Ramblings By Rhianna

August 6, 2008

S’up!

Filed under: My Life, The writer, Rhianna the reader — Administrator @ 11:28 pm

I just got my hair done and that always seems to perk me up. For a matter of hours, my hair is fixed in the style the hair stylist wants it to be. It is a great cut, she went a half shade darker on the brown (mardi gras) and then highlighted.  

Last year about this time I decided I was starting to look my age and decided I would go from the dark blond that I had used for over a decade to something closer to my natural color. That would be predominantly gray, but also a mousy brown. It was a harder change on my coworkers than on me. I don’t look in the mirror very often and they had to see it constant.

I was given many opinions, some not so kind, but I persevered and stayed dark. This year I made up my mind that I would do more to pamper myself and having my hair color done by an expert is one of the greater luxuries in the female favorite things.  

I got my galleys in for Shaking Off the Dust. That is exciting and sort of sad. I am reading it and man I like it. *grin*

I am writing steady every chance I get. I hope you all had a great week. I am posting at the Samhain blog on Saturday am and Shades of Suspense blog on Monday morning.   I read one book last week. I need it to rest my mind. It was Patricia Biggs, newest Wolf Cry. It’s not one of the Mercedes series (which I adore), but a spin off to that world. I liked the characters, but it wasn’t as engaging as the Mercedes books. She is a good writer though. 

  Rhianna 

July 14, 2008

http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com/

Filed under: The writer — Administrator @ 3:20 am

I’m blogging every other monday at the above blog. Take a peek and speak.

June 29, 2008

Coming out to play

Filed under: The writer — Administrator @ 3:39 am

Okay, it is a testament to how pathetic my life is that I’m sitting here watching the history channel do a two hour program on dragons. I consider it research, because I have a dragon theme that will run a thread through my urban fantasy series. it is a reminder that there is a long period in which most writers who write paranormal must build the mythology.

In Shaking off the Dust, I built a ghost mythology, certain rules that applied in order for them to become real to the reader. If you consider the more popular vampire and werewolf novels that are selling like a pancake breakfasts, they have a unique way to explain the creatures who inhabit their world. There are so many Vampire books out there that it is hard to come up with a different twist.

I have been working on the basics of this series for a couple of years now. The mythology is substantial. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I haven’t created languages for the different peoples of my Outsiders’ series. Wouldn’t that be cool though?

I do know several of the characters and their history so well that they have become very familiar. When writing they’ll say things that make them unique and me laugh. I’ll think…”Oh that’s perfect for Lucien” or “only Alistair would say something like that.” The reason it’s taken me so long to get the novels done is because they all want me to tell their story first. I have to take time to structure each novel in a way that they are true to the world and yet not give away too much. Some days it feels as though I started out with a 500 piece puzzle that multiplied to three times that amount and I forgot my glasses. Okay, I’m may be exaggerating a tiny bit. J

I do love to hear what readers want to read. What kind of story just does it for you? Are you reading paranormal, or historical or contemporary? Do you want something light and funny or serious? If I were to write the perfect book for you what would it have in it?

No, I’m not going to write a book to order. My imagination is very much my own and what I want to write is personal. I like formula stories, but I would want to find my own unique twist on it. Then again, I’m not above wanting something that I write to be what you, the reader, want to read.

As for this blog…ugh. My characters’ keep calling and asking me to come out to play. So, if there is a topic you would like me to write a few choice words and my opinion on, let me know.  I love hearing back from you guys.

 

Rhianna

June 22, 2008

Pictures from Lori Foster Readers and Writers conference

Filed under: The writer — Administrator @ 5:11 am

Here are some pictures from the Lori Foster Readers and Writers conference.      

     

 

June 13, 2008

The found Weekend: Lori Foster’s Readers and Writers Conference 2008

Filed under: My Life, The writer — Administrator @ 12:30 am

I know, it’s a weird title, but I flashed on the old film the lost weekend, and this definitely was not that.  Let me preface, by saying, I had a really good time last weekend. And so my story begins:

 
 For weeks it was a question whether I was going to be able to go at all. Family issues and general stress wreaked havoc for a time, but I weathered the few weeks that it took to deal with those concerns. (A special thanks to MB, My sister and Mary, who talked me into seeing all the positive.) By the weekend before I was looking forward to meeting the nearly three hundred that attended the weekend.

 
 The only problem with the drive was the amount of money the gasoline cost. There was some bumper traffic in Cincinnati the last thirty miles. When I reached the hotel I was surprised to find out that the place was over run by teenage baseball players there for a play off. With so many groups and luggage the four luggage carts were no where to be found, so I made four trips in the ninety odd degrees carrying in luggage, baskets and promo material.
 I will admit, since I have multiple witnesses anyway, that I will wear a headband, just like Tammy Fay and pull out a fan to cool down. I blame it on my father. I inherited his sweat glands. Oh, excuse me, his perspiration apparatus. (I sweat, I only wish it were a glow.) I was looking forward to sitting back in my hotel room and cooling down with an ice cold drink before running out for a late lunch. I snatched up the ice bucket and headed to the ice machine. EMPTY. The baseball families had filled their buckets and ice chests. I went to my room steaming. I was hot and sweating, but steaming sounds so much more intense. I finally went to another floor in my search. In conclusion of my chilling drama, I found ice on the third floor. A diet coke never tasted so sweet and cold.

 
 After lunch I was a much better person and by the time I made it to the lobby again there was a line around the main lobby forming to register and pick up our name badges. I got in line and within two minutes was befriended by Gia Dawn, one of the nicest people I have ever met. She is funny and smart and writes a great story. We chatted and she shared her hand fan, though we both felt that gorgeous males should have been fanning us with large palms. (I will say that by the next morning the hotel was talked into turning up the air conditioners. Three hundred people in a room is a mighty furnace.)  Can you tell I’m menopausal?

 
 For the dinner portion, The one table where I knew the majority of people only had one chair open and though I was invited to join them, I decided that I’d spread the joy and head to a table with only one or two people. They had it set up to where four authors were asked to be at each table. I sat down with a couple of nurses – It’s like radar, we can find each other any where. We did some chatting and then another author joined us, sci fi and paranormal romance writer, very sweet lady – Hi Laura. Right after that Susan Carr was with us.

 
 The cool happened just moments after they opened the buffet, Michele Boungufiglio sat down to my left and next to her was Ann Christopher. I figured there were about 250 other authors that wished they were sitting with the lifetime TV book reviewer and I wasn’t budging. She is a petite thing and had this fabulous purple purse that was as big as she was.  Nearly everyone in the place came over to say hello to her, so that was fun to watch her be gracious and fun.

 
 As new writer, there were only a few that had ever heard of my book or me. I meet folks from an Indianapolis book club that I’m looking forward to seeing when the book is out in print. My Nashville Chapter of the RWA was represented and we hung out quite a bit.

 
 Late on Friday I joined Gia for a drink at the bar and met several Samhain Authors and the amazing Chrissy Brashear. Bianca D’arc was among those there and I found out when I got home Sunday night that Friday was her birthday. I even managed to offend her when I made an inappropriate comment about New York men being rude – I meant that men in any group mentality can be rowdy – I think I managed to get my foot out of my mouth by the end. J  Like so many of the people I met, she is a lovely, brilliant woman.

 
 Saturday morning there was a continental breakfast and after I headed over to hear the two agents speak with my Nashville crew. (Yea, we wear gang colors when we hang.) They had some interesting information to share. The market for super sexy is there, the erotic market – kinky – is not. Romance is the way.

 
 All of the Writers and Readers were winning baskets from the raffle and we raised over four thousand dollars for charity.
To my Nashville Homies, including two Samhain authors Jody Wallace and Marie-Nicole Ryan, thanks for letting me hang with you. Gia, Bianca and all the authors at my table it was a great honor to meet you and share a meal and conversation. I will be looking forward to next year.

 
 Oh, and the added plus was my trip to the AKEA store. They have very fun stuff. I managed to get back home before my car battery died in front of the Borders.  I say, if you gotta wait for a tow truck, it might as well be while you’re having a smoothie and reading.

 
 Do I recommend this conference? You bet ya!

 
Rhianna Samuels

May 18, 2008

Just a thought.

Filed under: The writer, ER nurse — Administrator @ 8:37 pm

I like complex stories. I hear many people complain that, as writers, we should explore one theme and do it well, rather than pull in many different ideas. Now, this is not about any one book that I have written, but more on how the process is when writing. My day job requires that I do a bit of quality work on processes that are not going well. It’s a standard process improvement dynamic. As you break down each step of the problem, you discover that there are many stumbling blocks along the way to the ultimate goal. The first thing that you do is decide what needs improvement, who can bring about improvement and what is the ultimate measurable goal.

 
In writing a HEA, you pretty much know your goal. Setting up who you want involved in the process, determines the dynamics, but the end goal is always before you and it must be measurable. Is the HEA moving forward, or has it moved backwards and how do you move it forward. The stumbling blocks are your conflict. As one process block is solved, I find that two or three others may pop up as a consequence. The people outside our core team impact the direction of that team and will often change how we approach the process or bring in detail or minutiae. There are some things that only take a few changes and by exploring it well, you have reached the goal.  As a person that seldom gets to work on the simple problems, I enjoy solving all the issues along the way.

 
The big push in quality is evidenced based research. We are creating, measuring and evaluating research to make decisions on what works to ensure the best outcomes. I like the analogy of the formula romance novel as evidence based. Yes, we can improve quality of care for the heart attack, because after years we’ve accumulated enough evidence to prove that if we get them to the hospital, give them aspirin, beta blockers, have a positive ST elevation and to cath lab or thrombolytic interventions fast enough we can save them.  Our Romance formula story gives us the perfect example of this; you meet the beautiful female or plain Jane; A world weary alpha hero; throw in questionable heart pains and mild discomfort that eventually leads to severe discomfort, breaking heart pains and send them to the best cardiac center in the country and it’s all good.

 
I have a lot of respect for the best. I also have a great regard for the firsts. Those individuals that come up with the question of how can we do this better, even if it’s different that how we have always done it. The original great paranormal romance writers, the non-formulaic romance writer or the subtle suspense writers and totally off the wall heroes and heroines who populate some amazing books.  

I see so much of the absurd in life, even life and death. So when I find it in a book, I’m completely pulled in.  When I write, I always know where I’m going, but I don’t always know how I’m getting there, it’s a process and I let the next stumbling block determine the next scene. Although, I write paranormal, I use parallels in the amazing real lives of the normal to build something believable. 

 
Like I said, it’s just a thought.

 
Rhianna

April 7, 2008

I love it when a story comes together

Filed under: The writer, ER nurse — Administrator @ 12:34 am

I love it when a plan comes together.  That was one of my favorite lines from the A team TV series, in the way back when. It works for the writing process also. I love it when you decide on the threads that will intertwine through out your plot. Then you begin to weave with all the threads to create something unique and perhaps poignant.  I have two stories that have now reached that point in my mind and on the page.

 

When I start a story, it generally begins as a simple beginning and ending. There is one event that defines the middle. I lean towards being a panster for dialogue, but I usually have the image for action and characteration. As I consider the story and often before I actually start to write, I have to build the mythology, the details that color the world. I like the imagery of a tapestry. The first step is the story in outline form, or the simple design.

 

The mythology/details are when I decide on the colors. Do I want vivid or murky for this section, should I choose forest browns and greens or bright yellows, pale greens or reds. Will there be birds and angels in the sky or an austere church. It has to be read enough to fall into.

 

More then the skies, the back round of the characters are for texture, bringing them to the forefront, so our eyes are drawn to them. Should this story be made from a hand made loom or manufactured. My preference is hand made with yarn and thread of many thicknesses. There are so many choices to make.

 

I realized yesterday as I wrote on my current wip, that it was suddenly forming a picture that I had not fully realized. Threads that I believed were there for their bulky texture would now become more prominent and extend further, even beyond this story. I love it when a story comes together.

 

On a completely different topic, this last week we had a toddler come in to the ED, who was resuscitated on the scene and survived long enough to spend a day or two in the hospital before his death.  It was child abuse and neglect. The other children had already been removed from this family. The last custody hearing for this child, the judge was recommended to not return him by the social worker and child protective services, but the child was placed back into this home.  HIs death is now on that judge, who I suspect will now carry the burden of his judgement upon his soul.

 

We see child abuse from neglect, physical to sexual abuse come through our doors. Not every day, but enough to have very strong opinions about people who preform cruel acts upon the innocent. I don’t think there is a person male or female, amoung our staff that would consider the death penalty too extreme for any one who kills a child through abuse. The two nurses that performed his SANE came away in tears.  

 

This topic is a well developed discussion among the nurses, doctors and law enforcement officers. I can recall some years ago the 18 month old who came to us with a cervical 2 fracture. One that made her a quadraplegic for life. I was all for the death sentence for that, breaking the neck of a baby. Perhaps it is why in my writing I found some justice along the way for those who could not demand it or make it happen. If you have read Shaking Off the Dust, then you’ll know exactly what I am referring to.

 

Perhpas the oddest thing that you might not know about me is that I still tend to trust people, despite the unsafe world we live in, I still want to believe there are good people, willing to make our lives better.

 

Rhianna

 

 

March 23, 2008

An Idea

Filed under: The writer — Administrator @ 10:05 pm

I have to admit I have been sitting here trying to think of metaphors for my existence in the world. The over used ripple in the ocean, or the innocuous fart on the wind.  I consider myself something more than the by product of human bio chemistry exchange.  And when I think of a ripple in the ocean it reminds me of all the saline tears of my life, in the end, neither suite. Don’t worry, I’m not all depressed or unworthy, but the writers mind was kicking it around for a moment and trying to sort through how best to begin today.

It’s Easter and I was thinking about the impact of one mans birth, death and resurrection.  Whatever your religious beliefs, that one life had a profound effect on the world, changing it in a dramatic and positive way.  He preached to treat your fellow man as you would wish to be treated. Honestly, all the doctrine and regulations came after his death and based on others perceptions of his words. He was not the author of the bible, but the subject.

Don’t start with the argument that the bible is his word. It shares his words, through others eyes and ears.  It is not an argument that I wish to engage in at all. I was raised Catholic and have their doctrine engrained in my psyche. So much so, that when I built the ghost mythology in my novel, Shaking Off the Dust, it was important to me to follow the doctrine of free choice. The ghost had the option of stepping into the light every day at sunrise, it was their choice to stay and a choice they made each day.

In what way can an individual affect this world? I’m reminded of the movie in which the accidently crushing of a butterfly’s wings in prehistoric times, change the entire time line. Don’t we do that in a very measured way, every mother and father creates the future in how well they do their job. Our world changes for the better when we raise a child to relate to others in a positive way. Each of us has the potential to affect everyone we touch in our lives. But do we see that role as righting some of the wrongs of our generation, or do we simply pass on our negative views and wonder why the world has become such a violent place. Positive change takes place when we all step forward as individuals, but speak with one voice.

Have you noticed that it only takes one vicious rumor to ruin someone’s career or life. But then again, it takes one man to voice an idea so profound that it can change the way we see the world. Not really, because it is a chain of affirmation as individual then pass it along, until the world has grasp the idea. And don’t start me on the internet.

What’s my point?  Words and ideas move us to action. There are great men and woman, who have changed the world with an idea.  Not always good ideas. We allow them to be our pied piper, or lead us down a path, because something resonates to our souls or hearts and minds. I think we are being swayed by hype and unrealistic expectations many times. But we evolve and the world changes and our children will live different lives than we ever understood.

The words of one man, a very long time ago, are celebrated by Christianity. All the religions of the world have found ritual and celebration as a way to hand down the words of individuals they believe made the world a better place.
We all have that power, to change the world. What are you doing to change the world?
Rhianna Samuels

 

March 1, 2008

Blogging

Filed under: My Life, The writer — Administrator @ 10:45 pm

I received a lovely note today in the email reminding me that I should blog. I don’t feel that I do a particularly fascinating blog, but I do, at irregular period’s blog. I need the discipline of being more frequent, so here is my lame attempt to be interesting. I’m not.  But, I will try with a tongue drilling in cheek to appear to be someone having an amazing life. (Allow me a moment to stop rolling on the floor laughing.)


  Let me think about this last week. I normally have Wednesdays off at work and this week I had to attend a four hour class on nursing research and evidenced based practice. (Doesn’t sound exciting, does it?)  Wednesdays are for my writing career, writing, promoting or Dr. appointments for my mother or me.  This week was a bust for that. The four hour class turned into an additional two hours writing up an interview with a nurse that was being seen later that day, and yes, they were so glad I happened to come in for something else, so I could take care of that. *shaking head*


 Lately, I’ve been trying to decide on a couple of things. First of all, I am trying to consider what I can do to keep Shaking Off the Dust out there for the reader to trip over as often as possible until they finally say… “well, darn, I should read that book!”  It’s the principle of …if all else fails read the directions…read the book.  I’d like to think that once they read it the rest is easy peasey, now they will remember the author for the next book they write.  This is my theory; based on evidence based practice…I did learn something.
I am going to the Lori Foster Readers and Writers weekend June 6th and I’m trying to figure out what things I can

give out as promo material. I’m hoping you have suggestions. Oh, I’ll bring the usual things, bookmarks and

postcards, but what do people want and will keep that will constantly remind them of the book that doesn’t hit the circular file *trash* after a matter of hours. And consider that it must be something that won’t bankrupt the writer before her book actually goes into print.
You see how fascinating my life is.
 

I started working this week on  “Spilling words”, is about a female that can’t seem to stop form putting her thoughts into other people’s mouths, especially, old sixties and seventies songs. I’m trying to come up with some funny and poignant songs from that era that would burst from coffee house patrons. Send along some fun ones…I’ve got the Supremes covered. I’m thinking of listing a music selection at the end of the story.  It’s one of two ideas I’m toying with right now. The more song selections the better, and if you send me a song, make sure they were popular, no obscure ones the reader won’t have ever heard before.


 I have been bored with TV since the writers strike. Writers do make the world go round. I’m so loving Torchwood, it’s a british import on BBC America, so it’s unaffected by the strike, since it was filmed last year. I kept talking it up to my niece, she’s 21 and in college and she finally started watching this year and is in love with it too. I told her that I wouldn’t steer her wrong. I got them hooked on Dexter last year, so I have a good track record.


 I’m still anxiously awaiting the Sookie Stakehouse (HBO) series from Charlaine Harris books to start. It got postpones by the strike, I think it’s called Blood Ties. I love those books and am particularly fond of the Eric Northman character.  I am at that stage where I am tired of all the ploys to keep them apart, although I understand why.


 I had American idol on the other night with the boys and so I was privileged when that young one did his John Lennon, Imagine song to hear it. Goosebumps chilled along my arms. He is just spectacular. What’s the point in continuing? Even if he was thrown out tomorrow, he will outsell any other person there.
 

Now for the important list of questions I must address. These were sent by one of you. Need to know information.
1.      Toilet paper- do you use white or colors? White says you are a practical, no frills girl. Pink or blue, you are a frilly girly girl and maybe even a wuss. We need to know. :)
They make colored toilet paper?   Not in my town. W H I T E.  Despite the rainbow coalition, my bottom must remain unstained, figuratively and literally. 
 2.      Toilet paper- do you leave the end hanging from the backside or over the top? I must say, from my experience, those that like it hanging from the back side are…weird. They march to their own drum beat. Actually, they are all the way in the back in the Triangle section, really. If you are one of them though, just disregard what I just said. You’re all lovely, lovely people. : )
I don’t even pay attention to how it is hanging on the roller. As long as I can unroll it when it is needed I’m a happy camper. As I have said before, I learned to compromise and take life as it comes. If it matters to me, then it is the way I want it, what matters is having the paper available. I’m so easy sometimes
 
3.      If you would write “he then whipped out his lightsaber” would you be talking about Han Solo’s, Luke Skywalker’s, or… something…else? Me, my mind would go straight to the gutter and I would be thinking Darth Vader’s. Yum.
In the dark, I like glow in the dark stuff, though I’m very tactile. I’m not really a sword collector, so conversing about such things usually means it’s a euphemism for something naughty. I did see the original Star Wars at it’s very first showing in Houston, Texas. I’d read a piece on it in Time magazine and was an original fanatic. I am sanguine about it now. I didn’t not care for  the last three as much as the originals three. My very favorite trilogy is Lord Of the Rings. I was a fan of it since reading the books at thirteen.
  The image I think Angels rather than insects or birds, or two dogs facing away from their arguing masters.  Does that make me a freak?
4. When you look at this, what do you see? If you see just an ink blot, which is what this is, you’re boringly normal, and you won’t be able to write all that imaginative stuff I’m afraid. If you see a woman in a dress with no head, with two weird looking elephant birds with legs dancing off the side of her shaking their bums, I do believe you could write a masterpiece!  Me, I always see a pelvic bone. I think it means that I’m practical and down to earth, but I’m sure that some head shrinker would find me a totally whacked psychotic for seeing that though.
 
5.      Do you make your bed in the AM, after you get home, or never? We have to know if you’re a neat freak, a slob, or just plain old normal. These are very important details. LOL
Slob about my bedroom, unless I’m sharing it with someone.
 
6.      Pepsi or Coke? Wait, I know, it’s Mt. Dew. You just have to be different, don’t you!  : )
Diet Coke, or Diet Dr. Pepper or Dew
 
7.      Do you talk to your characters? Or even more interesting, do they talk back to you? It’s OK, you can admit it. We won’t tell anyone. *sealed lips*
I have them talking to each other, or back to me in mirrors. Freakish
 
8.      If you’re walking down the street and you notice people looking at you, do you assume it’s because you’re gorgeous and exude self confidence? Or, do you automatically get paranoid and start checking for a bugger in the nose, smeared lipstick, a smudge on your face, an open blouse/zipper, or toilet paper hanging off your pants or shoes?
I’m older now, so it’s the automatic check for buggies, crumbs on shirt and toilet paper dragging on shoes. In the day, it was …Oh yea… I’m styling.
 
9.      Chocolate or Vanilla? Or maybe you’re just some crazy wild chick who goes for Chunky Monkey topped with Cherry Garcia?  Or even more interesting, maybe you prefer vanilla/chocolate in public, but Chunky Monkey in private? I’m kind of guessing the last option. Don’t ask me why.  : )
It’s vanilla with a thick ribbon of chocolate. Or chocolate with a decent Merlo or Cabernet.
 
10.  A. Leather, B. hemp, C. silk, D.a car seat cover, or E. All of the above? You can think of your own question for your answer. I’m not even going to go there.
Leather with climate control
I’d love for each of you to answer those questions too on the comments. I need some assurance, that I am not that weird.

 

Rhianna

February 28, 2008

And the winners are!!

Filed under: The writer — Administrator @ 1:28 am

I wanted to announce the winners for the Ten Things About You blog contest I had this last week. The winners are…

Laura J. first prize

Robin second prize

Escondita third prize

I have emailed each of you. If you have not recieved my email contact me at

marie@rhiannasamuels.com

 

I have some a few tee shirts with the cover art from Shaking Off the Dust in sizes M,L, XL that I will send out to the next three people who email me at the above address with thier address and size preference. It’s first come first serve on the sizes.

 

Rhianna Samuels

 

February 20, 2008

Ten Things About You!

Filed under: The writer — Administrator @ 1:21 pm

I thought it might be fun to get to know my wonderful readers. Just because it’s my blog, doesn’t mean I have to be the one chatting all the time. I know there are some amazing people in my Shaking Off the Dust group and I’d love to know more about you. Or any one that happens to come along, spill. It doesn’t have to be 10 things…you can stop at five or seven.

Here is your chance to tell all of us everyday things about you. Or fun and fascinating things you’ve seen or done. So here you go!!

 

Rhianna Samuels

February 9, 2008

Humor and Light

Filed under: My Life, The writer, ER nurse — Administrator @ 6:05 pm

For some reason I can’t seem to be one of those daily bloggers. I’m really not that interesting. My life has required so many compromises along that way, that I don’t often get bent over the small stuff, so there’s no hot tempered or snarky response rolling off my tongue every time I read the paper or watch the tv.  Now, that’s not to say that I’m never that way. I have my moments.

 
I can’t resist the pun or humorous comeback. It’s really an illness. Mary, the wonderful woman I share an office with, has to deal with my PUNishing wit and just shakes her head. I know, don’t bother to insult me with the famous quote that puns are the lowest form of humor. That was written by someone who had no talent for it.

 
Puns are only funny when they are a spontaneous part of a conversation and instantly given. If you have that pause to think about it, then it is a groaner. I find humor so attractive. I love the hero’s especially if they are funny, but most of the time, I want the side kick, who has all the best lines in the movies or books. When I write I try to infuse humor where ever possible. And we all know that the funny heroines are in.

 
Where I have worked the day job for the last 16 years, the humor can be dark. To often the situations we deal with are tragedies. You can be overwhelmed by the bad and having a cockeyed view of things makes it better. I did an entire blog on my face last year, because my niece tells me I can have a scary face. It’s the one that is weary and bland, the one you wear to not show your emotions. I’ve tried hard, now that I work in the office more, to relearn how to wear my face.

 
I want to wear a mischievous face that I had as a child. The one when they are bound to get in trouble. I want that face on this old mug. Since, I know all the terrible things that happen to people when they are being naughty, I wear my humor armor. It shields me from the worst of life’s drama, breaks it up and makes it bearable. Reality is just that way. It’s not a joy ride with no consequences. It’s a little bit of joy, a lot of boring and large patches of drama. It’s PUNishing, hence my reaction to most of it is filled with a knowing smile, not a tear.

 
My favorite books have some funny in them. I used to read Georgette Heyer’s historical books in my teens. I would recommend them to anyone, my favorites are Devils Cub, The Unknown Ajax, Reluctant Widow (love this, but it’s hard to find) and Toll Gate. What I loved about her books- she wrote them from the fifties to the seventies- was the slow build up of learning about the characters and describing the clothes and times. Yea, all that was great, but no that wasn’t what I loved so much as the set pieces. At some point in her books, she builds to a scene that is so funny. It’s like she’s playing a chess game and has built everything to that moment of sheer excitement or humor.

 
As a writer in today’s market we’ve all been brought up with instant gratification from TV and movies. We’ve cut out the character building to a degree that it’s difficult to believe a character could be found in reality. We like them because they are alpha’s, larger than life and over the top. As adults we come as we are, but the building of the relationship between the characters is what grounds the reader to fall into the world they are reading.
I’ve been doing another stream of consciousness blog, sorry. It’s like a long dinner conversation that starts on being late and ends with you favorite recipes.

 
I like to always end with a question, hoping for comments and suggestions from those poor wondering souls that have found their way to my blog. How important is humor in your life? What percentage of your life is filled with amusement and joy? I think a strong 15-19% of my daily life ends in a smile or a laugh. It’s one of the reasons my tag line, such as it is reads…”Let your laughter be bright and you love incandescent.”  Laughter is a close second to love, they both LIGHTen our lives burdens.

Rhianna

— Next Page »

Powered by WordPress