My life in general, off topic.
I don’t believe resolutions really work, but I have plans after a pretty disastrous 2023 health-wise with a wrist/hand out of typing action for 6 months. I’ve got to get the decorations down and house tidy, plus I have appointments this week. I also need to tidy up the mess of files on my laptop. Then I ‘plan’ (not resolve), to begin exercising again — nothing new, just returning to what I used to do — and to start writing. Hoping all your plans go well.
Hi Everyone!
AT HOME:
We had an extremely wet holiday staying beside (almost in) the Beaulieu River in the New Forest. Fortunately, we were in a stilted house, so weren’t too worried even at high tide, when the water overflowed the bank. Was strange to think had we gone a week earlier we would have enjoyed spring if not summer weather, but our week was like monsoon season, especially in the morning, so we often made a late start to the day. Despite the rain, we managed a couple of pleasant walks, visited some towns, and took a boat up the river. And of course, there were the ponies, though I was a little disappointed to only spot one donkey. The wild ponies are in fact owned by people called commoners, who have the right to graze their stock wild in the forest, so we also saw cows and pigs. Beaulieu village, though tiny, is lovely to visit with some nice places to eat, and we had the most amazing pie from the deli. So amazing we had to buy a second one. Well, they were small, but worth it.
The house refresh restarted upon our return because we’d decided as we’d done so much other work inside, we might as well redo the dining room. The key problem was that meant emptying and moving a lot of furniture, and putting it all back again. We also had a tremendous problem choosing a wallpaper, but think we made an excellent decision, although it wasn’t the easiest to work with, and as I’m the one who wallpapers, I was far from happy.
FILM/TV:
We’re still working our way through Supernatural. Anyone who hasn’t watched Only Murders in the Building should try it; we sped through it. The patter song Steve Martin performs in season three is what would get stars an ovation. That and The Bear are probably the best series we’ve watched on Disney this year, though with it apparently doubling in cost (we were lucky to just get in on the old price this time), we likely only have another few months to enjoy it as while open to an increase next year, we don’t think it’s worth twice the amount. We’re now watching season three of The Watcher, though with Henry Cavill leaving, it’s questionable whether we’ll carry on with another series.
WRITING:
I’ve decided to take a break for the rest of the year, planning to write again in 2024, though I may sort out some files and do a little editing.
Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x
Hi Everyone!
AT HOME:
We had a lovely holiday staying just outside Carbis Bay. Managed lots of walking. Went into St Ives twice, once walking along the coast path, once via a short train op from St Erth. The weather was lovely, even too hot (for me), so I didn’t mind when the weather broke mid-week, giving us a couple of cooler days. Not been to the bottom of Cornwall for many years and won’t be going that way again until the work on the A30 concludes. Although not as bad as we feared, roadworks still caused a 50 minute delay in the journey.
The house refresh goes on, although we’ve finally moved on to the upstairs hallway. Next it’ll be the bannisters and, finally, the downstairs hall. I have to say the colour Poetry in the Crafted range by Crown proved to be the perfect colour. The only way I can describe it is like a soft but strong pistachio green.
FILM/TV:
We’re still working our way through Supernatural, now on Season Six. I finally get why the series had such a fan base. Once the series got over the basic Sam and Dean just hunts a new monster every week and became more personal, it took off. That’s the basis for all good writing. Create characters your audience can care about and then throw as much and increasing conflict at them as possible.
We’ve got way more to watch than we have time for right now, so I’m behind most people starting new seasons, but I’ve been a fan of Black Mirror and was happy to see series six appear, which we’ve just started. Joan is Awful, episode one of season six may be my favourite episode to date. It is funny even as it’s thought provoking, questioning the use of A.I. and our rights along with so many relatable issues in a world using so much technology.
Also saw Good Omens 2, which I loved, but then it’s difficult for me not to love anything by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman (yes, Terry has gone but he and Neil worked on the book and kicked around ideas for a sequel), or staring David Tennant, or Martin Sheen, so this was always going to be a treat. I can’t say I loved season 2 as much as season 1, but as Neil has explained, this season acts as a bridge between 1 and 3. He has promised we will get the third instalment ‘in some format’. Let’s hope the third series gets made, although I’d also love the trilogy in print. Some hated season 2 because of the ending, but have they not heard of a cliffhanger? That end is not the where the story finishes. In Good Omens, angels and demons are genderless and asexual and, I confess, I’ve never considered Good Omens as a love story, but I’m happy to accept it either way. It’s simply great story-telling.
WRITING:
Two announcements this month. Wildest Dreams re-released at JMS Books, and Night to Dawn #44 magazine, featuring my short story Brain Dead, is now available.
Detective Inspectors Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox have more important things to concern them than their names being a source of amusement. While Riley embraces his homosexuality, Frederick’s attraction to Riley brings him nothing but torment. Although Riley suspects Fred might be gay, if true, he’s certain the man isn’t happy about it, and Riley doesn’t intrude where he’s not wanted. Despite being on assignment, Riley has no reason not to pursue other relationships, especially with the attractive Scotsman, Calhoun. If only he knew how much Fred wants him, it could be a different story.
They endeavour to uncover a new and exclusive drug with strange side effects and recuperative powers, but become victims when they find the supplier. Does Frederick only hallucinate running wild in the woods? Or, like Riley, will he choose to run naked, baring not only his body but also his soul, revealing the reason for his celibacy, and why having Riley around means that isn’t working out for him, at all.
Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x
Had a horrendous trip to the in-laws. Traffic jams, roadworks, diversions, reports of animals on the road and people throwing things from a bridge. Could anyone have thrown anything else into the mix? If I put all this into a story readers would say I’m being melodramatic or unrealistic, proving life is stranger than fiction. All this added a good couple of hours onto the journey, which did me no good at all.
Once back home, we continued with our ‘refresh’ of the house, repainting one wall in the guest bedroom, and touching up any marks. It’s never looked so good. I’ve now moved on to the room’s ensuite shower room, but discovered the wall needs a little attention once I pulled off the paper. I think it’s because we papered over bathroom paint, so we’ll put a different base coat on the wall we intend to re-paper once it’s repaired. Otherwise, there’s not much to do in there with snagging (small cracks in new builds) only over the shower.
FILM/TV:
We finished the Netflix limited series Midnight Mass, which turned out to be a questioning religious take on vampire mythology. The arguments presented and the thought-provoking dialogue were exceptional. About to finish watching the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films, which have been a nostalgic joy. And we watched series 4 of Stranger Things (Netflix), which we enjoyed the most of all the seasons. The way Netflix enhanced the sound was excellent and I hope they make this a more regular feature.
WRITING:
I now know why I’ve not written much since breaking my wrist, having received my latest edits. Many were stupid mistakes because I was typing with one hand and using dictation. However, surely my brain was also scrambled, as I should have caught most, if not all, of them during the last read. I must have gone over it too many times by then, so my eyes filled in the blanks, which is why writers need an editor or at least a second set of eyes. Fortunately, I have a fab editor. Wildest Dreams this will re-release in the autumn.
I also received my copy of Night to Dawn magazine #44, also out this autumn, containing my short story Brain Dead. More on that nearer the time.
Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x
AT HOME:
Glad to say we had a lovely holiday in June and it was the best we’ve had in a long while. I managed to ‘cope’ despite health issues. Also, the week away allowed us to visit a friend’s grave at long last, and to meet up with his wife. We spent a fabulous day together including a wonderful lunch concluded with a cheesecake that was surely death on a plate but truly gorgeous. We also got in plenty of coastal walking, the longest walk of three hours being on the South West coast path.
FILM/TV:
At long last finished watching Bones having missed the last three seasons on its first televised run. Supernatural (another missed series on its original run) and Dark Shadows is ongoing. Catching up now on Netflix shows, we began the limited series Midnight Mass which, though slow in parts seems to have some memorable moments including excellent dialogue. It’s promisingly spooky, though we’ve only watched 2 of 8 episodes so far.
Have had little time for films. Watched Don’t Worry Darling, which is a modern twist on The Stepford Wives. Good, but nothing exactly new. We also came across 12 of the 14 old Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films, which have been remastered and watched one of those. So short as to be hardly called films today, but we watched one and may watch more. Guess I’m showing my age, but I still like Rathbone’s version of Sherlock and they’re great nostalgia.
WRITING:
I know I’ve been quiet — I feel like I’m forever apologising for breaking my wrist — but I’ve managed a little self-editing and have spoken to my publisher about releasing another older, previously published title, so I will be submitted Wildest Dreams this week.
Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x
Hi Everyone!
AT HOME:
Managed the long trip to visit relatives but not been out and about much owing to never-ending health issues and the weather. Despite all the rain, shortly after local authorities announced a hosepipe ban from now until December, naturally some of the southwest had flooding. News for the area showed footage of a river of water and mud flowing several feet up past doorways — something of a spectacular show when seen through glass. Fortunately, our area was spared.
I finally got to see a physiotherapist for my wrist paid for by me, of course. I figured by the time I argued with the NHS to see one, and then had to pay for a cab to and from the hospital, it was cheaper and less time-consuming to pay for one locally.
He said I’m doing all the right things, and in the second appointment said I’m ahead of what he would expect at this point. That’s encouraging although it doesn’t feel like much when he also told me I can expect a year of exercise to regain full movement, if I even do — although he can’t spot anything to say I definitely won’t at this point, it’s far too soon to tell. It also doesn’t feel as though I got much physio as there was no actual exercise. He suggested a couple of things, but aside from that, I’ve mostly had my arm massaged, which thank goodness took down 95% of the swelling, and a back massage. Having said that, I think I needed it as it wiped me out. He said other muscles get damaged during a fall, and also that I’ve been overcompensating on the opposite side.
FILM/TV:
Still ploughing our way through Bones but now on season 9. We also sped through the acclaimed series airing on Sky, The Last of Us. Wasn’t sure at first, and admit to a small eye-roll of ‘not another zombie series’, but I can see why there was a buzz about the show. It doesn’t waste a moment of storytelling and knows how to pull on the audience’s emotion. Restarted Dark Shadows as introducing my husband to it, and watching Supernatural for the first time. Although the show was over sometime ago, it was always on at a strange hour and we never got to see it. Another of those that’s so popular we wanted to see why. Anyway, anything supernatural is kind of my thing.
I’ve watched a couple of quirky films lately, one of which was The Duke starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren based on a legendary British true story — the theft of Francisco Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington painting from the National Gallery. As to what is and isn’t real in the story for those who want to know more, go here: https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-duke-true-story-exclusive/ But it’s good to say a fair amount of it is true, as pitched by the grandson.
READING:
The Exorcist, William Peter Blatty (audio)
Well read by the author. Definitely better than the film. Still, I’ve never been sure why people find the story so frightening. The only scary elements are the suffering of a child, or the demon’s strength. I also shake my head when characters react so strongly to something said. I can’t help thinking that the scares don’t work as well as they should because it’s a different society now, but I saw the film in my teens and still think of it as one of the funniest movies ever made. Would Regan’s insults and torments really bother a modern adversary so much? Despite these wonderings, this remains the quintessential possession story. Well worth the time spent with it, even though I don’t find it frightening.
Rivers of London, Ben Aaronovitch
A good start to what promises to be a fun series; however, I fell out of love with the protagonist somewhat when he threatened to use the dog in a magic ritual even if intended as a joke. Was it? I’m not sure. Things like that can quickly alienate a reading public, and are usually best avoided even in jest. The protagonist is also a little too bland, but I hope it fledges him out in the following books. The author has a fantastic way of weaving a story of magic into a believable London setting almost making London a character in and of itself — in fact I fell in love with London more than anything else in the book, but I’m not sure that’s a recommendation good enough on its own. There are many amazing creatures here, including gods and goddesses, vampires and ghosts, and I’m sure there will be more to come in the following stories. Having said all that, the book felt a little muddled to me, almost too frantic in parts, with a lot to take in, some convenient happenings, and a twist of an ending I’m not sure quite worked for me. But then, as a reader, I appreciate I’m buying into the writer’s imaginative journey, and a review is all semantics, anyway. I own the first three books and, having read the first, I found this entertaining enough to carry on with the other two, hoping they will improve.
The White Road, Sarah Lotz
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would have to say it’s because of the writing. I usually prefer a book told in third person rather than first, but this is an exception. There are definitely creepy moments, although the thought of crawling through tiny tunnels many feet under the Earth is perhaps the most scary moments, expertly claustrophobia inducing. A rather strange atmospheric ghost story with a protagonist who is more of an anti-hero. Despite this, you can’t help following Simon’s journey and even rooting for… I’m not sure what. Not Simon as such — although I’m not sure he deserved all that happened to him — but you still want something good to come of this. The story contains several threats and battles, including the climbing of Everest and questioning mental health. Not everyone will find the ending perfect, but I’m not sure how else the author could have concluded the book; for me, the biggest negative is that it felt almost too abrupt. As Stephen King has said, some books are best enjoyed for the journey rather than the destination and I can’t help thinking perhaps this is one of those, but I’m glad to have spent time with it and will read more by this author.
The Gargoyle, Andrew Davidson
When I first began reading I wondered why make the protagonist — a decidedly flawed human being from a flawed background — part of the porn industry, but it’s the perfect irony that this man who once easily wooed women suffers such physical destruction, burned in a horrendous car crash. If the author has his research right, the burn descriptions should haunt you. But just when you think the story is one about a damaged man awaiting the chance for suicide, events take an unbelievable twist when a possibly mentally ill woman, Marianne, walks into his life insisting that they have known and loved each other before. The writing has the feel of an aged classic, yet references and details set the story in modern times, an imbalance that’s perfect for a tale reaching across centuries. On the one hand, it’s quite beautiful, but I repeatedly asked, What is this book about? Like poetry, it will mean different things to different people. Ultimately, I dare say it’s about sacrifice and redemption, but something remained off key for me. Although an emotional book, I never quite believed the love that supposedly holds the two main characters bound over time, whether real or imaginary. The love felt more like obsession. And why the author bothered to include a dog and the events surrounding it, escapes me and made me dislike the characters. I want to rate the book higher than I have because it stays in the mind, and I would have done so had I been able to believe what they felt for each other. I’m also left questioning whether the protagonist’s actions are of love or criminal. Is what Marianne tells this unnamed man real, or are they both delusional?
Carnival (Firefly), Una McCormack
One of the shorter Firefly novels, solidly plotted. I found this to be a fun read, mostly because the author understands the character voices, something sadly lacking in the previous book. Those voices bring a true feeling of nostalgia for fans of the series.
WRITING:
No news on the writing score, mostly because, although I’m almost typing again, my wrist is still at an angle, which makes it tiring. Here’s to more improvement.
Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x
AT HOME:
No update last month as not much to report, so a longer Reading section to cover two months next week. In the last weeks, the husband finished setting up the wall cabinets with ‘slight’ help from me, and I cheered to type a few sentences, albeit at an awkward and tiring angle, and to wash up and cut vegetables. Small conquests. I’ve improved some, but have booked some physiotherapy. Ironically, it’ll be cheaper for me to pay locally than to get cabs to and from the hospital if I could put up a strong enough fight to get an appointment. Remember, I’ve been told the wrist has healed however it’s healed and to go home and use it. I’ll keep exercising until I’m seen, but I think I could do with some help now, or at least advice. I’ve had my first story acceptance in a long time, which was pleasing as so much has been/is on hold. More on that at the end.
FILM/TV:
We’re ploughing our way through Bones as we never saw them when our Sky Box melted years ago. Sky insisted we still had a box and would do nothing, so we dropped them. Have to say we’re enjoying the show much more this time without the interruption of adverts.
We’re also working through Hotel Del Luna, a South Korean series blending horror, comedy, romance, and fantasy thanks to the supernatural setting of a hotel which acts as a kind of limbo for those spirits not ready to pass on to the afterlife. Loving it, and especially like the look of the show, but the episodes are long and need attention owing to the subtitles, so it’s taking some time.
Also watching Beyond Paradise on BBC iPlayer, though it’s strange to see Looe in Cornwall as the fictional village of Shipton Abbot in Devon. Amazed there wasn’t a riot as the Cornwall/Devon divide is real.
WRITING:
If you only had hours to live, would you want to know exactly how long you had left? Night to Dawn Magazine will publish a short zombie story of mine entitled Brain Dead. More news when I have it.
Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x
