With my usual Christmastime headless chook-edness, I am flying through to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe 2012.
I will leave you with some funnies to get you through the silly season:
I love this take on the Hallelujah Chorus on YouTube.
Ho, ho, ho!
Em xx
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy scary, fantastical, magical Halloween. The DarkSiders are turning one!
Do you know what day it it?
Duh. It's HALLOWEEN! MwahahahahahaHA!
Halloween means the eternal, "should we stock up on lollies just in case someone knocks?" argument, (Honestly, I think the 500m long driveway and the screaming kids scare them off.), and the very amusing pictures of drunk pumpkins on the internet.
But it also means THE DARKSIDE DOWNUNDER IS ONE YEAR OLD! ON HALLOWEEN! How lovely! How FRIGHTENING! How FANTASTIC!
AND THEY'RE HAVING A PARTAY! There are PRIZES and FUN!
Get in there and be a part of it!
Finally:
Hehe. That's gross.
Yours in scariness (and a bit of ickiness),
Em. x
Duh. It's HALLOWEEN! MwahahahahahaHA!
Halloween means the eternal, "should we stock up on lollies just in case someone knocks?" argument, (Honestly, I think the 500m long driveway and the screaming kids scare them off.), and the very amusing pictures of drunk pumpkins on the internet.
But it also means THE DARKSIDE DOWNUNDER IS ONE YEAR OLD! ON HALLOWEEN! How lovely! How FRIGHTENING! How FANTASTIC!
AND THEY'RE HAVING A PARTAY! There are PRIZES and FUN!
Get in there and be a part of it!
Finally:
Hehe. That's gross.
Yours in scariness (and a bit of ickiness),
Em. x
Friday, October 21, 2011
I thought I'd made it when Peter Combe followed me on Twitter..
Beauty and Lace, a very awesome online women's magazine, has Q&A'd me. I got to answers questions about me, what I was writing, me, my journey as a writer, me, SARA, me, DSDU, me, competitions, me, and eBooks. And me. Great stuff. I enjoyed it greatly.
Check it out at Beauty and Lace, feel free to come and say hello, or read about my stance on eBooks, or heckle me in a loving way. :)
Or, you might just like to read the verbal exchange Sparky and I have every time I've been out shopping.
Also, I have promised you this:
Arrrgh!
Check it out at Beauty and Lace, feel free to come and say hello, or read about my stance on eBooks, or heckle me in a loving way. :)
Or, you might just like to read the verbal exchange Sparky and I have every time I've been out shopping.
Also, I have promised you this:
Arrrgh!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Third and final offspring offering--Bring the Anarchy
So, now you know Faith & Love.
It's time for Anarchy.
Anarchy is four. Tomorrow. There will be a pirate cake. I'll take pictures.
Truly speaking, he is the anti-anarchy. He is sweet and cute and totally led astray by his sisters. He has a little speech thingy that means he can't put two consonants together, which is adorable at this stage, but might need looking at if it's still around when he turns twenty-one.
He is eating the icing first and matchbox cars, warm hugs and raspberries on your face with little white teeth in them. He is bats and balls, Spiderman and Lightning McQueen.
Anarchy is also our showboat (here's where you insert, "Like his mother." if that's what you were thinking. And rightly so.). He likes to dance like a lunatic so Faith & Love giggle. He loves making 'gas bomb' noises on his own forearm. He tells great jokes.
A: "What do you call a peanut in space?"
Me: "I don't know, Anarchy, what do you call a peanut in space?"
A: "An Astronut!"
Me: *headslap* "Oy."
OR
A: "Knock Knock."
Me: "Who's there?"
A: "Moustache" (pronounced with a 'mooo')
Me: "Ah, a moustache who?"
A: "Ummmmm..."
Me: "Would you like a banana?"
A: "Yes, please." (He's very polite.)
(Of course, the proper answer to that joke, as I tell it, is, 'I moustache you a question, but I'll shave it for later.' Snort.)
But he's not all sweetness. Despite his propensity for girly items (Nail polish, handbags, hair product. Sparky feels a little threatened at this point, but I tell him school will soon pound all those cute quirks out of our boy.), he knows the words to some very dubious songs. This is one of his favourites. (Which might be my fault, but I'm not copping to anything.).
Polyester Girl - Regurgitator.
all i want you to say is nothing at all
and all i want you to do is stare at the wall
i love your plastic hair and plastic eyes
marvel at your plastic breasts and plastic thighs
my polyestergirl
so shiny
polyestergirl
so shiny
polyestergirl
so shiny
polyestergirl
so shiny
you're the perfect guy's accessory
dangling from my arm for of the pretty people to see
boy's with sassy pouts and perky glee
great for backstage and entertainment award ceremonies
***
took you for a ride up in an aeroplane
but your body burst and left an ugly stain
had to take your pieces back to the factory
it took them several weeks to get you back to me***she's my polyestergirl
shiniest in all the world
she's my polyestergirl
shiniest in all the world
she's my polyestergirl
shiniest in all the world
Yes, it's a song about a sex toy. It's massively inappropriate and hilarious. Sparky raises his eyebrows.
Sparky's more of a rock dude, but does a mean falsetto of his own. He also dances beautifully to Katy Perry on the Wii. Something I have felt the need to video in the past. I am keeping it for leverage, should the need ever arise.
So, those are the offspring. In all their sassy, perky glee.
Sparky and I would be completely lost without them.
It's time for Anarchy.
Anarchy is four. Tomorrow. There will be a pirate cake. I'll take pictures.
Truly speaking, he is the anti-anarchy. He is sweet and cute and totally led astray by his sisters. He has a little speech thingy that means he can't put two consonants together, which is adorable at this stage, but might need looking at if it's still around when he turns twenty-one.
He is eating the icing first and matchbox cars, warm hugs and raspberries on your face with little white teeth in them. He is bats and balls, Spiderman and Lightning McQueen.
Anarchy is also our showboat (here's where you insert, "Like his mother." if that's what you were thinking. And rightly so.). He likes to dance like a lunatic so Faith & Love giggle. He loves making 'gas bomb' noises on his own forearm. He tells great jokes.
A: "What do you call a peanut in space?"
Me: "I don't know, Anarchy, what do you call a peanut in space?"
A: "An Astronut!"
Me: *headslap* "Oy."
OR
A: "Knock Knock."
Me: "Who's there?"
A: "Moustache" (pronounced with a 'mooo')
Me: "Ah, a moustache who?"
A: "Ummmmm..."
Me: "Would you like a banana?"
A: "Yes, please." (He's very polite.)
(Of course, the proper answer to that joke, as I tell it, is, 'I moustache you a question, but I'll shave it for later.' Snort.)
This is Anarchy under the clothesline, pretending that the blue sheet is the ocean,
and he's diving for treasure. He is wearing his 'better pants', which are trackies,
but they are 'better pants' than jeans.
But he's not all sweetness. Despite his propensity for girly items (Nail polish, handbags, hair product. Sparky feels a little threatened at this point, but I tell him school will soon pound all those cute quirks out of our boy.), he knows the words to some very dubious songs. This is one of his favourites. (Which might be my fault, but I'm not copping to anything.).
Polyester Girl - Regurgitator.
all i want you to say is nothing at all
and all i want you to do is stare at the wall
i love your plastic hair and plastic eyes
marvel at your plastic breasts and plastic thighs
my polyestergirl
so shiny
polyestergirl
so shiny
polyestergirl
so shiny
polyestergirl
so shiny
you're the perfect guy's accessory
dangling from my arm for of the pretty people to see
boy's with sassy pouts and perky glee
great for backstage and entertainment award ceremonies
***
took you for a ride up in an aeroplane
but your body burst and left an ugly stain
had to take your pieces back to the factory
it took them several weeks to get you back to me***she's my polyestergirl
shiniest in all the world
she's my polyestergirl
shiniest in all the world
she's my polyestergirl
shiniest in all the world
Yes, it's a song about a sex toy. It's massively inappropriate and hilarious. Sparky raises his eyebrows.
Sparky's more of a rock dude, but does a mean falsetto of his own. He also dances beautifully to Katy Perry on the Wii. Something I have felt the need to video in the past. I am keeping it for leverage, should the need ever arise.
So, those are the offspring. In all their sassy, perky glee.
Sparky and I would be completely lost without them.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
My Offspring, part deux. She who was actually first.
Last week, you met Love. Was it last week? I have no idea. We all got some kind of indestructible virus and got sucked into a wonky time/space continuum. Heck, it could have been in 1986.
This week, you get to meet Faith. She is our eldest offspring, who is in the last embers of her eighth year. I have always thought she was lucky, because her birthdate is three numbers repeated.
Faith is a glass half full and heading towards overflowing. She is always Up, and dragging everybody, no matter how grumpy we are, into Up with her.
She is the one who is always trying to make you smile. Most often, she succeeds. Especially when she dances like MC Hammer.
She is netball and razor scooters, popcorn and Total Drama Action, iPods and pop music.
She is Sparky's girl.
One of her favourite things to say is that she got Mum's face and personality and Dad's sporting ability. She is extremely lucky it wasn't the other way around, because I am the physical activity antichrist and she'd look funny with facial hair.
Here she is, quite a few years ago, peeking out from under Sparky's arm. Yes, they are on a kayak. They do things like that. It's when they're doing it together that she's happiest.
She is our lovely big girl.
There is one more child, saved for next week.
In the meantime, here's something to keep you laughing until then. In a former life I taught German in schools, so I love this one:
Friday, August 26, 2011
My Offspring, Part 1 (which is actually instalment 2)
Please allow me to introduce our second child, Love (6). Not her real name of course, but since she refuses to use her real name, it's moot.
Love is all about..the love. She is fairies and drawing, independence and relationships. She was a sick baby, so now she has a pain threshold of fifteen out of ten. This means there will often be blood that she hasn't noticed, running down her forehead, or her arm.
You will most often find her chasing one of the cats to put it in a receptacle of some kind to cart around, or riding her bike, singing lewd Rihanna songs she has no idea about the meaning of.
She is cute, but feisty.
And every night, at bed time--without fail--she'll tell Sparky and me that she loves us.
L's & G's--I give you, Love.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
What an inspiration...
Ha! Did you think I was going to post another picture of Hugh Jackman sans shirt? While that is always a distinct possibility, I actually wanted to talk about something other than the male form today.
I know, what's with that?
Anna Hackett, author of a number of awesome Nocturne Bites and one-third of our sensational critiquing trio is blogging over at LoveCats at the moment about Finding Inspiration. Anna is not someone to pass over a picture of Hugh's pecs either (just one of the reasons I adore her), but this time she's talking about her quotes about courage. I know for sure that she collects them, because every now and then she'll shoot a few to Rach and me when we're feeling morbid, or stupid or like writers better suited to asking, "Would you like fries with that?" than "How's the GMC for this character?". It's awesome. I've even found a use for a few lately.
I've just recently had a CP-encouraged epiphany about my writing. While I still looove paranormal and fantasy, I just don't think I'm a great one to write it. A few months ago, I had two rejections--bang, bang--and, while one was quite positive, I struggled to get my head back in it's right place. It happens to everyone.
Now, Anna and Rach had been telling--you know, hinting to--me for quite some time that perhaps I wasn't quite being true to my writerly voice. We're talking glass-half-full, !!!, joke-cracking emails and conversations, versus the dark, angst-ridden, emotion-heavy paranormal pieces I was writing. For a long time, I kept on writing it because I just plain wanted to.
Which is fine. I learned a lot.
I know, what's with that?
Anna Hackett, author of a number of awesome Nocturne Bites and one-third of our sensational critiquing trio is blogging over at LoveCats at the moment about Finding Inspiration. Anna is not someone to pass over a picture of Hugh's pecs either (just one of the reasons I adore her), but this time she's talking about her quotes about courage. I know for sure that she collects them, because every now and then she'll shoot a few to Rach and me when we're feeling morbid, or stupid or like writers better suited to asking, "Would you like fries with that?" than "How's the GMC for this character?". It's awesome. I've even found a use for a few lately.
I've just recently had a CP-encouraged epiphany about my writing. While I still looove paranormal and fantasy, I just don't think I'm a great one to write it. A few months ago, I had two rejections--bang, bang--and, while one was quite positive, I struggled to get my head back in it's right place. It happens to everyone.
God knows I've done enough crap in my life to grow a few flowers.
Dustin Hoffman
Now, Anna and Rach had been telling--you know, hinting to--me for quite some time that perhaps I wasn't quite being true to my writerly voice. We're talking glass-half-full, !!!, joke-cracking emails and conversations, versus the dark, angst-ridden, emotion-heavy paranormal pieces I was writing. For a long time, I kept on writing it because I just plain wanted to.
Which is fine. I learned a lot.
Any man who keeps working is not a failure. He may not be a great writer, but if he applies the old-fashioned virtues of hard, constant labor, he'll eventually make some kind of career for himself as writer.
Ray Bradbury
Really, at least I was writing.
Eighty percent of success is showing up.
Woody AllenIn that time, I clocked up five rejections (I know, compared to some peoples' experience, this is weeny. I know). It was a bit of a PITA. I toyed with stopping. You know. NOT WRITING.
Couldn't do it.
Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.
Confucius
When I stopped teaching full-time, I thought, "Woohoo! No more homework!" And here I was, banging away at a computer at night again. Felt like I'd come full-circle.
I love being a writer. What I can't stand is the paperwork.
Peter de Vries
I was confused, uncertain about the craft, quite certain about my suckiness and, frankly, a little bit bonkers about it all.
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
Scott AdamsBut, I was certain I was starting from pretty much the same place as most writers--Ground Zero. I mean, we're all just the same basic creatures, with two arms and two legs (for the most part), right? If X could write something that spoke to the populace at some level, why the hell couldn't I? I had to face it--it was my authorial voice. Paranormal was not working for me. Boohoo.
It took me fifteen years to discover I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous.
Robert Benchley
To that rather exciting end, I've switched lanes! I've started a Aussie-based romcom and I'm LOVING it. It's kinda squeeful. As gut-churningly scary as it is to veer from what you know, I've done the right thing. I think.
Never throw up on an editor.
Ellen DatlowI'm so glad I took the advice of my marvellous, wondrous CP's. They are, with or without quotes, truly inspirational.
If you're needing inspiration, jump online and google some quotes, head over to LoveCats to share with Anna. It's amazing how much of that wisdom you can apply to your own writerly life.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday snort, now with bunnies.
It's a dreary, cold, wet, "I wish it was November" kind of day here today. No one seems to have any energy (well, except Sparky, who also does not have much energy, but instead has Willpower and Self-motivation, and is outside doing outsidey stuff, as he is wont to do), the kids are plastered all over the loungeroom floor doing rug impersonations and I've been trawling the internet looking for fun.
I visited one of my old favourites: www.verydemotivational.com.
Warning: contains great smacking dobs of bad language and general non-appropriateness. The first one made me blow hot coffee out my nose.
True story bro.
I dare you not to snort. :)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Things I love...
I've had one of those days where I spend a lot of time saying, "Gee, I LIKED that!" Wanna hear what has made me happy today?
Regardless, I'll tell you. :)
1) Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series. Oh, woo.
I finished reading KISS OF SNOW at 2am just this morning, which is book ten in the series. I have definite faves, but I can GUARANTEE I will be reading the whole lot again. I like the Angel's Consort series. BUT I LERV the Psy/Changeling lot. The world-building is awesome, the characterisation is marvellous, the conflicts are real, the heroes are smokin' hot and the heroines are kick-ass.
I spent much time thinking, "How the heck is Ms Singh going to get X out of this one?" and I just adore that! The first book, SLAVE TO SENSATION is excellent, and I thought it couldn't get much better. Then I read CARESSED BY ICE, and KISS OF SNOW. *Happy sigh*
If you like Gena Showalter, JR Ward & Kresley Cole, you're going to love the Psy/Changelings.
Speaking of which, I've just caught up on Gena Showalter's ALIEN HUNTRESS series. Also, chock-full-of-rocking-awesome. I'm totally nailing my yearly Goodreads target with these rip-snorters.
Which brings me to...
2) My Kindle app on the iDevices.
I can read new books (well, as soon as they are available in Australia, thank you very much GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS!) immediately. Yay. Like KISS OF SNOW. As soon as it comes out. All kinds of awesome.
3) Opera for Mac
Opera is a browser, like Safari, but its quicker. And aside from saving images (I'm discovering as I construct this post), it's better. Get it at the desktop app store for Mac.
4) Moourl.
It's a very cute URL shortener. Easy and cute. What more could you ask?
5) Red vegetable curry.
What? It was lunch. It had CASHEWS in it. Nom nom.
6) SARA news - check!
I did a mammother SARA News (kudos to me for not throwing stuff when I was NEARLY DONE and something had a shitefit and I LOST THE LOT, requiring me to start AGAIN! The upside of which is, I now know where the 'save draft' button is). Go and have a look - new releases, preorders, a flashfic link and my wardrobe suggestions for Contest Queen, Bec Sampson!
7) Twitter love.
Still feeling valued, even as I sit in my cold, empty (ish, there are some kids here) house. Even if I only tweet about my cashew-infested lunch of curry. Or maybe because of.
8) My scales love me.
I hit a weight loss goal this morning. Or, rather, re-hit. Nuance. Whatevs.
9) Tangled, The Movie
SOOO cute! Not even slightly massively annoying.
10) My new boots.
They're black, spiked, fabric with a turnover cuff at the ankle. They have BUTTONS. They're goth meets steampunk and I heart them. When I master walking in them, I'll wear them in public.
11) Tonight there will be time...
to WRITE! I'm way behind on my target for the week (and last!). Sorry Rach & Anna! Buut, I'm so UP today, it'll be FINE!
Wishing you much happy! E x
Regardless, I'll tell you. :)
1) Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series. Oh, woo.
I finished reading KISS OF SNOW at 2am just this morning, which is book ten in the series. I have definite faves, but I can GUARANTEE I will be reading the whole lot again. I like the Angel's Consort series. BUT I LERV the Psy/Changeling lot. The world-building is awesome, the characterisation is marvellous, the conflicts are real, the heroes are smokin' hot and the heroines are kick-ass.
I spent much time thinking, "How the heck is Ms Singh going to get X out of this one?" and I just adore that! The first book, SLAVE TO SENSATION is excellent, and I thought it couldn't get much better. Then I read CARESSED BY ICE, and KISS OF SNOW. *Happy sigh*
If you like Gena Showalter, JR Ward & Kresley Cole, you're going to love the Psy/Changelings.
Speaking of which, I've just caught up on Gena Showalter's ALIEN HUNTRESS series. Also, chock-full-of-rocking-awesome. I'm totally nailing my yearly Goodreads target with these rip-snorters.
Which brings me to...
2) My Kindle app on the iDevices.
I can read new books (well, as soon as they are available in Australia, thank you very much GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS!) immediately. Yay. Like KISS OF SNOW. As soon as it comes out. All kinds of awesome.
3) Opera for Mac
Opera is a browser, like Safari, but its quicker. And aside from saving images (I'm discovering as I construct this post), it's better. Get it at the desktop app store for Mac.
4) Moourl.
It's a very cute URL shortener. Easy and cute. What more could you ask?
5) Red vegetable curry.
What? It was lunch. It had CASHEWS in it. Nom nom.
6) SARA news - check!
I did a mammother SARA News (kudos to me for not throwing stuff when I was NEARLY DONE and something had a shitefit and I LOST THE LOT, requiring me to start AGAIN! The upside of which is, I now know where the 'save draft' button is). Go and have a look - new releases, preorders, a flashfic link and my wardrobe suggestions for Contest Queen, Bec Sampson!
7) Twitter love.
Still feeling valued, even as I sit in my cold, empty (ish, there are some kids here) house. Even if I only tweet about my cashew-infested lunch of curry. Or maybe because of.
8) My scales love me.
I hit a weight loss goal this morning. Or, rather, re-hit. Nuance. Whatevs.
9) Tangled, The Movie
SOOO cute! Not even slightly massively annoying.
10) My new boots.
They're black, spiked, fabric with a turnover cuff at the ankle. They have BUTTONS. They're goth meets steampunk and I heart them. When I master walking in them, I'll wear them in public.
11) Tonight there will be time...
to WRITE! I'm way behind on my target for the week (and last!). Sorry Rach & Anna! Buut, I'm so UP today, it'll be FINE!
Wishing you much happy! E x
Saturday, May 28, 2011
SARA full-to-poppin' with NEWS!
Loads of cool stuff happening at the moment at South Australian Romance Authors News Blog.
Monday, May 9, 2011
I'm a convert...
I never thought I'd say this...but I love reading eBooks. I love it more than READING BOOKS MADE OF ACTUAL PAPER.
Shocking, isn't it? Five years ago, I would not have believed me, had I told myself that. (This conversing with myself happens often, and more loudly than is strictly sane.). I love print books, always have, and have at least four bookshelves that are testament to this fact.
I'll tell you why I've come out and announced my converted state.
It's because I'm a disciple of the school of instant gratification.
I like to have things as soon as I decide I want them. I'm immature like that.
I'll give you an example. I have wanted to read JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series for some time. But I wanted to start at the beginning, with the first of (so far) nine books. But, I couldn't get book one in my local library, couldn't get it at bookstores because it's older, could have bought it off Amazon or eBay, but that would have been a) exxy, and b) exxy. Mainly because I would have had to pay for shipping and the cost of the subsequent eight books.
Previously to March this year, the BDB series was unavailable here in Oz due to those pesky geographic restrictions.
But then, they were free and I bought book one as soon as I found it. Book one was subsequently devoured and I bought the remaining eight books, plus the novella that falls at 6.5.
I went from having no BDB to having ALL OF THEM. It was awesome.
So, here's what I think about eBook vs print book:
Ebook Pros:
1) I can get most of them immediately. I use a Kindle app and Fictionwise via Stanza.
2) I can get SAMPLES. I like samples. Samples give me joy.
3) I get some books free, if I'm lucky. Best one so far: Elizabeth Naughton.
4) Amazon tells me if I've bought a certain book already
5) EBooks take up waaay less space.
6) I can take hundreds of eBooks with me, wherever I go. My current book is always on my phone.
7) My devices are back lit, so I can read in the dark, and not disturb Sparky, my husband.
8) My books are ALWAYS in top nick. No dog ears or rips. Although coffee stains could be terminal.
9) I can get books as soon as they are available in Australia. Like THE MINUTE THEY ARE THERE.
10) I can move onto book two in a series in the time it takes to make a coffee.
11) eBooks are never out of print, and they are aways available. Digitised backlists rock!
12) I can use a dictionary, notation and highlight tools, and a virtual bookmark. I hate real book marks. I'm a page bender.
13) I can make wishlists on Amazon. BIG wishlists.
14) In some libraries, you can now download eBooks (and audiobooks) to borrow. That's fabulous.
15) Some authors only publish in eBook. I've got access to all this.
16) I can share my books around my other devices, and they sync up. I'm always on my most recent page.
Cons:
1) Geographic restrictions. This is a biggie.
2) The whole device/water issue
3) It doesn't smell like a book. Really, is that even a con?
4) The possibility of file loss if you don't back up. But really, BACK UP!
5) You can't stand on a pile of eBooks to reach the food colouring on the top shelf of the pantry.
6) If you fall asleep while reading, you may drop your device on your head. Which could result in a bruise. But dropping a book could result in nasty paper cuts, so it's fifty-fifty.
Ergo, I love eBooks. What do you think?
Shocking, isn't it? Five years ago, I would not have believed me, had I told myself that. (This conversing with myself happens often, and more loudly than is strictly sane.). I love print books, always have, and have at least four bookshelves that are testament to this fact.
I'll tell you why I've come out and announced my converted state.
It's because I'm a disciple of the school of instant gratification.
I like to have things as soon as I decide I want them. I'm immature like that.
I'll give you an example. I have wanted to read JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series for some time. But I wanted to start at the beginning, with the first of (so far) nine books. But, I couldn't get book one in my local library, couldn't get it at bookstores because it's older, could have bought it off Amazon or eBay, but that would have been a) exxy, and b) exxy. Mainly because I would have had to pay for shipping and the cost of the subsequent eight books.
Previously to March this year, the BDB series was unavailable here in Oz due to those pesky geographic restrictions.
But then, they were free and I bought book one as soon as I found it. Book one was subsequently devoured and I bought the remaining eight books, plus the novella that falls at 6.5.
I went from having no BDB to having ALL OF THEM. It was awesome.
So, here's what I think about eBook vs print book:
Ebook Pros:
1) I can get most of them immediately. I use a Kindle app and Fictionwise via Stanza.
2) I can get SAMPLES. I like samples. Samples give me joy.
3) I get some books free, if I'm lucky. Best one so far: Elizabeth Naughton.
4) Amazon tells me if I've bought a certain book already
5) EBooks take up waaay less space.
6) I can take hundreds of eBooks with me, wherever I go. My current book is always on my phone.
7) My devices are back lit, so I can read in the dark, and not disturb Sparky, my husband.
8) My books are ALWAYS in top nick. No dog ears or rips. Although coffee stains could be terminal.
9) I can get books as soon as they are available in Australia. Like THE MINUTE THEY ARE THERE.
10) I can move onto book two in a series in the time it takes to make a coffee.
11) eBooks are never out of print, and they are aways available. Digitised backlists rock!
12) I can use a dictionary, notation and highlight tools, and a virtual bookmark. I hate real book marks. I'm a page bender.
13) I can make wishlists on Amazon. BIG wishlists.
14) In some libraries, you can now download eBooks (and audiobooks) to borrow. That's fabulous.
15) Some authors only publish in eBook. I've got access to all this.
16) I can share my books around my other devices, and they sync up. I'm always on my most recent page.
Cons:
1) Geographic restrictions. This is a biggie.
2) The whole device/water issue
3) It doesn't smell like a book. Really, is that even a con?
4) The possibility of file loss if you don't back up. But really, BACK UP!
5) You can't stand on a pile of eBooks to reach the food colouring on the top shelf of the pantry.
6) If you fall asleep while reading, you may drop your device on your head. Which could result in a bruise. But dropping a book could result in nasty paper cuts, so it's fifty-fifty.
Ergo, I love eBooks. What do you think?
Saturday, April 9, 2011
DarkLight on some crazy chick...
I'm at the DarkSide DownUnder blog today talking about books, movies and Hugh Jackman sans shirt. Come and talk about speculative fiction, big curved swords and Serenity.
Did I mention Hugh Jackman sans shirt?
See you there! E x
Did I mention Hugh Jackman sans shirt?
See you there! E x
Monday, March 21, 2011
What's happening on the DarkSide this week...
Another busy week at DarkSide DownUnder.
I was uber-chuffed to see that Eleni had linked to a Goodreads group called 'Dark Side of the Moon', and their new reading challenge--to read books written by the stars of DSDU. What an awesome idea. I might go join in.
Click through and join the fun on the DarkSide!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Anna's blogging at LoveCats...
Anna Hackett--one of my awesome CP's--is blogging at LoveCats DownUnder today about great opening lines for stories.
Come and see if your fave is there. You might also wonder why tiny baby clothes are making her smile...
Come and see if your fave is there. You might also wonder why tiny baby clothes are making her smile...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
DVD Stack - Watching movies to write better novels.
While this sounds like a just plain awesome idea, my newest phase has some grounding in the actual craft of writing.
When I first began listening to podcasts, I stumbled across Will Write For Wine, hosted by Lani Diane Rich (Lucy March) and CJ Barry (Samantha Graves). Of course, I thought, "What an excellent concept. Two of my favourite things. Let's bang those together and see what falls out.", and listened to them all. I loved those podcasts, with their dangerously teetering blend of writing craft and drinking games. Sadly, those podcasts finished up in March last year. In fact, before I started subscribing. D'oh.
Stumbling to find something to fill the void, I came across another Lani Diane Rich podcast, this time with the stunningly clever Jennifer Crusie, called Popcorn Dialogues. In PopD, these two watch a movie, then tear it apart, using the conventions of romance writing craft, to ask why some things work and some don't. It's really very cool.
They loved ENCHANTED, and tore HITCH into bloody, twitchy little lumps. They began with 1950's rom coms and are now just heading into a series they've dubbed "Hitmen in Love".
On the website, PopD's catch-cry is "watching movies to write better novels". So I thought I'd give it a red-hot go.
I've raided the DVD cabinet, and Kmart's bargain bins, and my mum's TV cupboard. Plus my wardrobe and the space under my bed (I'm one of those people that finds things on the spesh and sekrits them away around my house to give away as gifts. There's a very good chance 90% of these items won't ever be found again.), and I've collected some romcom DVDs.
Here's what I've got (images from www.imdb.com):
I like the heroine's dress. That counts, right?
Although Hugh makes me want to poke a stick in my eye, Drew is a romcom staple not to be sneezed at (PopD enjoyed FIFTY FIRST DATES, for the most part). And I love music, so this is a good start. The vest is a worry, but I'll soldier on.
I have a nasty feeling about this one (could be echoes of my cleaning-hate), but I'll give it a shot.
I think I've seen this--I used to get quite worked up about Michael Vartan back in ALIAS days. As I get older, though, he gets too skinny to float my boat much. :)
I'm not a SEX IN THE CITY kinda chick, so I'm going into this one blind. Her dress is also cute.
Didn't McConaughey have some weird off-screen bizzo going on? Or was that the guy from STARSKY & HUTCH? Are they the same guy? I mix them up, mainly because they're not...
RYAN REYNOLDS! Yum. With stick.
I don't think I even care if this isn't educational. I'm in it for the pictures. Hopefully, he loses his shirt within the first five to ten minutes.
Jack Black. I like him in SCHOOL OF ROCK, and Tenacious D's TRIBUTE just stuck him with superglue in my book of cool. Which leads me to...
PopD kinda poked this one with a big bad stick. They called it 'Meh.". The most interesting part is apparently where Jude's character admits to having a cow. Really, Jude is a bit too Hugh-ey for me, so I'm not surprised. I'm worried I'm going to keep wanting Kate to race to the front of the ship and hold her arms out like she's flying all through this one.
Jane Austen - Check
Book - Check
I can feel the educationment happening already...
Ah, more Drew. Love the fairytale angle.
Finally, I've found these, which I realise aren't romcoms, but they're going on the TBW pile anyhoo:
I'm quite satisfied just by the title. I mean, really, how could this one not be fabulous?
This one is THE BOAT THAT ROCKED here in OZ.
They rocked. They rolled. Then they sank.
So, how's my DVD stack looking? Have you seen any? Are any of them going to change my life? Or will they make my eyes bleed?
When I first began listening to podcasts, I stumbled across Will Write For Wine, hosted by Lani Diane Rich (Lucy March) and CJ Barry (Samantha Graves). Of course, I thought, "What an excellent concept. Two of my favourite things. Let's bang those together and see what falls out.", and listened to them all. I loved those podcasts, with their dangerously teetering blend of writing craft and drinking games. Sadly, those podcasts finished up in March last year. In fact, before I started subscribing. D'oh.
Stumbling to find something to fill the void, I came across another Lani Diane Rich podcast, this time with the stunningly clever Jennifer Crusie, called Popcorn Dialogues. In PopD, these two watch a movie, then tear it apart, using the conventions of romance writing craft, to ask why some things work and some don't. It's really very cool.
They loved ENCHANTED, and tore HITCH into bloody, twitchy little lumps. They began with 1950's rom coms and are now just heading into a series they've dubbed "Hitmen in Love".
On the website, PopD's catch-cry is "watching movies to write better novels". So I thought I'd give it a red-hot go.
I've raided the DVD cabinet, and Kmart's bargain bins, and my mum's TV cupboard. Plus my wardrobe and the space under my bed (I'm one of those people that finds things on the spesh and sekrits them away around my house to give away as gifts. There's a very good chance 90% of these items won't ever be found again.), and I've collected some romcom DVDs.
Here's what I've got (images from www.imdb.com):
I like the heroine's dress. That counts, right?
Although Hugh makes me want to poke a stick in my eye, Drew is a romcom staple not to be sneezed at (PopD enjoyed FIFTY FIRST DATES, for the most part). And I love music, so this is a good start. The vest is a worry, but I'll soldier on.
I have a nasty feeling about this one (could be echoes of my cleaning-hate), but I'll give it a shot.
I think I've seen this--I used to get quite worked up about Michael Vartan back in ALIAS days. As I get older, though, he gets too skinny to float my boat much. :)
I'm not a SEX IN THE CITY kinda chick, so I'm going into this one blind. Her dress is also cute.
Didn't McConaughey have some weird off-screen bizzo going on? Or was that the guy from STARSKY & HUTCH? Are they the same guy? I mix them up, mainly because they're not...
RYAN REYNOLDS! Yum. With stick.
I don't think I even care if this isn't educational. I'm in it for the pictures. Hopefully, he loses his shirt within the first five to ten minutes.
Jack Black. I like him in SCHOOL OF ROCK, and Tenacious D's TRIBUTE just stuck him with superglue in my book of cool. Which leads me to...
PopD kinda poked this one with a big bad stick. They called it 'Meh.". The most interesting part is apparently where Jude's character admits to having a cow. Really, Jude is a bit too Hugh-ey for me, so I'm not surprised. I'm worried I'm going to keep wanting Kate to race to the front of the ship and hold her arms out like she's flying all through this one.
Jane Austen - Check
Book - Check
I can feel the educationment happening already...
Ah, more Drew. Love the fairytale angle.
Finally, I've found these, which I realise aren't romcoms, but they're going on the TBW pile anyhoo:
I'm quite satisfied just by the title. I mean, really, how could this one not be fabulous?
This one is THE BOAT THAT ROCKED here in OZ.
They rocked. They rolled. Then they sank.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Win Anna Hackett's new Nocturne Bites - ONE NIGHT WITH THE WOLF!
To celebrate the release of One Night with the Wolf, Anna is giving away an e-copy EVERY WEEK in March! That's all kinds of awesome!
From www.eharlequin.com...
Here's what Anna has to say about One Night...
This is my first ever wolf shifter story and I loved writing it. There's also a super sexy chase scene that my wonderful CPs loved! (E - I sooo did!) So if you're looking for a tight, sexy read featuring a hunky wolf hero and spunky wolf heroine, you'll find One Night available for download at eHarlequin, Amazon US and other ebooksellers.
And woo, that chase scene is worthy of it's illustrious fame!
In order to get your name in the draw, head over to Anna's blog and answer her eeeeeassssy werewolf question!
Big congrats, Anna, and I can't wait to hear what you all think!
E x
From www.eharlequin.com...
Werewolf Jade Thorne needs a man—a young, virile man to give her love and pleasure. As a rare female alpha, she must keep her pack safe by pledging herself in marriage to an aging leader from a rival pack. Until then, she wants to experience the raging passion of a wolf in his prime. She even has an ideal lover at hand: her Second, Christian Tallant. But Christian is a wolf who will demand to dominate her body, mind and soul. Now Jade must decide if she can afford to submit to his desire—and if one night with the wolf will really be enough.... |
Here's what Anna has to say about One Night...
This is my first ever wolf shifter story and I loved writing it. There's also a super sexy chase scene that my wonderful CPs loved! (E - I sooo did!) So if you're looking for a tight, sexy read featuring a hunky wolf hero and spunky wolf heroine, you'll find One Night available for download at eHarlequin, Amazon US and other ebooksellers.
And woo, that chase scene is worthy of it's illustrious fame!
In order to get your name in the draw, head over to Anna's blog and answer her eeeeeassssy werewolf question!
Big congrats, Anna, and I can't wait to hear what you all think!
E x
Monday, February 21, 2011
What I'm reading...
Snapshot of today - what I'm reading. Some I picked up recently (SILVER BORNE, in the boring Aus Kindle release cover, so I put the pretty cover up too), some I've had on the burner for a while (especially anthologies). What do you think?
Friday, February 18, 2011
DarkSide DownUnder, What We Are Reading. Pick the chatty one...
Today, at DSDU, Fiona Gregory, Paula Roe, Jess Anastasi and myself are talking about What We Are Reading. And in my case, how I felt about it, the plot, the author, the series and what I ate for lunch Monday week ago.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The R-Bomb
Yesterday was a day of woe -- I received a rejection email for my Bites sub. Then, I ate eight Lindt balls (assorted flavours) before lunch and I felt much better, if a bit wired from all the sugar.
I knew, pretty much, that it was coming (the sub had been in since June last year) but it's always a bit of a blow to actually read it. I have another piece that I'm revising to send in right now, but it would appear that Bites is undergoing a guidelines change. So, I'll have to see where I send it when it's done.
In the meantime, I'll write a synopsis for the rejected one and ship it back out there. No surrender, not while I'm keeping the fires burning on confectioner's sugar!
This week, Friday in fact, I'm reviewing the first book, MOON CALLED, of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, at DarkSide DownUnder. I'll link on Friday, otherwise hit the linky button on the right to visit the very awesome DSDU.
And speaking of tax reform, I was approached recently by Suzanne Brandyn to do a member spotlight in the Romance Writers of Australia national monthly publication, HeartsTalk. Wow, exciting! So stay tuned. And no, I won't mention tax reform, because, quite frankly, I find it mind-putrifyingly uninteresting. Sorry!
On facebook, Anna Campbell (you might have heard of Anna, her rep for utter awesomeness precedes her regularly), linked to this article by Kate Cuthbert, that I enjoyed.
In other news, we've got a SARA (South Australian Romance Authors) gathering on tonight, our first for the year. In the break, we've gotten all high tech and built facebook and twitter profiles.
If you'd like to see what we're up to, search for 'SARA - South Australian Romance Authors' on FB (we need a few more members before we can get a URL name) and look for us at www.twitter.com/SAusRomA, and we're hashtagging (mmm, that might not be a real word) with #SAusRomA.
I knew, pretty much, that it was coming (the sub had been in since June last year) but it's always a bit of a blow to actually read it. I have another piece that I'm revising to send in right now, but it would appear that Bites is undergoing a guidelines change. So, I'll have to see where I send it when it's done.
In the meantime, I'll write a synopsis for the rejected one and ship it back out there. No surrender, not while I'm keeping the fires burning on confectioner's sugar!
This week, Friday in fact, I'm reviewing the first book, MOON CALLED, of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, at DarkSide DownUnder. I'll link on Friday, otherwise hit the linky button on the right to visit the very awesome DSDU.
And speaking of tax reform, I was approached recently by Suzanne Brandyn to do a member spotlight in the Romance Writers of Australia national monthly publication, HeartsTalk. Wow, exciting! So stay tuned. And no, I won't mention tax reform, because, quite frankly, I find it mind-putrifyingly uninteresting. Sorry!
On facebook, Anna Campbell (you might have heard of Anna, her rep for utter awesomeness precedes her regularly), linked to this article by Kate Cuthbert, that I enjoyed.
In other news, we've got a SARA (South Australian Romance Authors) gathering on tonight, our first for the year. In the break, we've gotten all high tech and built facebook and twitter profiles.
If you'd like to see what we're up to, search for 'SARA - South Australian Romance Authors' on FB (we need a few more members before we can get a URL name) and look for us at www.twitter.com/SAusRomA, and we're hashtagging (mmm, that might not be a real word) with #SAusRomA.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lordy me, that Anna Hackett is a busy one...
One of my talented and awfully good looking critique partners, Anna Hackett, has a new cover for her March Nocturne Bites release, ONE NIGHT WITH THE WOLF.
Now, one of the many perks of having such awesome critique partners, is that I get to read these new releases before they are grown, just little word documents looking for a home. And I gotta tell you, this is one werewolf story you do not want to miss. Anna is the a master of the short story (so much so that she teaches it!), but you'll want to read this for the chase-through-the-forest scene alone, which has become stuff of legend.
And all this while Anna is running her online course and penning a new werewolf story to follow up from this one. Oh, and working a day job.
Can't wait for March!
Emmeline :)
Now, one of the many perks of having such awesome critique partners, is that I get to read these new releases before they are grown, just little word documents looking for a home. And I gotta tell you, this is one werewolf story you do not want to miss. Anna is the a master of the short story (so much so that she teaches it!), but you'll want to read this for the chase-through-the-forest scene alone, which has become stuff of legend.
And all this while Anna is running her online course and penning a new werewolf story to follow up from this one. Oh, and working a day job.
Can't wait for March!
Emmeline :)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Anna Hackett's SHORT STORY, BIG IMPACT workshop
I've been remiss in telling you about Anna's course -- it's on now at Colorado Romance Writers. There were still places available last night, and the sign-up link is still active, so jump in!
Anna, fabulous CP to Rach and myself, is one very clever lady (her new Nocturne Bites, ONE NIGHT WITH THE WOLF, comes out in March), and can spot a story soft spot from fifty paces. I cannot tell you how useful she has been to me as I find my feet in this business. So, if your short piece is lacking in punch, follow the links from Anna's blog to sign up.
Take care, E x
Anna, fabulous CP to Rach and myself, is one very clever lady (her new Nocturne Bites, ONE NIGHT WITH THE WOLF, comes out in March), and can spot a story soft spot from fifty paces. I cannot tell you how useful she has been to me as I find my feet in this business. So, if your short piece is lacking in punch, follow the links from Anna's blog to sign up.
Take care, E x
Friday, January 21, 2011
Antidote for back-to-work depression...
Damn You Auto Correct
Not always *ahem* clean, but always funny. You might like to keep some mascara handy for touch-ups. And maybe spare underwear.
Not always *ahem* clean, but always funny. You might like to keep some mascara handy for touch-ups. And maybe spare underwear.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thinking of Queenslanders
The south-east of the lovely Aussie state of Queensland is staring at the face of disaster tonight -- massive floods. For a country that considers itself only recently emerged from drought, this is just unbelievable. Flood levels in Brisbane and surrounding areas are expected to reach AND exceed the flood levels of 1974. We're talking over 5.45 meters of water in the Brisbane CBD, I understand. Thirty-two suburbs are expected to go under. The footage on the news and web is phenomenal. And frightening.
In '74, fourteen people lost their lives. The death toll of the current flood has just reached ten, with something like eighty people are unaccounted for. The tenth death was a four-year-old boy.
And still, the rain keeps coming.
We're thinking of you, SEQ.
In '74, fourteen people lost their lives. The death toll of the current flood has just reached ten, with something like eighty people are unaccounted for. The tenth death was a four-year-old boy.
And still, the rain keeps coming.
We're thinking of you, SEQ.
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