Melani Blazer

While I upgrade the Itunes on my ‘puter, I thought I’d blog. Something I always just forget I should do. Of course, upgrading the Itunes reminds me I should re-synch my ipod. I’ve got some Hinder and Kenny Wayne Shephard that need to be added for sure. And the new AC/DC cd would work well on there. Maybe another day.

I’m upgrading ‘cuz I tried to buy an episode of LEVERAGE (TNT.tv) and it said I had to. *eyeroll* I missed this past week’s show b/c of the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, but would like to see it before it’s on again. Strange, but unlike Shan, I can read a series out of order, but if I’m watching a TV series, I can’t miss one–or see it out of sequence, or it really messes with the brain. It actually appears there’s more episodes available at Itunes than have been “on”. Oh, the temptation.

I’m not a TV person. I really dislike reality shows. I know ya’ll are cringing when I say I can’t do American Idol or Survivor or any of those other shows. I don’t normally do weekly shows either. It’s too much commitment. And I’ve been burnt a few times by the networks. A coupla years ago I was really getting into Blood Ties (loved the cast, too), and then it was dropped. I had to watch one final episode and then the finale on the computer, for God’s sake. How awful is that? And it left on a series hang. Forever to stay that way. I’m seriously worried the same will happen with Leverage. At least I’m seeing good reviews.

In case you haven’t seen or heard of it, check out TNT.TV. In a nutshell, it’s a group of bad guys who are now working together to reign in even bigger, badder guys. I like that it’s not a cops show (aren’t there enough of those in the commercials alone to satisfy one’s appetite?)–but one above–or more like–below the law. Plus, as a writer I pay closer-than-usual attention to characterization. I really like these characters, both the casting and how ‘real’ these characters have been written. Okay, they’re not paying me to pimp the show, so enough. Plus, I think my download of Itunes 8.whatever is done, so I’m off to watch.

Damn is it cold out there. Like much of the midwest, we’re below freezing. It’s not Minnesota (HI WAX) but frankly, they can keep the -40. We’re nearly there with windchill and damn, brrrrr.
Since we’re also in Lake Effect land, we’ve got plenty of snow to make this feel like the first real winter in years (the way I remember winters being when I was a kid!).

Anyway, time’s flying. Work’s keeping me busy–the “real” job. Right now Barrett-Jackson car auction is on, gluing me to the TV. I even missed LEVERAGE, but it’s available on the website for TNT, so I’ll so be watching then when I get a free hour or so. (Who doesn’t see that happening?) I’m not a big TV watcher, but I’m liking the twists in LEVERAGE. And the characters.

I’m writing when I can, mainly doing a rewrite of an older book that is dear to my heart. Because the story is “there” (the ending needs an overhaul, but I’m only 7K in, so let’s not worry that fact, k?) I’m finding it generally easy, as far as that can go.

I’m outta here, off to brave the crunchy white world out there. Ya’ll be safe and stay warm!

A new date to write (and remember to write…I’ll be in 2008 until about mid-February). A new calendar to….crap, forgot a calendar for my office. What could replace a Pirates calendar? Must start shopping on that regard… Anyway, it’s that resolution time again, and yes, I heard you groan and will do it with you any time I hear that word.

Now, I’ve had resolutions in the past. Some, writing related, have been easier to maintain, at least for longer periods of time. So I’m not going to bother with the vow to work out or eat healthy cuz you all know damn good and well the first time someone says “Let’s have McDonalds,” dude, I’m there.

Because I have been lax here at the blog, especially in keeping my captive audience of two up to date on what’s going on with me, I am going to make an effort to come in and say HI once in a while.

Here’s what I managed to do with 2008. Um….

I learned a lot about kitchen remodeling and FINALLY, Fin-A-Leeeeeeee am on the final step, which is countertop installation. We’re waiting on the contractor to give us the scary dollar amount, then I throw up, then I write a check and then he comes and cusses, grunts, hammers, drills and all those wonderful things contractors do while working, and then I cry when I finally see the entire project completed. (Well, there will be little things like some ceiling trim, etc, but OMG it’ll be working kitchen with a SINK and a COUNTER!!!)

I reviewed, slightly edited and submitted a novellette (slightly smaller than a novella-length?) to Samhain and am waiting on my editor, dear Angela James to ask me what the hell I was drinking when I wrote it.

I wrote, by hand, a Nascar themed book. It’s still mostly on paper in really bad handwriting. A goal for early 2009 is to type it in, editing as I go, then let it brew for a little while, reread and edit it again and then torture Angie @ Samhain with it, too. It’s got some of the characters from Trophy Girl in it, but the sexual level is not even close. Apparently these characters didn’t take notes from Molly and Zander about how to get it on in a car hauler… But I guess not every book needs copious amounts of sex, right?

I added a few thousands words to several other books I have in progress. Mainly a vampire story I can’t manage to get into for long periods of time because it really messes with my moods. Also toyed with a humorous witch story, one I really love and want to finish, but the plot hasn’t all fallen together in my head so I can’t.

Just last week I did something I’ve talked about doing for a long, long time and that’s revise a book I submitted to Silhouette Intimate Moments (that ages it, eh?). It’s not THE story of my heart, but a damn close second, I think. It was ultimately given a personal rejection by the then-executive editor of the line. I think 7-8 years of learning and growing as an author will help me figure out what I didn’t know then and “fix” the things that made this come back to me rather than sell. Who knows what I’ll do with it then. Not sure the original length or heat level will remain. I’m excited about it, and despite one of my friends looking at me like I’d grown 8 heads, am up for the task of rewriting.

Oh, yeah. the other thing I wanted to torture you all with, if you’re even still with me after my babbling-ness. CLICK HERE and you can thank me later.