Back From The Dead

Yeah, I know. I kind of dropped off the face of planet there for a bit. I've been working on a mad rewrite of The Devil’s Eye. This story has been driving me crazy almost from the start. Something about the pacing was off. No matter how many times I looked at it, or tried to fix it, I just made it worse. After few months since I “finished” it, I pulled it out and started to tweak. Then it struck me. The problem with the pacing wasn't not enough happening, the problem was too much happening. With that epiphany, the rest of the rewrite fell into place.

I back burnered The Devil's Shadow while I did that and now I'm getting back to work on it. I'm at 70,000 words so I there's still a real possibility I could finish it by the end of March. I'll keep you posted.

And lastly, I'm building a new website. Hoping to launch it soon. Will keep you posted.

I'm reading The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson--or least I was. I've put it down somewhere and can't remember where. It's driving me crazy too.

That new show Bates Motel starts tonight. I loved Psycho, so you know I have to check it out. The actor they have playing young Norman Bates kind of looks like Anthony Perkins, don't you think?

It's Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas

 

So we put our Christmas tree up this weekend. We're actually quite late this year. Normally, we put it up towards the end of November, or by the first weekend in December at the latest. But running behind seems to be the story of my life these days.

Actually, this was a very productive weekend. Not only did I make my word count on Saturday and Sunday, I cleaned the house, paid some bills, got the laundry done and even had an evening out with hubby and friends. Now, however, I feel like I need a weekend to recover from the weekend.

Conversely, I haven't even started Christmas shopping. I tend to be a last minute shopper anyway. If I start too early, I tend to over think and doubt myself. If I wait until I have to get it done, I'm much more decisive. Still, when I'm frazzled in the malls two days before Christmas,  I'm sure I'll be cursing and promising myself I'll start in July next year.

How's everyone elses' Christmas shaping up?

Zombies, Rain and Random Lines

 

In case you're wondering, the season premier of The Walking Dead was well worth the wait. The ground work for future episodes looks good. Though, I was left wondering why, oh why, the group would allow their only doctor to go exploring the dark, zombie filled prison? That decision just had bad idea all over it.

This weekend went by in the blink of an eye. (They always do, don’t they?) The hubby and I were supposed to take some pictures. I need a new author pic—actually, I need an author pic--and we figured this time of year would provide a lovely, atmospheric background. Unfortunately, it poured rain all day yesterday, and that would have been too much atmosphere.

I did however get some writing done, and since I'm particularly pleased with how this story is flowing--at least for now--here's a random, unedited line. Happy Monday!

The Devil's Shadow

Copyright Dawn Brown 2012

Kyle reached out for his pen and pad. His responses from his conversation with police earlier that morning seemed to glow from the top sheet. The detectives had been in again--third time since he'd been admitted--but his answers were always the same.

I don't know.

I don't remember.

I'm sorry.

 

Zombie Sundays Are Back!

It's Friday (yay!) but I can't wait until Sunday. Why, you might be asking? Because look what starts up again this Sunday.

 

 

 

Yup, season three of The Walking Dead. I can't not stress how excited I am for zombie Sundays again. Which is kind of strange when I think about it since the show is sort of stressful to watch. For an hour every week I will sit on my couch, eyes wide, body tense and a sick nervousness settled in the pit of my stomach...and I can't wait to do it.

What can I say? I love a good spooky movie/story/tv show. And look, Merle's back! I knew he would be eventually. I have some theories about where he's been, but I guess I'll have to wait to see if I'm right.

Aside from the kid's game, we have nothing else planned.  I'm kinda looking forward to no rushing around this weekend and just spending time with the family. And of course Zombies.

Might even squeeze in a little writing in too.

What are you doing this weekend?

Confessions of a Bad Blogger

Yeah, I suck. I know. On the upside, based on the above photo I have no more excuses. My computer woes have come to an end with the purchase of a new laptop. Convenience won out over sturdiness.

Things that I love  about my new computer: it's small, light and comfortable to use and no more Vista. Things I don't like: the stupid Norton Anti-virus software that keeps popping up even after I have clicked numerous times that I don't want it.

As a special treat to me, I also purchased new Office. Yes, I have finally upgraded from word97. It's a whole new world, I tell you.

So since it's been so long here's what's new with me. I'm hard at work on The Devil's Shadow. I'd love  to be done the first draft by the end of the month so I can work on The Devil's Due for Nano. Though, I might be about two weeks too ambitious, but we'll see.

I'm reading Nowhere to Hide by Nancy Bush. I read Nowhere to Run and loved it, so immediately purchased the second book.

We just celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving here. Lots to thankful for this year--like not having to cook Thanksgiving dinner. ;-) Just kidding...sort of. We spent most of the week visiting family and at the kid's game.

 I've pulled a muscle in my neck and am presently writing this in bed wishing I could get comfortable.

I guess that's it. We're caught up. What's new with everyone else?

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

That's right, school starts tomorrow. Though, if I'm honest, the kid has reached an age where his being home from school doesn't affect my writing schedule all that much. He'd much rather hang out with friends than his mom, of course. But beyond school starting, there's plenty of things I'm looking forward to this month.

Blood and Bone comes out tomorrow in print. I may have mentioned that once or twice already. ;-) I'll be giving away a signed copy so be sure to check in before the end of the week.

I'm hoping to go computer shopping this week. As present laptop is merely limping along, I'm very excited at the prospect of a new computer. Still debating about whether to buy another laptop or a desktop. Laptop is convenient, but desktop would be sturdier...I think.

The Devil's Shadow is coming along nicely. As indicated by the little potato man from Writertopia above. I'm loving these characters. Though, after so much time on The Devil's Eye, maybe I'm just enjoying working on something different.