraft, Dark Age of Camelot, etc). If I have "free" time... it's usually doing one of the above.
I want to now about your alter ego, Paisley.
... Ooooh Paisley Scott? She's something else, all right. She writes the steamier stuff (and
yes, there is actually a level of steam hotter than what Leslie wrote in Reason to Believe!). She has 3 novellas out with The Wild Rose Press. If you'd like to learn more about Paisley, you're welcome to drop in on her site: www.PaisleyScott.com (although, it's in need of an update). I'm sure she's got a cabana boy that'll help her out with that.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I'm hard at work on a Sci-Fi Futuristic. I've never written one before, but I'm a sci-fi nut. I love books and movies that deal with it -- but don't smack me upside the head with all the different terminology. I inject a lot of humor into my writing, so with this one, you can expect more... The Jetsons meet I, Robot. Something like that.
Anything else you'd like to share with your readers?
I'm a sucker for email. I LOVE to hear what folks think about my stories. I'm also a major animal lover, so feel free to talk about your fur-babies with me. LOL! Oh, and drop by my website too! It's got a guestbook and everything (hint... am I being too obvious here? LOL). www.LeslieAnnDennis.com
Lovely talking with you, Christle! Thanks for taking time to interview me. It's been fun!
*HUGS*
Leslie (and Paisley too)
Want to win a PDF copy of Reason To Beleive for yourself? It's easy! Just go to the forums page on my website ( www.christlegray.com )and find the Contest room. Tell us about something you were given a reason to believe in - and feel free to be creative! Each post will grant you one entry into the contest, and you can enter up to three times. I'll pick a winner randomly March 25th.
Good Luck, and Happy Reading!
What made you want to be an author?
My answer is so NOT unique to authors. I read so much as a kid and throughout my adult life. It was the coolest escape EVER. I wanted to create the sort of places readers like myself would want to go and I also wanted to create characters that readers wanted to be like or be around. It's such a thrill to have readers nowadays tell me that's what I've managed to do with my stories. YAY!
How long did it take to get your first novel published?
That's a toughie. I have been through the slush pile with one version before. They asked me to cut 10,000 words and resend. I resent and the editor had left and the new editor passed on my sub w/all the new changes. I shelved the story. But as in many cases with writers, you can hide the book under your bed and hopes it stays quiet -- but it never does. So I pulled it back out in 2007 and rewrote it with a spicier slant. It sold in 3 months after I sent it in to the publisher.
Tell us about Reason To Believe.
Ahhh.. the book of my heart. It's got characters who I hope we can all identify with. Lane is strong-willed (a little hard-headed) but she's got a good heart and she loves her only living relative (her grandfather) enough to chase down a landowner in Scotland in order to save a tree that was planted in her grandfather's name 75 years ago. And it you love Scotsmen (and let me just say I adore them!), then I hope you'll fall in love with
Conlan MacGregor in this story. He's perfect in my opinion. And I was a wee bit jealous he didn't really exist in real life. At one point tho, as I was writing about him, someone asked if I'd ever been to Scotland, and I ALMOST said, "No, but my friend Conlan lives
there." Thank Goodness I caught myself before I slipped up and let everyone know how crazy we writers can be. In my heart, Conlan will ALWAYS be real.
Do I sense a weakness for Scottish men?
Oh Lord, yes. From the tartan to the accent, I'm in love with them all. :)
What do you do when you aren't writing?
I'm thinking of plots and characters that I can write about. I wish I was more disciplined and could actually write ALL the time when I have a second free, but I'll be honest and tell you I'm addicted to lots of television shows (which I can't watch all the time either, but I'm a heavy TiVo'er) and I also play MMORPGs (Online games like World of Warcraft, Dark Age of Camelot, etc). If I have "free" time... it's usually doing one of the above.
I want to now about your alter ego, Paisley.
... Ooooh Paisley Scott? She's something else, all right. She writes the steamier stuff (and
yes, there is actually a level of steam hotter than what Leslie wrote in Reason to Believe!). She has 3 novellas out with The Wild Rose Press. If you'd like to learn more about Paisley, you're welcome to drop in on her site: www.PaisleyScott.com (although, it's in need of an update). I'm sure she's got a cabana boy that'll help her out with that.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I'm hard at work on a Sci-Fi Futuristic. I've never written one before, but I'm a sci-fi nut. I love books and movies that deal with it -- but don't smack me upside the head with all the different terminology. I inject a lot of humor into my writing, so with this one, you can expect more... The Jetsons meet I, Robot. Something like that.
Anything else you'd like to share with your readers?
I'm a sucker for email. I LOVE to hear what folks think about my stories. I'm also a major animal lover, so feel free to talk about your fur-babies with me. LOL! Oh, and drop by my website too! It's got a guestbook and everything (hint... am I being too obvious here? LOL). www.LeslieAnnDennis.com
Lovely talking with you, Christle! Thanks for taking time to interview me. It's been fun!
*HUGS*
Leslie (and Paisley too)
Want to win a PDF copy of Reason To Beleive for yourself? It's easy! Just go to the forums page on my website ( www.christlegray.com )and find the Contest room. Tell us about something you were given a reason to believe in - and feel free to be creative! Each post will grant you one entry into the contest, and you can enter up to three times. I'll pick a winner randomly March 25th.
Good Luck, and Happy Reading!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Being Human
So, there's this new British TV show called "Being Human" that I have been watching. It's about a vampire and a werewolf that are best friends, so they get a place together which just happens to be haunted by a female ghost. The show is funny and entertaining, yet has that dark side to it that paranormal shows need. I like it quite alot.
And it got me thinking about a few things. Isn't it funny that the paranormal holds so much interest for us? Magic and mythical creatures are popular in books especially. As mortals, all we want is to experience that otherworldly power, to be exceptional in some way.
And yet, the central theme in the majority of these stories is that all those creatures want is to be normal - to "be human." The vampire wants to walk in the day. The werewolf wants to not be at the mercy of the moon. The ghost wants to have substance or move on.
Fundamentally, what it comes down to is that everyone always desires what they don't have.
Does that mean that when we get what we want, we no longer want it?
I don't know.
I'll ask the next vampire I meet and get back to you...
And it got me thinking about a few things. Isn't it funny that the paranormal holds so much interest for us? Magic and mythical creatures are popular in books especially. As mortals, all we want is to experience that otherworldly power, to be exceptional in some way.
And yet, the central theme in the majority of these stories is that all those creatures want is to be normal - to "be human." The vampire wants to walk in the day. The werewolf wants to not be at the mercy of the moon. The ghost wants to have substance or move on.
Fundamentally, what it comes down to is that everyone always desires what they don't have.
Does that mean that when we get what we want, we no longer want it?
I don't know.
I'll ask the next vampire I meet and get back to you...
Friday, February 6, 2009
Website is Up and Running!
WOOHOO!
I finally have a website!
(I know, I know, took me long enough, huh?)
There's forums, and links, and news, and contests - LOTS of fun stuff!
Stop by and let me know what you think!
www.christlegray.com
I finally have a website!
(I know, I know, took me long enough, huh?)
There's forums, and links, and news, and contests - LOTS of fun stuff!
Stop by and let me know what you think!
www.christlegray.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)