Taking Stock

Okay, okay, I'm in. I do believe in taking stock every once in a while, and besides, I can't talk right now. So, let's see...

10 years ago— I lived in a postage-stamp-sized apartment in a high rise in downtown Chicago where I'd just quit my day job working for the Office of the General Counsel of HHS/SSA after a heart-to-heart discussion with some ducks in Lake Michigan. (I have never since eaten duck; I have a treaty with the ducks). G and I were somewhere on course to move to Austin the first time (we moved back to Chicago a year and a half later, then back down to Austin again). At that point, I didn't even have a manuscript to send anyone. I did have tens of thousands of dollars in student debt. And I believe for sometime it took more money than we made each month just to squeak by. As a strategy, I can't recommend it. But I don't regret it either. And I'll always be grateful to G for his faith.

5 years ago—My first book, Jingle Dancer, had just been released after some angst. I'd first sold it to Lodestar, which was downsized in the Penguin-Putnam merger, then resold it to Morrow, just prior to the HarperCollins buyout. It stands as one of those rare books that first sold to one publishing company, was produced by another, and released by a third. Talk about a nail-biter!

1 year ago—I'd just wrapped up WriteFest I in June, sold T to CP, and was packing to visit my family in Kansas City.

Yesterday—I was still recovering from a bad cold (sore throat, laryngitis, and now pink eye) I contracted while in Vermont, but neverthless still smiling over great memories from the residency. Hugging my cats, catching up on my reading and email, eating chicken noodle soup.

Tomorrow—Plan to stay in bed and read. I absolutely must get well immediately!

5 snacks I enjoy—dark chocolate covered strawberries; turbo hummus and sliced cucumbers; pecans; SunChips; chicken legs (no treaty with the chickens).

5 bands/artists that I know the lyrics to most of their songs: Meatloaf; Eartha Kitt; Walela; ABBA; Cher. Note: I also have an almost absurd love for the "Footloose;" "Xanadu;" and "Buffy: The Musical (Once More With Feeling)" albums.

5 things I'd do with $100,000,000—pay off my debts.

5 locations I'd like to run away to—Paris; Round Top; Chicago; Lawrence; Kona.

5 bad habits I have—anything related to my mild O-C (checking burners, door locks, etc. multiple times before leaving); borrowing G's razor; writing on my skin; writing on my skin while driving; leaving the CDs out of their cases.

5 things I like doing—dining out; touring old houses; touring old cemeteries; walking to tunes; blogging.

5 things I will never wear—no promises.

5 TV shows I like(d)—"Monk;" "My So-Called Life;" "Six Feet Under;" "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer;" "Northern Exposure."

5 people I'd like to meet—Julius Lester; Santa Claus; Lance Armstrong; Dick Jackson; Aretha.

5 biggest joys at the moment— G, kitties, friends, Daya, comics.

5 favorite toys: tiara; bat sunglasses; devil duckie; multi-colorful nail polish; sparkly stickers.

Call Me "Catwoman"

Incoming mail yesterday brought a surprise thank-you gift from the fair FB in honor of WF. She sent a kitty sachet, letter set, and rhinestone earrings (which she said G and I could fight over but of course he only wears clip-ons).

Thanks to KD and DMF for your laryngitis insights. You'll be pleased to know I'm off to bed for the rest of the day with Funny Little Monkey by AA (Harcourt, 2005), which I notice is blurbed by my VC workshop partner RK.

Spooky Links

More VC blogging can be read at Dear Diary (kelcrocker); thanks for the cyber hot tea with lemon and honey!

Scientists Determine Why Cats Are Finicky Eaters: Genetics Leave Felines Without Sweet Tooth by the AP from MSNBC.

"Monster Mice" Are Eating Island's Sea Birds: Rodents Evolved To Triple Normal Size; Attack Much Larger Chicks by Reuters from MSNBC. Can anyone say "ROUSes"?

Haunted House by Jan Pienkowski

Haunted House by Jan Pienkowski (Candlewick, 2005). A first-rate spooky (but not too scary) pop-up book. As young readers approach the door, a note beckons, "let yourself in." A voice calls out to the entering doctor in the foyer, and a disembodied listing of symptoms and observations follow. Appetite is down. Not many visitors. Not sleeping well. And the patient is... Yikes! A remake of the classic 1979 book. Ages 4-up. Highly recommended, especially for Halloween, with the caveat that some care should be taken with handling the book; perhaps best kept in adult hands while younger fans see and listen.

Spooky News & Links

Yesterday, my doc informed me that my laryngitis and sore throat will go away if I can only manage to be quiet for the next few days. (This, for me, is roughly akin to torture.) He also gave me something to soothe my post-flight cranky eardrum. I'm going to take refuge in bed and read.

Thanks to LHA for commenting on spookycyn's LJ syndication.

TLS writes about the VC MFA special weekend on short stories and SA writes about the residency more globally (note her reference to me as "goddess;" I must say, it takes one to know one).

Erupting Eardrums

Had big fun with KA, staying overnight at the Doubletree Hotel in Burlington (highly recommended; the restaurant is even good) before flying out yesterday morning.

Found out the hard way during descent from Cincinnati to Austin that flying with fluid in the ear results in the kind of pain one might associate with being stabbed in said ear with a roasting skewer. The flight attendant gave me a Styrofoam cup filled with hot, wet paper towels. I'm not sure that helped, but it gave me something to do and made me feel less helpless.

On the other hand, the attendant also said, "Don't worry. If it just really started hurting, I'm sure your eardrum won't erupt."

As if I'd previously considered the possibility my ear could go volcanic!

Thing is, I do remember thinking that maybe I should take a decongestant, but discounted it on the theory that it was more important to take Dramamine. I'm doing to ask my doc today if both can be taken together.

Yes, I feel wimpy of late. I absolutely detest being sick.

I got in about 3:30 p.m. G picked me up at the airport, tucked me into bed until 9 p.m. or so, and then fed me homemade chicken soup. By then, I could hear normally again, though the air was still popping in my left ear. After 10 days in the dorm, my house seems huge, opulent, the kitties fascinating (not that they aren't always), and MVCH ("my very cute husband") divine.

Spooky Links

Tips to avoid ear pain in the air from about.com.

Homeward Bound

"Write what haunts you."
--Jane Resh Thomas

Bagpipes at College Hall.

10 wonderful days.

Congratulations, graduates!

Last Day at VC

Last night's reading of my short story from Boy Meets Girl, Girl Meets Boy (Roaring Brook, TBA) went well, I thought, especially given that I was editing on the sly to fit into the time slot. I poured sheer force of will into my voice (not to mention a couple of cups of hot, herbal tea), and it worked.

It occured to me afterward that only a few of the faculty members read works in progress. Most read already published work. No big, but a different psychology to be sure.

Today is my last for this residency at VC. Last workshop. Last lecture. Graduation.

Overall, it's been a tremendous experience. I've enjoyed getting to know the faculty and students, seen aspects of children's/YA lit anew--laughed, cried, grew (you know the drill).

I'll spend tonight in Burlington with KA and maybe RWG. Then Wednesday a.m., I'm Texas bound.

Spooky News and Links

How out of touch am I? Just heard that our man Lance had wrapped up his 7th Tour de France win. Wahoo from Vermont! Filled here with Austinite pride (and, okay, a little homesicknesses).

Vampires stalk Taylor, courtesy of 'The Insatiable' by Julien Devereux from the Taylor (TX) Daily Press. Thanks to TC for this link!

I Am Sharon Darrow (Well, not really. But I'd like to be)

Really excellent convos with MA (among others) have been a highlight of the residency. Another great one last night at dinner with RWG.

Mistaking me (seated, from the back, hair up) for SD, MTA greeted me for the first time in a strange and vaguely disconcerting way. So far, I like him. Has Elvis-like effect on the students, too, which is most amusing. Was, btw, the second person this a.m. to think I was SD.

Reading is tonight. Voice is better but nowhere near 100%.

Memorable Firsts at VC (So Far)

Considering writing non-fiction;
Considering writing poetry;
Eating salad for lunch for five straight days;
Joking with an American Indian and an Indian American about Indian time;
Being away from G for more than four straight days;
Meeting a living legend in her bra and undies;
Hiding cheese in the waist line of my panties (long story).

Readings last night had a kismet-ish connection, especially EW's and RK's. In other news, I had a nice visit with EW afterward. Witty and whip smart. We've known each other for years online, and I've interviewed her for CLSCLR. But it was our first chance to really sit and talk.

Chatted at breakfast about the decline in multiculture pb in particular. Conclusions were that it was a combo of: (1) budget cuts in school/library market (traditional supporter); (2) decline in indie bookstores (ditto); (3) distrust/lack of awareness of related children's books by historically underrep'd communities; (4) impatience on the part of publishers; (5) larger market forces affecting all pbs. Hope is that at least some of these are cyclical.

Btw, did I mention how charming MC is?

Jeremiah Wasn't The Only Bullfrog

Good news: students for fall semester! Thrilled about all five of them.

Bad news: sore throat. Sound like something inhuman--possibly rodent, possibly amphibian.

Am in the midst of short story weekend.

Bright and Beautiful

The crows were silent this morning. They know I'm onto them. With a full tummy and in cooler weather, I got excellent sleep last night. I'm looking forward to my workshop, the lectures, and finding out who my students will be.

Thai Fueled

Fading Cyn-ness was resolved by leaving campus for Thai dinner and great convo with a few fellow faculty. Lesson learned. I need to be a lot more attentive to my need for, say, calories. I'd had oddly low energy, a stomach ache, and mild tremors in my fingers for the past couple of days when it dawned on me that I was taking in about 1/5 of the energy that I do normally, and that probably wasn't a good thing. I need to remember that just because I'm busy doesn't mean that I'm a machine.

The real show of the day, though, was the speed-dating-esque faculty advisor/student interviews. I was excited and intrigued by all of the students who stopped by to visit and eager to see who's assigned to me! Just finished figuring out final deadlines for their various incoming packets.

I've sounded like a baby O late--what with reference the heat, the crows (nevermore!), and the need for nourishment, so I want to emphasize that I'm having a really fantastic time. Learning, growing, changing. I can feel it buzz, buzz, buzzing in my toenails.

Spooky Definition

ramose: having many branches (write KA and tell her you know what it means).

Poe Me

Since arriving at VC, I have been rudely awakened earlier and earlier each morning in a "My Cousin Vinnie" manner by what I could only deduce (especially after yesterday's snake story) was a 60 foot goose lurking in the woods behind Noble Hall.

This morning I had had enough! I dressed quite fetchingly but still tough in an all-black ensemble (which is also supposed to make me look like a writerly intellectual for today's scheduled speed-dating ritual) with my treasured MVP (multiple viewpoint) baseball cap and shades. I stalked out onto the campus, tracking the nepharious goose-honking noises with full intent to butcher whatever creature had been plaguing me.

And then I spotted them. Three of them! These gorgeous Poe-esque birds of probably, oh, a mere 15 pounds but nevertheless impressive. We are not friends, these birds and I. But I will let them honk on today so long as they let me sleep in tomorrow.

Spooky News

Congrats to G on the brisk sales of his audio book of Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo (Recorded Books, 2004)! (Miss you!).

The Computer Lab Is Air Conditioned

Did I mention that I got to see AN last night? She is the cutest, funniest person. I just adore her. She's a VC alumnae and showed up at the end-of-day informal faculty gathering in the lounge.

MA spoke on non-fiction today (did you know he has a Ph.D. in history?) and RWG on social consciousness and voice. I need to make more of an effort to read YA lit trade non-fic. Appreciated R's reading from No Laughter Here (HarperCollins, 2003). RB's name keeps coming up because so many of us here are edited by her.

I also sat in on DE's graduating student lecture on writing from outside your culture. It was informative and enjoyable, especially the grandbaby picture. It got me thinking about folks who've talked to me over the years about writing crossculturally. Many seemed to be looking for information, permission, protection, or absolution. Hm.

More personally, rumor has it that T is sitting at the foot of my CW editor's chair. I hope this means that she loves it so much that she wants it close and handy to delight in.

Spooky Links

Is Giant Rattler in W. Va. Real or Rumor? by Vicki Smith from Netscape News.

Mexican Myth or Texas Terror? by Holly Fenner from Netscape Fun & Games.

Speaker Cyn

I gave my speech today! I'm done! I'm done! I was first, which made me a tad nervous because I wasn't entirely sure what was expected and I didn't want to disappoint anyone. However, everyone seemed pleased and informed. The handouts were a good idea.

I enjoyed NW's informal Q&A this morning. Had a stimulating conversation with MA at lunch about non-fiction. Co-led my first workshop with RK. And discovered that TWJ used to write for FR. KA's reading made me cry, and I had a fascinating adventure in town with RWG. All in all, a very full day.

Today, I'm thinking about books that work more for the mind versus the heart, whether all of them skew one way or the other, and whether that's maybe okay because all readers tend to skew one way or the other, too.

My Hair Has Doubled In Volume

Apparently, summer in the northeast means big humidity. I have curls! It's remarkable.

Great day so far, mostly spent in orientation-related meetings and activities. I also got to see KB (live from Indonesia), DD, SM, AM, and DE--among others.

Must run to hose myself down before NW's talk. We're neighbors tonight in the dorm. She's looking amazing these days. I can't wait to hear what she'll say tonight.

New England

I'm here in Vermont! At the computer lab to be precise, and it's blessedly air conditioned (though really it's not hot here. People in these parts seem to think that 88 degrees is hot).

My flights from Austin to Cincinnati and Cincinnati to Burlington both were fairly interesting.

On the first flight I sat beside this young couple in their 20s who'd met in the terminal right before the flight. She was a college student in business and he was in some branch of the armed service (didn't catch which one), and I pretended to read a paperback romance while eavesdropping on them flirting. (Hey! I'm a writer. It's part of my job to eavesdrop).

Then on the next flight, I sat beside a returning Army soldier (Hi, George!), who was bringing a stuffed bear dressed in Army fatiques home for his seven year old son. George had been flying from the Middle East for about the last 24 hours straight, so he was pretty dazed but also really excited to see his girlfriend and family.

The lovely TLS picked me up from airport and introduced me to all the sights, sounds, and celebrities (I was wowed!) of Burlington. It's a charming city with a first-rate Thai restaurant.

I'm now on campus. I've unpacked, made my bed, and had a KA custom tour with helpful and informative commentary. Faculty dinner tonight!

P.S. Events on my mind include KW.

Supergirl

I have packed my favorite book from childhood, my flash drive, vitamin C, my crits, my speech, my own books, a pillow case, Tevas sandles, two rolls of quarters (for water and laundry machines respectively), Dramamine (don't ask), my cell phone and charger, a travel alarm clock (that G still needs to show me how to set), my hot pink toiletries bag, a small umbrella, my employment forms, something with sleeves (my alumnae sweatshirt), and clothes.

I have also packed my rather worn, much beloved copy of Supergirl by Norma Fox Mazer (Sphere Books, 1984)(novelization of the movie starring Helen Slater), which I bought at Shakespeare and Company in Paris in 2001. As I have mentioned before, it is one of my most prized possessions. I'm very hopeful she'll autograph it for me and only slightly worried that she'll think I'm a dork for bringing it with.

Random Thought: I will miss Justice SDO, and it vexes me that people were talking about her replacement in the same breath as her retirement. When did we become such a "next!" nation?

Target and Fortune Cookie Wisdom

"The Dread Pirate Roberts Wants You"
-a' la Uncle Sam, spotted on T-shirt
at Dragon's Lair

After dinner at Katz's, I went to Target to get a new makeup bag for my trip, and of course this mandated that I buy at least one thing that was not on my shopping list. Today, it was an umbrella. I was seduced by its small cuteness.

I'd be interested to know what subliminal shopping messages are laced throughout Target that affect me so profoundly. I'm not a shopaholic, but it's a miracle when I manage to get out of there for under $100.

Fortune that I stuck in my purse since the last time I've cleaned it:

"A friend is a present you give to yourself."

You bet! I'm very excited to see TLS at the airport on Friday.

Will be back in town the 27th! Please forgive any temporary falloff in posting regularity. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to log in between now and then.

Comic of the Week: JLA #116

Go Lance!

I've never been what you'd call a big bicycling fan, and I honestly think it's about the most boring sport to watch on TV next to, say, golf. But I am an Austinite, and therefore, I am rooting for Lance! Just in case anyone was worried.

I've finished reading my mss for the workshop at VC that I'm leading with RK, and I've typed up talking points. At this point, it's just a matter of filling out the employment forms and packing. I may run a couple of errands today, just to get them off the checklist.

Spooky Link

On the off chance that I'm not the last person on earth on dial-up...

San Marcos Outlet Shopping

Apparently, I am bonded with I-35 this weekend. Roadtripped to the outlet mall in San Marcos today for cotton T-shirts ($9) and shorts ($12) from The Gap to wear at VC. By the way, if you're headed that way, the mega lot is empty at 10 a.m. and absolutely full at 11 a.m. Seriously.

Then later this afternoon, upon dropping off borrowed fruit bowls, BY told me I might need a bit of cold weather wear too. This seems impossible. How can I possibly wrap my mind around such a thing when it is 100 degrees every day? At least in...Texas?

Just read on Lara M. Zeises' LJ (girl uninterrupted) that she mentioned spookycyn and cynsations at her SCBWI conference this weekend. Thanks, Lara, and welcome to any conference-going blog surfers!

Gruene (That's Pronounced "Green" for Y'all Non-Germans)

Yesterday, G took me to Gruene, Texas, which is a historically German, honkytonk-and-antiques town about an hour south on I-35. We had lunch and shopped without really buying anything though I was tempted by some 1930s jewelry and a Japanese punch bowl with matching cups.

I did, however, pick up a book Texas Cemeteries by Bill Harvey (U of Texas Press, 2003) from Texectera, a small regional indie bookstore that's going under in a couple of months.

Tried to watch "Napolean Dynamite" on the recommendation of several people and couldn't get past the part where the farmer shoots the cow. It just wasn't funny to me. Maybe if you watch the whole thing, there are some long-building jokes, but I just didn't care enough to find out.

I ended up watching "Back To School" instead. I don't really find Rodney Dangerfield's humor funny (more groaners), but something about him was charming.

Spooky Links

Once Upon A Time (She Said) (NESFA Press, 2005): What am I? The font of all information? See Jane Yolen's site for details (painting by Ruth Sanderson, one of my former houseguests, by the way).

AB sent me a newspaper article about The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (Little Brown, 2005), which offers new blood for all us Drac fans.

Yummy Food, Cool Air, Good Friends, Good Books

I had a divine lunch at Z Tejas yesterday with a writer who's well published for adults and shifting to upper YA. Charming. We met when he took my class at the LTW.

Plus, the air conditioner is fixed! And it ended up costing $67, not $700--woo woo!

In other news, G and I received lovely thank-you cards for WF from FH, BY, LB, and SC. What sweeties! Speaking of which, Libba Bray has posted her WriteFest report to her LJ.

And as if all of that weren't enough, I'm reading the entirely fascinating Anyone But You by Lara M. Zeises (Delacorte, 2005)(more on that soon). What can I say? Life is good.

Spooky Link

New Light on Medicine: Pigments that turn caustic on exposure to light can fight cancer, blindness and heart disease. Their light-induced toxicity may also help explain the origin of vampire tales. By Nick Lane from ScientificAmerican.com.

Beyond Feathers & Fangs

I just finished writing a speech, "Beyond Feathers & Fangs: a discussion of conveying cultural context in stories, be they multicultural or magical realism," for VC, keyed up a handout, and selected what I'm going to read at the podium. I'm going to show it all to G tonight and see if he has any suggestions.

We also have a title for our holiday picture book with Dutton. (I'll tell you what it is closer to pub date). But the great news is that MM loves it. And the winner was not "Santa and the Secular Humanist" (G's idea of course). We had asked for suggestions at WF, and WF royal AB came through with the perfect idea last week. AB rules! Thanks, AB! We love you!

Congrats also to G! Today is the official release date of his new novel, Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005) as well as the paperback edition of his debut novel, Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo (Little Brown, 2005).

"Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" and "Lost Boys"

I watched Miss Congeniality 2 on DVD yesterday, having found the first one (especially Candice Bergen's Texas/gun line) entertaining. I adore Sandra Bullock movies.

Anyway, it was cute, occasionally funny, a buddy story, and did a good job of circling around to the beginning of the first movie. Basically a reverse Pygmalion. OTOH, the pacing was all over the place, and the falling action dragged on forever.

We also re-watched "Lost Boys," which is a 1980s vampire retelling of Peter Pan (hence, the title). Worth watching for the male hairstyles alone. But that said, this time it reminded me more of "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer." Edward Herrman's head vampire Max has a vibe similar to the mayor from Buffy's senior year, and the lost boys' lair (created by a California earthquake) was somewhat reminiscient of the Hellmouth. Actually, "Lost Boys" predated the Buffy series, but I'd seen the latter more recently and (given that it lasted from 19970-2003) more extensively.

Happy Independence Day

Having spent last weekend at ALA and the weekend before that hosting WF, G and I are taking it easy this holiday. Yesterday, we did highly American things like shop at Target and eat sushi.

The air conditioner went out on the second floor ($700 repair incoming on Tuesday, delay due to the holiday weekend). So, we've put the futon and the daybed mattresses in the middle of the downstairs parlor and are "camping out" AKA "having a slumber party."

Last night, I had to explain what I meant by "light as a feather, stiff as a board" because apparently boys don't do that in sixth grade. Not that we had enough people to play anyway.

Spooky Link

10 Things Your Teen Won't Tell You...But She Did Me: The editor of a teen magazine tells what's on the adolescent mind. Note: On the writer of this piece, I don't see who or from what magazine, but I'm willing to take it with a grain O salt.

"Teen Titans:" Raven

The Cartoon Network has a pretty great line-up of superhero shows on Saturday nights. I'm fond of "Teen Titans," especially Raven.

In "The End," her father, Trigon, who is basically evil incarnate, is urging her to "fulfill her destiny" and unleash him (and, therefore, doomsday) on earth. It's sort of "Return of the Jedi" meets the DCU. But I don't think that that's necessarily a bad thing.

Not long ago, I was talking about what's "derivative" versus "original."

The obvious point is that nothing in storytelling is completely original (ever notice how many awards go to stylistic deviations--some of which work and some of which couldn't be less kid-friendly?).

But the counterpoint is that it's okay, even desirable, to build so long as you brilliantly execute the twist(s). Mixed metaphor, but you know what I mean. Offer something familiar enough that the audience has a context for it, but new enough that they're eager to see how it plays out.

HWA Stoker Awards

Author Anastasia Suen blogs about the winners of the Bram Stoker Work for Young Readers Award, sponsored by the Horror Writers Association.

Spooky Link

Do Great Books Make Great Movies?: a quiz from MSN Encarta.

Final Revision Response

Heard from my divine gothic YA editor, and she used the word "love" multiple times in response to my final revision of T. Apparently the protagonist internal dynamic is much clearer--don't you just love (speaking of the word) those unreliable first person narrators?! Other words: "deftly," "stunner," "got bite." In any case, we're to discuss marketing ideas in a couple of weeks, but she liked the initial one I pitched. Woo woo!

In other news, I'm just back from speaking at the ALA conference in Chicago, which you're welcome to read all about for the next few days on cynsations, and cutie pie CC sent me a full-blown margarita madness package from C&B in thanks for WF. What a sweetie!

Wild Thing

Sporting my nifty gifty earrings from TLS. One says "wild;" the other says "thing." Makes me think I should do something to live up to them.

Spooky Links

Tanya Lee Stone: Superb Children's Author from suite101.com. Learn about Tanya's upcoming novel, A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl (Wendy Lamb Books, 2006).

Batman Begins

--Spoiler Warning--

Just back from seeing "Batman Begins" with G at Barton Creek Square. Loved it.

I've always been a fan of Ra's Al Ghul (Ducard),* and enjoyed the depiction though I missed Talia. He's less fun without her, though she would've taken away from the Rachel character.

Rachel was gratuitous, and I couldn't get past seeing Katie Holmes as Joey, but it was charming to think that Bruce had someone like her in his life.

I've never particularly cared for the Scarecrow, but this rendition worked, and it was hands-down the best use of double Bat-baddies in a major motion picture.

Heavyweights Morgan Freeman as Lucius and Michael Cain as Alfred (along with Neesom's Ghul) brought credibility to the film, but really, Christian Bale was a solid Batman. The best since Michael Keaton.

Also the new car looks a lot better in the film than in the ads. The nods to the core legend were deft, informing outsiders while winking at insiders.

Color me impressed!

*if you couldn't figure that one out, you really don't know your Batman.

Spooky Links

kelcrocker is reading Rebel Angels by Libba Bray.

"Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"

I'm watching "Lois & Clark" on DVD, and it strikes me that Dean Cain is seriously underrated as Superman. He comes off as smart and sexy and far more human than Christopher Reeve or Tom Welling on "Smallville," though that may be my GenX bias at work.

The series lost focus when it shifted away from Lex and went into a more "family friendly" time slot, but early on, it was pretty entertaining, especially Lane Smith as Perry White. L&C's John Shea is also a fun Lex, though I just adore Michael Rosenbaum from "Smallville."

I was sorry to hear that Lane Smith died June 13, 2005. My favorite role of his was D. A. Jim Trotter III in "My Cousin Vinney."

Mixed Emotions

Sent the pre-copyediting revision of T to DW. I rock. I roll. I other-cool/sweet-things-beginning-with-the-letter "R."

Celebrated by buying season one of "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" and "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Dangerous," both on DVD. Have watched first two eps of L&C. G also took me to P.F. Chang's for dinner, and I picked up some Vampire cabernet at Wiggy's.

Came home, though, to a message from my cousin that my much loved great auntie, to whom I dedicated Jingle Dancer (Morrow, 2000), is likely not long for this world. Sad Cyn.

My Inner Brat

I should just send it. Attach, send. But on my last read, I fiddled a lot with that one problematic scene, and I want--no, deserve--the experience of reading clear through and ending satisfied.

So, I'm printing, having breakfast, and then retreating to the sunroom with a pitcher of iced tea. I'm going to read the whole manuscript in one setting, and I'm going to love it.

The theory is that you have to write to satisfy your own innner teen. Mine is apparently a passionate, wry, sensitive 17-year-old with a hyper awareness of weapons and marinara. My "inner brat," as I sometimes call her. She's the one who wants one more turn. I'll make sure she's satisfied.

Then I'll send it.

In Or Out?

Okay, now I'm hitting the point with T where I'm just keying in and deleting the same lines over and over and/or moving them around. I think... It's time... To. Back. Away. From. The. Manuscript. Because, really!

Scoobies Forever

So, I'm reading through incoming review copy submissions, and one of the pitches insults Buffy.

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.

And theoretically, professionally, it shouldn't matter.

But ya know, there is no way in the Hellmouth I'm reading that ARC.

(Yes, it's a self-published, preachy book about how girls should be weak. Yikes!)

The Road To Avalon

Last night, after proofing T (still stuck on that one Q-R scene), I read The Road To Avalon by Joan Wolf in one late-night sitting. It was divine--sweeping and romantic. An Arthurian story not grounded in magic but rather love and politics (is there a difference?). It struck me that it could've been cut in half and made into a lovely YA, but I'm more interested in stories of teens than grown-ups. In any case, I adored it.

Yesterday, I received the most marvellous present from CC! A bath ball thingie (with tiny stars inside), soap, and purple body glitter.

Tanya on WF 05

Surf over to Tanya Lee Stone's blog for her WF report. Was she ever a fabu royal! Whip smart! Everyone was talking about this critique queen and wow-za writer! What an honor to have her in our company!

Greg on Writefest 05

Surf over to GregLSblog to read his WF report.

P.S. I love (and am blessed by) my gnome!

Sharp As A Vampire's Tooth

FH and BY swung by yesterday bearing kitty and genius gifts and to help rearrange the furniture post WF. They stayed on for Mangia pizza and great talk. Most appreciated!

Earlier, I picked up Hippolyte's Dracula: Book 1 (Based on the novel by Bram Stoker)(Heavy Metal, 2005) at Dragon's Lair. Absolutely magnificient graphic novel. A must-buy for any true Drac fan, and not a bad Quick Pick choice (hint to the universe).

I'm getting ready for mine and G's talk tomorrow at TSU, and I do hope to be back to work on T before the end of the day.

Kreative Kitty

"Suburbia:
where they tear out the trees and name the streets after them."
-- bumper sticker at Brava House

G and I took SC to lunch at Katz's today and then dropped her off at the airport. Our last WF participant homeward bound!

To fellow writing kitty fans, I also wanted to mention a marvy gift I got from AB this week: Kreative Kitty. "This four footed muse brings the gifts of creativity, inspiration, and the ability to think outside the cat box."

Perhaps you need one, too?

Closing Ceremonies

After pastries, FB spoke on "finishing the novel," and then we dived into our last one-one-one breakout sessions.

Closing ceremonies were comprised of the pages' and speakers' thank-you gifts, followed by the ritual toast.

I could say more, so much more.

But I'll leave that to the discretion of the departing royals.

The Par-tay

"Yeah, I've gotta great rack."
--Cyn, WriteFest 05

Gulf shrimp, ham-and-brie sandwiches, chicken satay, many and varied fancy quesadillas, rustic frommage, veggie plate, dark-chocolate-covered strawberries, and any other number of yummy delights I'm too tired to specify right now. Also wine. A really whole hell of a lot of--as in, you can't begin to imagine how much--wine.

Floral garnishes.

Plus, wardrobe.

Sure, there are things I could tell you. About good luck and bad. About wizards and immortals and cheerleaders and Mary Anne Gone Bad. About Wolverine and men in boobs and women dressed as men who'd never dress as women. About Hawai'ian girls and really odd plastic armor lap dances and ghosts in a family way. The Pope, Death (cap D), and The Tin Man. Big brains, bad-ass motorcycle mamas, soccer dudes, Goth chicks, and the walking wounded. There's a whole lot I could tell you about them and more.

But ya know...

Sometimes, ya just gotta be there.

Party Prep

Everyone is out of the house except me and G. (Kitties are here though, too, and holding up quite stoically). The WFers are shopping, resting, whatever.

We encouraged them to hydrate.

Awards have now all been announced.

The award for best praise of hosts went to MeredithD in the short division and KD in the long division--both wrote poems. MD's was more of a haiku.

The awards for best use of a cat in a manuscript went to FH and CC, and the sad-cat award went to BY.

MD will be back shortly to help G fetch the catering for the party at Central Market.

My makeup is on and dangly red-and-silver earrings are in.

Planning to augment with previously mentioned apparel with matching necklace and Steve Madden rhinestone spiked heels.

Set up and dinner first, though!

Party at 6:30 p.m.!

Spooky News

Rumor has it that a 10-foot-long python was spotted this week in Shoal Creek. Leash your dogs and toddlers accordingly!

Siesta Cyn

Following the mushroom/spinach quiche, LR's morning talk on "writing the hard scenes" was a great success as was the reading of last night's homework, especially SP's.

G ran to LID with AL, one of our pages (our other page is Stephanie Marshall), at lunch. But I just gave the speakers lunch money and snuck off by myself for a few blessed moments of solitude/down time/siesta at Whole Foods (brown rice spicy sushi and bottled water).

This afternoon, I look forward to the final group discussions and ongoing breakout sessions.

Then, tonight.

The party.

I'm thinking I'll wear my black-and-red lace bustier with black pants, my cat ears and tail, and carry my red-jewel eyed, demon wolf staff. Am somewhat worried that the bustier will accidentally spring off my body.

But on the upside, if so, there will be plenty of cameras ready and LB promises to blog about it.

"What Exactly Is A Chicken-Fried Steak?"

Just back from the original Threadgills, where the Mahalo Combo was playing.

Today was a sparkling success!

Franny Billingsley spoke on fantasy, using Owl In Love by Patrice Kindl and her own books, Well Wished and The Folk Keeper as springboards. Then we read homework, discussed six manuscripts with the whole group, and had our first breakout session.

G and I did lunch with FB, CC, and PageK at Z Tejas.

And after the field trip, we were off to dinner. Some folks went to Amy's later, but we were done for the night. The speakers have homework, after all.

Post BBQ Coma

And what a day it was! Opening ceremonies featured a table presentation of crowns and tiaras, introductions, and a champagne toast.

Then Victoria Eugenia, Queen of Spain (AKA Laura Ruby) opened with an inspiring talk on antagonists, and she read from Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell (Hyperion, 2003); Holes by Louis Sachar (FSG, 1998), and Feed by M.T. Anderson (Candlewick, 2002).

Initial group discussions went well, followed by a field trip, and dinner at County Line on the Lake.

Participant Roster and Code Names:

Franny Billingsley: Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India

Libba Bray: Alexandra Feodorovna, Tsarina of Russia

Anne Bustard: Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse and By the Rhine

Carolyn Crimi: Helena, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein

Tim Crow: Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha

Shutta Crum: Elisabeth, Grand Duchess of Russia

Katie Davis: Beatrice, Princess of Battenberg

Meredith Davis: Louise, Duchess of Argyll

Frances Hill: Sophie, Queen of Greece

Page Koehlert: Margaret, Crown Princess of Sweden

Kimberley Griffiths Little: Victoria, Empress of Germany

Sean Petrie: Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland, Emperor of India

Laura Ruby: Victoria Eugenia, Queen of Spain

Tanya Lee Stone: Charlotte, Duchess of Saxe-Meiningen

Brian Yansky: Wilhelm II, Kaiser of Germany

Calm Before The Storm

G is walking at the lake with Victoria Eugenia, Queen of Spain, while Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India, continues to sleep on the daybed in the sunroom. We took the Victorias out for a smashing dinner last night at Green Pastures. Peacock viewings: 1.

So far, the one crisis was that Alexandra Feodorovna, Tsarina of Russia came down with a sore throat on the airplane yesterday, but the pages saw to it that she got some antibios and was safely delivered to her B&B.

We ran into DHA, picking up Beatrice, Princess of Battenberg, and a page, picking up Helena, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein, yesterday at the airport, which is fine because the mss have already been read.

Pretty much all that's left at this point is to ensconce the cats and finish set-up. We start at 1 p.m.!

Writefest 2005

Writefest (WF) is an invitation-only private workshop for novelists: (a) who're well published in other areas (picture books, poetry, short stories) and working on a novel manuscript; (b) who've finished a master's program in writing for children and young adults; and/or (c) who've published one-to-three children's/YA novels. It's held at my house. G and I run it with the help of two assistants, both of whom meet the participant criteria.

The initial inspiration was to offer a craft-oriented program for skilled writers who're still relatively new to publishing novels. A preference is given to writers from "the middle"--central and mountain time zones--because we are underrepresented on the national publisher lists.

I'm always sort of scouting potential WF invitees because some turnover is important, alumni hit that fourth novel, and there are just so many infinitely cool new voices out there. But I have only 15 chairs.

The idea is to challenge writers to complete a draft by a specific deadline, break them out of their traditional comfort zones (and critique groups), nuture new professional relationships, show off sunny Austin, and have fun.

The writers have each received partials of all participants' manuscripts (up to 3,000 words) and two manuscripts in full. The partials will be discussed by the group as a whole and the full manuscripts in one-on-one breakout sessions.

G and I read all 15 manuscripts in full and prepare comments for all of them.

For the prepatory reading/preparing critique phase, the manuscripts are marked with code names. This is so that the reputation of the author or lack thereof doesn't influence the readers. No one knows who else is coming until they arrive.

This year's code names are royals, i.e., Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland, Emperor of India; Beatrice, Princess of Battenberg. You get the idea.

There are also in-class writing assignments, homework, and what we've termed "field trips."

This is the second year of WF. We begin Wednesday. I can't tell you who's coming yet because of course then I would have to kill you.

But I am pleased to report that Sophie, Queen of Greece and Wilhelm II, Kaiser of Germany came over Sunday afternoon to help with set-up. One of the pages came over last night to review the program. This afternoon, G and I pick up the speakers: Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India; and Victoria Eugenia, Queen of Spain. The tables are set. The folders are stuffed. Anticipation is running high!

Spooky Links

G is reading The Compleat Gentleman: The Modern Man's Guide to Chivalry by Brad Miner (Spence, 2004).

Salon Bloom & "Babysitting"

I have a new salon, which is even--gasp--more expensive than my previous one, though I intend to reserve the latter for spa-related activities. My hair now has low-lights, which are reddish, and make me feel much in tune with my underdiscussed Celtic/Gaelic heritage.

On a completely unrelated note, it vexes me when fathers are referred to as "babysitting" their own children when mothers doing the same are merely considered to be being mothers. As in: "I couldn't possibly ask my husband to babysit this weekend."

Dumped

"We all got together last week, us guys, and we had a meeting and we agreed to stop sucking sometime in the near or not too distant future."
--Mark Raxton, Ultimate Spider-Man #78

Am too upset by the MJ/Peter breakup in Ultimate Spider-Man to blog today, but I will say it's a resonate look at high-school relationship aftershocks.

I myself have cried in many an institutional bathroom stall.

In other news, enjoyed a lovely lunch at Katz's yesterday with DL, educator/author/publisher/librarian. How many hats can one woman wear? And look so good in all of them, too!

I'm blogging lately on cynsations about advice for beginning writers/authors.

Phobias

"Close the window and come back to bed.
There's an old 'Sex In The City' scenario I've been dying to try out."
-- Lois Lane, Superman #218

Last night, at Central Market north, I picked up Phobias: Knowledge Cards: A Charles Harrington Elster Word Deck (from Pomegranate Communications, Inc.).

I'm fascinated by phobias, and as I've mentioned before, I have a fear of lettuce. You think that's weird? Check the deck. It's nada.

Those that were most mysterious to me:

lepidophobia: fear of butterflies (Mothra?);

dinosauriaphobia: fear of dinosaurs (saw Jurassic Park one too many times?);

levophobia: fear of (things to) the left (needs to turn off Fox News?);

aulophobia: fear of flutes (bad breakup with Pied Piper?);

papyrophobia: fear of paper (must be a writers' ailment).

Spooky Links

Author Interview: Cecil Castellucci on Boy Proof from cynsations.

Take a peek at VVV's The Book of Mordred; coming in August!

Isis and The Fanged

"Ankh if you love Isis."
--bumper sticker on Dodge Caravan,
headed north on Lamar at 24th

Spent part of yesterday afternoon keying in changes on T. Overall, I'm pleased with it. There's one lingering question, though, that I'll ask myself again when I sit down to read after WF.

Speaking of WF, preparations are in shockingly good shape. I have to key up the program today, but overall, I'm exceedingly pleased with status. Too busy though so far to read last week's comics and still haven't picked up this week's--a definite sign of overload.

Off for a sneak peek at the new ACK cover!

Spooky News & Links

Two spooky books, Vampire High by Douglas Reese (Delacorte) and Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber (Katherine Tegan), were named among IRA Young Adult Choices 2005 (a PDF file).

IT’s Alive @ the Library! (Horror and Gothic Fantasy) Bibliography Suggestions compiled by Hawaii State Public Library System Young Adult Librarians.

Apologies and much groveling to LZ for misspelling her name on cynsations yesterday. Rest assured that I've made the correction and it will not happen again. Bad Cyn!

Mutterings From The Heat Stricken

"Apocalypse soon! So hurry up and vote!"
--flyer posted on a dumpster at 12th and Eason in Austin, Texas

"Be the love that you are looking for."
--carved into the cement sidewalk at 1503 12th St. in Austin, Texas

"You ain't nobody until you do what you want!"
--The Fonz

I decided mid-day in million-degree heat to walk to Nau's Pharmacy, a local dine-in institution, to purchase rubbing alcohol for my infected ear. It's a cool place, forever lingering in the 1950s. I keep expecting to see Fonzie and Richie waltz in.

Speaking of The Fonz, does anybody really remember why he and Pinky Tuscadero broke up?

Am I the only person who thinks about these things?

"Sixteen Candles:" Jake Ryan

G was kind enough to print and bring in for me a Feb. 14, 2004 article from The Washington Post, "Real Men Can't Hold A Match To Jake Ryan of 'Sixteen Candles'" by Hank Stuever. It is obviously the obligatory Valentine's Day fluff piece. As a one-time teen girl of the 80s, I was intrigued.

For those of you who (gasp!) never saw it, "Sixteen Candles" is a John Hughes classic. The story of Samantha Baker (played by Molly Ringwald) whose family forgets her birthday amid preparations for her older sister's wedding while she suffers a series of embarrassments until the day is redeemed by our hero and her love interest--you guessed it--Jake Ryan (played by Michael Schoeffling.)

The point of the article*--and here comes the spooky part--is that Jake Ryan could never exist but nevertheless essentially ruined women my age (and those up to ten years younger) for other men.

I have a series of random, quasi related thoughts:

Mr. Schoeffling apparently lives in PA, where he's married, has two teenage kids, and a' la "Sex In The City's" Aiden Shaw/pre-Han Solo Harrison Ford, makes hand-crafted furniture, which--let's face it--is more hunky than acting. He had a few small parts in eight movies following "Sixteen Candles," and was called by GQ magazine "the Salinger of male model/actors."

Why is it so unthinkable that a cute, popular guy would (as the article suggests) automatically prefer a bitchy Fox-News-spokesmodel-looking blond** over Samantha? Molly Ringwald is really cute, and she had those lips well before they became the rage. Is our definition of beauty really so narrow? Hm. Maybe so, in light of the aforementioned Fox News spokesmodels (I have this theory that they are stamped out in an underground factory in New Jersey).

Maybe it is unlikely that any guy could solve all of your problems on your birthday. But then again, maybe more should try.

Yes, LLD is the quintessential example of laughing at rather than laughing with when it comes to race and comedy, something that many fans of "Sixteen Candles" seem to have missed and/or developed amnesia about. This phenomenon is closely related to the Mickey Rooney character in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." That said, you could say the same thing about the film as related to elders, the disabled, "ethnic whites," etc.

Anthony Michael Hall is flat-out fabulous, though of course I adore geeks (pon-pons aside) having once been one myself.

Though Mr. Schoeffling's Jake is rather dishy, I much prefer Keanu and Hugh Jackman. No neither "Constantine" nor "Van Helsing" changed my opinion, though I don't need to see either of those movies twice. (For actual acting ability, my faves are Tony Shalhoub and James Cromwell).

Allegedly, many women in the target range have named their babies "Jake" or "Ryan." As it happens, my best friend from high school just had a baby and named him "Jake."

A coincidence, I'm sure.

*you allegedly have to register at The Washington Post but registration is free. That said, I was able to get the whole article just by Googling and hitting the applicable link.

**yes, I have friends who're blond, beautiful, and brilliant, too, but you know what I'm talking about.

Spooky Link

If you are a devotee, apparently, you can buy a Jake Ryan T-shirt online.

Hike 'N' Bike

G walked with me this a.m. along the hike-and-bike trail along Town Lake, both for the exercise and so I could revisit the setting for a scene in T. It was hugely crowded today, but of course after reading the book, the uber fit people will cower from it. Well, hopefully not, but I did manage to scare myself.

I do that. I live in this fantasy otherworld, and it it sort of blends into my perception of reality. I'm almost certain that if I weren't a writer, I'd be an excellent candidate for institutionalization.

That said, I'm going to read T today with yesterday's edits and see if it does all I need it to do. It's remarkable how easy it was to slip back in (but then again, as I just said, I never really leave).

By the way, the park along the lake was set aside as a project of Miss LB's.

It's Biker Weekend

Seriously, as in the Republic of Texas Bike Rally (more than 40,000 participants). Currently impossible to drive downtown in a car. Or even an SUV. Leather garment sales on Sixth Street are way up, I'm sure.

Me? I'm holed up at home working on my final revision, which is mostly a chance for me to have one more pass before copyediting. The letter was pretty much praise (my fave part: voice is "dead on"), and a request to look at a couple of reactions, clarify a bit of protagonist psychology, and reconsider the pre-climax pacing. The first two were a matter of fiddling. On the last, I tightened and simplified, perhaps not to "the bone," but suffiicently so as to maintain the upward arc.

My Teeth Are Starting To Itch Again

Three pages of scribbling notes. Can't reenter T officially until I read my last WF manuscript (hopefully today); must write up comments on another first.

That said, I'm having great fun with the mss. I swear, I have the most brill friends.

Spooky Link

Every Writer Should Be A Scaredy Cat by Sharon A. Soffe from Out of My Mind.

The Oasis Burns

Sounds apocalyptic, doesn't it? But true. The Oasis, my fave place to go for an amazing view, mediocre food, and overpriced drinks burned down last night. The owners say they will rebuild, but still... Sob. I was just there last weekend!

Frank Gorshin

I was just reading that Frank Gorshin, 72, died of cancer in mid May. I knew him as The Riddler from the 1960s Batman TV series. He was a wonderful Riddler. G mentioned it to me at the time, but I guess it didn't sink in until I saw it in print.

Black Butterflies

I remember DA telling me after her dad died that she associated him with a butterfly she saw, and that the image became symbolic of their relationship. It struck me particularly when I was in KC at my mom's house for my own dad's funeral. On a walk through the neighborhood, we saw a striking black-and-red butterfly. I saw another one today at Zilker, which since this is Memorial Day, seemed fitting.

Cheers to JB!

G, AB, and I stopped by Bull McCabe's at 7th and Red River yesterday to celebrate JB's last day as the spiritual leader of BookPeople's BookKids department. (She'll be joining the sales force at PG next week, and boy, are they/we lucky to get her!) Then AB whisked us to the UT Club for shrimp happy hour. Yum!

Amazing

Y'all will recall that I sent my revision of T in to my CW editor on March 28, and since then I've been doing a bang-up job of not obsessing over it--in large part because I had so much else to do.

But this last week or so (though I was loathe to confess it), I was starting to wonder if perhaps I done something so heinous that further editorial commentary had screeched to a halt.

What can I say? I'm a writer. I fret.

And it was a huge revision in terms of new scenes and what not, which is always a little scary, even when necessary, at this point in the process. Not that I don't love to revise because I so do, just...

Arg! You get the idea.

Anyway, all of this is to say that I got an email yesterday saying I'd get one more pass with a couple of questions but, big-picture, she says she and A are "beyond impressed" and the manuscript "rocks" and is "amazing."

I could fly.

Star Wars: The War Within

First off, I should probably 'fess up that I was one of those kids who saw "Star Wars," now called "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" more than 300 times* with paid admission (some at the dollar movie at Metcalf South in Overland Park, Kansas, but still...).

I was likewise attentive to the other two movies in what then was a trilogy and agree with the majority who thought "Empire" was the best and that the Ewoks (though cute) in "Return" were a miscalculation (and the Wookie planet (Kashyyyk) would've been way more cool than Endor). I even own every issue of the original SW comic book series and listened to the wonderful radio production when it first aired.

Just establishing my credentials here.

So, I did stand in line for tickets on opening day to see "Phantom Menance," which I saw only that once. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the opportunity to return to Lucasverse. But the pacing, which for whatever tech flaws had been brill in the first round, went flat. And I found the plot premise and characterization of young Anakin sketchy at best. Not bad for a draft, but as the final film... Eh.

I skipped "Attack of the Clones," even though it caused quite a neighborhood stir when Padmé Amidala showed up to shop at BookPeople. Didn't see it on DVD either, though G has been hinting that he wants to.

However, the will of the people (including my best friend, whose opinion on such things I trust and who claims it makes the second trilogy more resonate) seems to indicate that "Revenge" is well worth seeing (except of course for The Chronicle reviewer, but they never like anything). It's a big investment, though, because I'd have to see the predecessor, too--now, while I'm snowed under reading manuscripts for my workshop--because of course it has to be a big-screen experience.

What to do?

Opinions welcome. ...I really do want to see the Wookie planet.

Additional thoughts on the classics: (1) The scenes spliced back into the first-filmed trilogy are vexing because (a) having Han Solo not shoot Greedo first in the Cantina diminishes the growth displayed in his character arc (b) revealing Jabba in the first movie takes away the grandeur and importance of his reveal in the third; (2) As I have mentioned before, Carrie Fisher's Leia did wonders for my social life; (3) I absolutely refuse to discuss "The Holiday Special."

P.S. Did you know that the voices of Greedo and Jabba were both provided by the same actor?

*My inner adolescent is half tempted to justify such a commitment to a sci fi movie with some comment about how there wasn't a lot else to do in suburban Kansas at the time or some such, but the truth is that I just totally loved how the film made me feel.

Spooky Links

If you're likewise a sci fi affectionado, I highly recommend the film "Galaxy Quest," a well-written comedic riff on "Star Trek" (site requires Flash) and the magnificient new YA, Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci (Candlewick, 2005).

"Desperate Housewives" First Season Finale

Am I the only person who's noticed that Susan on "Desperate Housewives" never hardly illustrates any children's books although that is allegedly her job?

It's starting to bug me, like the writers decided it was so much of a non-job that you could call it "a housewife" in conventional terms. No deadlines, no conferences, no signings, no editorial correspondence, no list serv, no blog, no actual illustrating. Okay, maybe one scene where she was doodling a bit before jumping to peer out her window (again).

That said, I like show for its murder mystery and "Melrose Place"-in-the-suburbs/guilty pleasure feel. I first watched it because I liked Teri Hatcher as Lois in "Lois & Clark" and Marcia Clark as Dr. Kimberly Shaw Mancini in "Melrose Place." (Doug Savant is another Melrose/DH actor).

In addition, my all-time favorite actress, Harriet Sansom Harris (originally from Fort Worth), is now on DH. I first noticed her playing freaky Dr. Sally Kendrick (and "sisters") on "The X-Files" ("Eve," 1993) and then in a reoccuring role as Fraiser's agent, Bebe Glazer, and most recently in season 2 of "Six Feet Under." Though I've seen her of course in other great parts, too, these are stand outs.

Another random thought: have you ever noticed how most of the really talented actors--character actors--are seldom in mainstream film/movie lead roles or, for that matter, on the cover of celebrity magazines at the checkout stands?

Hot Cyn In The City

G and I watched "Six Feet Under: Season 3" these past couple of days, and I was amused to hear Brenda's take on Austin. Artsy and eclectic, sure, but most of all hot. That isn't always true, but it certainly is this weekend. It was 96 degrees yesterday, according to the kitty cat thermometer hanging on the tree in my back yard.

Speaking of G, we celebrated the arrival of his author copies of Tofu and T.Rex (Little Brown, 03) with dinner at Musashino's last night. I've mentioned this before, but G and I always celebrate every positive step in the writing life. Finished the draft, sent the manuscript, revision request, sold the manuscript, signing of the contracts--you name it. Embrace the happy!

Ballgown & Boots Dream

I'm at my Grandma Dorothy's house with a bunch of people I can't quite identify, and I'm negotiating to eat as little as I can because everything is a brownie or pie or something and I've already had a huge dinner.

I settle for this sandwich with a layer of pancake-style bread on both sides and in the middle. I'm kind of dismantling it to eat whatever filling with just one side of the bread.

Then without transition, my mama is dropping me off at the house of K, a high school friend I haven't seen since the summer after graduation. Another high school friend, M, who I saw last summer, is there, too.

I'm inside the house, putting on a sort of Old South ballgown with half hose, and we're running late for I don't know what. So, I'm rushing with them to the front door only to find that the stairs down to the McMansion-ish foyer are short shag carpeted, super steep, and just barely wide enough for a sideways foot.

I get about halfway down--I'm in the middle; K is in front of my and M in back--when I realize I can't make it because the hose are too slippery on the carpet and I forgot my cowboy boots, which are back in K's room. I ask M if she'll get them for me (she's closer to the top) but she says no.

So, I go back up myself to put them on, but then when I leave the room, the dimensions of the second floor have changed. I end up running around, asking directions from a faceless someone who's there for no apparent reason and eventually find and carefully descend the stairs, holding tightly to the rail.

By the time I get the front door open, M and K are gone. I seem to remember walking there, to the house, even though I was dropped off, so I start running, looking for a second group of outdoor stairs, which will theoretically lead me out of the Pleasantville-meets-Stepford suburban neighborhood.

Everyone I pass is vaguely surreal and doesn't seem to know what I mean by "out."

I find a young girl, who invites me into her home and asks her father who is sleeping on a hammock on the back porch. He tells me to run down the street, as far as my legs will carry me, to the first right and then to turn right again.

I start following his directions, but I feel uneasy, because it hadn't seemed so far on the way in.

I stop into a shop to ask a young clerk for directions again, and he looks at me suspiciously and says, "You're not from here are you?"

And something about the way he asks it scares me, makes me feel like a Frankenstein-esque mob will gather, torches and pitchforks, so I start running again, still in the ballgown and cowboy boots, like some heroine out of a Margaret Peterson Haddix book, uncertain as to whether I'm going the right way. Then I wake up.

Dream analysis, anyone?

Spooky News and Links

Inspired by yesterday's spookcyn post, S wrote asking what a "former Hallmarker" is. It is someone who used to work for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, usually applied more to those who've worked in the corporate offices than in the stores (like my aunt Gail).

Building on yesterday's news about the L.A. Times review and signing for A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire by Amy Butler Greenfield (HarperCollins, 2005), surf over to hear "Seeing Red," an interview with Amy about the book on "The Exchange" from New Hampshire public radio. Available on Real Audio or Windows Media.

Bloody Red

Yesterday, I rewarded myself for good behavior with the original soundtrack to "Little Shop of Horrors" from Waterloo Records. I'm personally fond of the "Dentist" song. I realize that I should feel guilty because dentists supposedly have some extraordinarily high suicide rate due to the fact that no one likes them, but I have had two botched oral surgeries, which means my beef isn't (just) prejudice.

That said, in the interests of karma, my favorite dental book is: Open Wide: Tooth School Inside by Laurie Keller (Henry Holt, 2000)(Laurie and I are both former Hallmarkers).

I'm completely fascinated by teeth in part because I was missing a couple as an adult. You guessed it, my would-be fangs. Hence, my vampire envy.

Spooky Link

Bloody Red by John Eidinow from the L.A. Times. Review of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire by Amy Butler Greenfield (HarperCollins, 2005). For those of you in the area, note that Amy will be signing at The Toadstool Bookshop in Milford, NH at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2005. Those elsewhere, should contact the booksellers in advance about getting a signed copy.

Ghostly Music; spookycyndicated

Yesterday, I was having New Orleans boil shrimp and scrambled eggs for breakfast when "What A Wonderful World" came on the radio. It generally makes me teary, and it did perhaps more so than usual at the time.

This apparently upset the ghost, who resolved my distress by turning off the radio. Really. Not unplugged. No station glitch. Just hit the OFF button.

When I turned it back on, the song was playing again, but I felt better and listened to the rest of it while I finished my shrimp.

In other news, thanks to SN, spookycyn is now syndicated for the chills and thrills of LJ folks. Yahoo!

Capricorns

DHA writes to tell me that Edgar Allen Poe, born Jan. 19, 1809, and I, born Dec. 31, 1967, are both Capricorns, which might explain a lot.

A Chair, A Fireplace, and A Tea Cozy

I've been reading "A Chair, A Fireplace, and a Tea Cozy."

From her other blog, Pop Goes The Library, I've discovered more about the author. She apparently likes books, my beloved Buffy, and, being a pop culture affectionado, theoretically wouldn't think twice about the dignity of my, say, recent discussion of the perils and potential of antagonists as related to Lex Luthor.

Besides, like me, she's a fellow recovering lawyer. Hence, solidarity.

Friday, the 13th

Today's Austin American-Statesman (click to see illustration by Don Tate) informs me that fear of Friday the 13th is called "paraskevidekatriaphobia."

I've blogged about F, the 13th before, but I will note that according to the Statesman article, the number 13 is considered unlucky because of there having been thirteen guests at Jesus' Last Supper (the last of them supposedly being Judas). And as for Friday, that's when Jesus was actually crucified. However, Italians consider the 13th lucky. Interesting, eh?

Over and Over You by Amy McAuley

Over and Over You by Amy McAuley (Roaring Brook, 2005). Penny is haunted by vivid dreams that feel so real, almost as if they...were? After being tipped off by a psychic, she's starting to consider extreme possibilities, destinies, and even true love. Penny's voice is engaging, her plight compelling, and her command of historical factoids inspirational. A wonderful choice for romantics, fantasy fans, and those who appreciate psychic (and psychological) puzzles. Ages 12-up.

Cyn's Hypothetical Past Lives

Nefertiti (because why not be queen?)

Mary Shelley (for obvious reasons; don't miss the picture book bio by Sharon Darrow)

Most Excellent Amazon Warrior (because of my Wonder Woman fixation)

Eartha Kitt (even though she's still gloriously alive because it's my list and I say so)

See also my boyfriend list, inspired by the novel by E. Lockhart.

Spooky Link

Debbi Michiko Florence: Writer & Bibliophile offers a buzz review of Over and Over You.

August 2007

As I mentioned on cynsations, I got word today that Tantalize, my upcoming gothic fantasy YA, has been slated for August 2007, just in time for Halloween. The novel will be published by Candlewick, and the revision process has been the subject of many a spookycyn post.

In other spooky news, I was walking through the back starwell and a flurry of posted and shelved greeting cards flew out at me from the home message board. No cats. No wind. No explanation, except of course, ghost.

Mother's Day

Is it just me or were there an ungodly number of pregnant women at Central Market this morning? I've never seen so many at one time and place. Looked like a baby-products marketing convention with shopping cart and samples.

Hero v. Hero

See Hero v. Hero: How Does Superman's New Look Stack Up? from MSN Entertainment. File this one under the category of yummy.

Had big fun last night with G at Musashino in celebration of arrival of contracts!

Lex Luthor: Man Of Steel

I was reading a No. 3 (of 5) of Lex Luthor: Man of Steel, which essentially examines the Superman mythology from his arch enemy's point of view.

It got me thinking about bad guys (and gals, too).

It seems that most writers get so caught up in our heroes that we often neglect the necessary character work on our villains.

The wrinkle being that, unless they're simply sociopaths,* it's likely the bad guys have somehow justified their actions.

Their line of thinking may not coincide with ours or our readers' (at least let's hope not), but we all need to understand it.

Consider: even Hitler essentially argued that he was saving the world.

Yikes.

That said, all of our characters have to come from somewhere within. I'm not saying we all have inner evil, but we do all have to deal with it.

Writing into the fear or, let's be honest, the fascination, can be uncomfortable, even daunting. But it's also necessary if our antagonist is human with human motivations, no matter how disturbing, if we're to fully appreciate all levels of the story.

On a much more uplifting front, it was heartening to receive a note yesterday from an old friend who'd been reading spookycyn, which reminded me that not all ghosts are unwelcome.

*Now that I think about it, there's probably no such thing as a simple sociopath.

Seeing Through Walls

I was rewatching the pilot of "Six Feet Under" on my new DVD player so I could appreciate all of those scenes that the previous machine skipped.

Gabe makes the observation that, after her father's death, Claire can "see through walls." I can't see through walls, but I am seeing people a lot more clearly. Even those I'd rather not look at too closely.

Blood and Chocolate movie

Check out the latest from Hollywood Reporter at YA Books Central.

Spooky Link

Annette Curtis Klause from the Children's Book Guild of Washington, D.C.