Archive for February, 2009
I like books. No big shocker there. But I like my books pretty. If I am going to spend 27 bucks, or even 8 bucks, on a brand-new book, I want a smooth, clean, straight, even, shiny, unmolested cover. I don’t mind getting used books that are a little beat up, but I’ll be damned if I’m paying that much for a cover with a bent corner when the book was just released yesterday. If it is a book I know I am going to keep forever and reread at regular intervals, I want it to be in good shape in order to stand up to my loving. And even after I buy it, I keep it in good shape. I do not open the book the entire way, spread-eagle. That would crack the spine and make unsightly creases in the spine cover. (I have a hard time loaning out books because of this, worrying about how other people are holding my book or, Bob forbid, if they have it laying pressed open flat on a table so they can read it without the use of their hands. *shudder*) And I never never never dog-ear the pages to hold my place.
So, I went to a B&N near me to get Lani Diane Rich’s Wish You Were Here, because the bookstore in Dayton didn’t have it, and Beth Ciotta’s Evie Ever After, which is the last in the trilogy, the first two being All About Evie and Everybody Loves Evie, all three of which you should go out and read right now. I’ll wait.
…
Oh good, you’re back. Anyway. I’ve been pining for Evie Ever After since last year after reading the second in the series. The B&N near me only had one copy. The middle top of the front cover was very slightly bent. Okay, maybe you wouldn’t have noticed it, but I did. And there was some black schmutz on the spine. I put it back and walked out of the store. No way was I going to spend $7 (well, OK, no way was I going to take $7 off my gift card…) for a damaged book. I drove 10 miles to the other B&N in my area. This store also only had one copy. And it was in worse condition than the first. The cover was not even applied correctly. The spine was all bunched up and creased right down the center, and the entire cover was pasted on haphazardly, so that part of the spine overlapped around into the front. Nope, not gonna buy it. So what did I do?
That’s right. I went back to the first B&N and got the book with the schmutz. Because while I need my books to be pretty, I also need my fix.
Do you have any habits with your books others might consider odd?
February 24th, 2009
As we grow up, we all hear ideas (or truths) from our parents, friends, and teachers. I think that when we are told something by a trusted source, we take it to heart and keep it close as part of our internal security blanket. Many times we find ourselves unwilling to let it go even when confronted by evidence to the contrary because it is part of our internal security, even if not letting go prevents us from moving forward. Intrenched beliefs can keep us from trying new things, spreading our wings, or growing as a person.
For instance, I was convinced that I could not deal with computers on any level. I learned how to type on a manual typewriter in high school. When computers first came out, they were not user friendly, and seemed incredibly complicated to me*. I had a friend at the time who worked at Hewlett Packard, and she was a very analytical personality. She tried her best to explain computers to me, but I simply could not comprehend. She told me* that she felt that I was not going to be able to to learn how to operate a PC, or become proficient with one. To be fair, she had good reason to say that at the time. It soon became obvious I would have to learn to operate a PC as all the companies were becoming computerized, and I needed to work (not being independently wealthy – which is massively annoying, BTW!).
My breakthrough came when I found out that no matter what I did, I couldn’t break the computer. Mess it up so that someone had to be called to put it right, but not break it. That started my thorough exploration of software, and lots of training later, I’m a Systems Analyst. Go figure…
What truth were you told that kept you from moving forward, and how did you get beyond it?
February 23rd, 2009
I know that saying c***t to some of you causes hives. That is not the goal of this post. The goal of this post is to delve into the creativity that is this group. So….
Who knows what Spoonflower is? They are a neat, small company that prints custom designed fabric. I want Cherry Bomb fabric!!! I’m picturing a cream or gray background with the cherry bomb from the t-shirts (yes, I know we have to get permission or design something else) that can be used to make bookcovers or the little totes I made for folks in Oregon. But what I really, really, really want is a dress. A Cherry Bomb dress. Think about it. A full skirt, a fun bodice, leaning towards a shirt dress with Cherry Bombs all over, some red piping, and some cute vintage cherry buttons. Or, I know, some fun Moot buttons. Better yet, some Moot fabric. Wait, Moot and Cerise and Cherry Bombs all scattered around. A few overlapping each other so the design elements look casual and not too structured. After all this group doesn’t do structured very well. Maybe a Hawaiian inspired floral design with Moot and Cerise and Cherry Bombs peeking out from the flower petals.
Maybe not so much a Cherry Bomb fabric but a book fabric. Something that has classic bodice ripper covers scattered along one edge so that when it’s made into a dress there is a border of books along the bottom. I don’t know.
Can’t you see this dress all made up? Take the black and white dress- keep the body white and use a red trim- have the overwrap part done in a fabric with Cherry Bombs scattered all over. Use two vintage cherry buttons at the waist, add a pair of red kitten heels and you’re ready for book signings all over the world. Or make the custom fabric in a deep, rich brown and have classic books scattered all over like it’s raining books. Pair that with your hair up in a bun, a pair of “librarian” glasses and watch out world.
Hmmm. think I need to go design some fabric. Anybody want some?
February 19th, 2009
Just to tide you over before CC posts…
McB and Wapak 
The excuse we had for getting together in Dayton
– the three Goddesses at the table.
The round from G-G at The Cheesecake Factory
The Whack after the cilantro and margaritas 
And Wapak’s favourite bar where I got my fix. Check out the incredible wood work. 
How we wish you all had been there. The next North American Whack should be Louis’ porch. What do you think?
February 18th, 2009
The author is currently off basking in Dayton. Probably not in the balmy breezes unless the thermostat is set high and someone has brought a fan. But there will be basking. Happy Valentine’s Day.
A few weekends ago, in honor of the inauguration of the new President of the United States, I watched a marathon of movies and tv shows rather heavily featuring patriotic themes, including Air Force One, starring Harrison Ford. It’s a good, fun movie with lots of opportunities for the hero to whomp on the big bad guys and give the viewer a few vicarious thrills. I love that kind of thing. I have several favorite moments in the movie, but the one that I especially wait for comes near the end when the President, played by Ford, gives the main bad guy a vicious kick and growls (as only Ford can do) “Get off my plane!”
It happens in books, too. In J.D. Robb’s Witness In Death, there’s a scene where Dallas is feeling a bit guilty for not being more romantic. Thinking about an earlier conversation with Peabody, Dallas asks Roarke “Would you jump in front of a maxibus for me?” And Roarke replies, “Absolutely. They don’t go very fast.” Hmmm, that one might lose something out of context; but trust me, it’s funny.
Comedy or drama, the best of stories, the ones that really pull the viewer or reader in, often seem to have that kind of hook, that one quote that so perfectly sums up the whole thing, plot, character and genre.
What are your favorite quotes?
February 14th, 2009
I’m plodding through a book that is touted as the sequel to a “beloved” book. The only reason I continue to give this tome any of my attention is the need, as a writer, to understand what it is that appeals to people. A friend of mine suggested she read it as she won’t know what’s wrong with it (POV shifts, too much showing not enough telling, cliches all over the darn place) and will therefore enjoy it.
There may be some truth to that assessment but it doesn’t account for all of it. Some of you aren’t writers yet recognize those flaws. Yet there are several books in which we forgive all the faulty writing. So I ask you Great Readers all, what keeps you reading regardless of things that make a book an automatic wallbanger under different circumstances.
Is it plot? Character? Dialogue? A combination of factors?
BCB and I thank you.
February 11th, 2009
So BCB wants to know about heroes and villains. Here’s my list that comes to mind of the heroes.
Diana Gabaldon (Outlander series): Jamie Fraser, Lord John Grey (also Lord John series), Murtagh
Sara Donati (Wilderness series): Hawkeye Bonner, Dan’l Bonner, Luc Bonner
Lois McMaster Bujold (Miles Vorkosigan series): Miles Vorkosigan, Aral Vorkosigan, Emperor Gregor
So what do these heroes (not necessarily the protagonists) have in mind? Well, they are ….Nope! That’ll wait ‘til you all give your heroes and the whys.
Villains?
Diana Gabaldon (Outlander series): Jack Randall
Sara Donati (Wilderness series): Richard Todd
February 7th, 2009
Yes, I know, it’s an odd title for a post, but let me explain. Have you ever been reading a post, comment, or review about a book and someone describes a character, in particular, the heroine as a dishrag. And then perhaps you thought: Huh, I rather liked that character. She seemed realistic. She reminded me* of…me*.
Well I have. And yes, I have a sneaky suspicion that if I were the heroine of a romance novel, I would indeed be a bit of a dishrag.
Truthfully, I like reading about all kinds of characters. I like the kick-ass, take-no-prisoners heroines, like Eve Dallas in Robert’s In Death series. I like the heroines who are confident and worldly. I like heroines who are quiet, but strong. But a heroine doesn’t have to be kick-ass, strong, or confident for me to like her. I just have to believe she is real within the world that she was created. And this includes those dishrag heroines. We dishrags deserve our happily ever after too!
Are there any types of heroines or heroes that you particularly like or dislike? What about particular types or even specific heroines/heroes that you relate to very strongly?
February 5th, 2009
We’re over 100 comments on the one post, and the other post is, theoretically, on topic only, so I thought I’d slip this in here, a sort of continuation on the Oldie But Goodie post. Plus which there might be people out there, somewhere, who haven’t heard the song. Also, this past weekend was the anniversary of The Day The Music Died, so it’s timely.
Don McLean’s AMERICAN PIE
A long, long time ago…
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And, maybe, they’d be happy for a while.
But february made me shiver
With every paper I’d deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldn’t take one more step.
I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died.
So bye-bye, miss american pie.
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.
“this’ll be the day that I die.”
Did you write the book of love,
And do you have faith in God above,
If the Bible tells you so?
Do you believe in rock ‘n roll,
Can music save your mortal soul,
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?
Well, I know that you’re in love with him
`cause I saw you dancin’ in the gym.
You both kicked off your shoes.
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues.
I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck,
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died.
I started singin’,
(chorus)
Now for ten years we’ve been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rollin’ stone,
But that’s not how it used to be.
When the jester sang for the king and queen,
In a coat he borrowed from james dean
And a voice that came from you and me,
Oh, and while the king was looking down,
The jester stole his thorny crown.
The courtroom was adjourned;
No verdict was returned.
And while lennon read a book of marx,
The quartet practiced in the park,
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died.
We were singing,
(chorus)
Helter skelter in a summer swelter.
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter,
Eight miles high and falling fast.
It landed foul on the grass.
The players tried for a forward pass,
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast.
Now the half-time air was sweet perfume
While the sergeants played a marching tune.
We all got up to dance,
Oh, but we never got the chance!
`cause the players tried to take the field;
The marching band refused to yield.
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?
We started singing,
(chorus)
Oh, and there we were all in one place,
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again.
So come on: jack be nimble, jack be quick!
Jack flash sat on a candlestick
Cause fire is the devil’s only friend.
Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage.
No angel born in hell
Could break that satan’s spell.
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite,
I saw satan laughing with delight
The day the music died
He was singing,
(chorus
I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news,
But she just smiled and turned away.
I went down to the sacred store
Where I’d heard the music years before,
But the man there said the music wouldn’t play.
And in the streets: the children screamed,
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed.
But not a word was spoken;
The church bells all were broken.
And the three men I admire most:
The father, son, and the holy ghost,
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died.
And they were singing,
(chorus)
February 2nd, 2009
Sorry if I’m stepping on anyone’s toes, but this is OT and I thought we need a single place for info. And, the previous post was getting up in numbers.
Books & Co. posted their February schedule. Jenny et al are only there for an hour (7-8)! Doesn’t sound like a long time; I’m sure we can change that as we take over the bookstore. (insert evil grin here.) They’ll be at the Greene, which if I remember is the same place as last time.
http://www.booksandco.com/calendar.html
So, if anyone wants to post flight schedules, arrival times, hotel info, etc., I thought we could do it here instead of hunting through the previous posts. I’m driving down Friday morning, with a couple passengers, I believe. First question to be decided: are we meeting at the hotel, or CF, or B&C?
February 2nd, 2009