I · Wear · My · Heart · on · My · Sleeve

Now that you have something to compare to...

Guy's new look: good, bad or indifferent?

There is a third option; take him out of the leather entirely and have him au naturel.

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a Romantic Extroverted Builder

Mmmm... yeah. Except when I'm feeling introverted, like I was a few weeks ago.

Really, I do enjoy these little quizzie things. I find them quite entertaining.

Serious writing post later, and am thinking about starting a blog series about my local beach. I love my local beach. Must share pictures of the loff.

spikesbint

New look Guy of Gisborne for Season 3 of BBC's Robin Hood:

Current Mood:

curious

Go Vote!

This lovely bit of historical romance fantasy froth is published by The Wild Rose Press (a small press with a big reputation), is currently out in eBook form, and will be coming out next month in hardcopy.

We've already garnered positive reviews.

This year I have one.

In 2009 I resolve to write and submit more short stories.

I did nigh on diddly-squat last year. The two I did write (14K and 25K respectively), were contracted, and the one sale I made (other than the contracted stuff) was a reprint.

Okay, I did publish some non-fic stuff, but the core of my heart loves fiction.

I love novels with a passion that is only surpassed by my love of The Actor. But for this year, I feel my career development will be better served by me focusing on short stories this year (or at least, for the next six months).

Do share one of your resolutions this year.

Gina Marie Pettitt of Between the Lines has reviewed The Romance Spinners' latest fiction publication, The Enchanted Faerie.

She says, "Each story on its own is well written and uses the theme very creatively... I love the use of other mythic races, and other paranormal aspects to the themes. In all this is a book that I think most would enjoy."

So when a fellow writer from OWW and anagram-o-phile extraordinaire Meredith L Patterson started blogging about her adventures in biohacking, that simply made my little science-loving heart go pitter-patter.

If you have even the vaguest interest in "glowgurt", go give her blog a read.

Oh, the thought of bioengineering bacteria to do useful things is such a turn-on!

Question: If you could genetically engineer bacteria to do something, what would you want it to do?

Current Mood:

Thrill-o-rama!

So here I am enjoying a quiet morning with a few things going through my head:

• Huh. Our president-elect has been favourably labelled Geek-in-Chief. He's a casual Trekkie! Woo Hoo!
  
• His Grace came home from board gaming last night with gastro. He spent most of the night curled up around the porcelain throne, rather than curled up next to me. In a way, I'm kind of grateful for that fact. (Hmmm... second ladyship threw up a few nights ago. Wonder if she got gastro and had, as she goes with illness, a very mild case of it.)
  So, this morning I set off to the one pharamacy I know open on a Sunday morning (and on Christmas too! Much to my asthmatic delight a few days ago) and procured some strong pain relief and anti-emetic.
  I hope His Grace spends the morning in calm druggedness while he heals.
  
• Yesterday Their Ladyships wanted to go to the beach, as per His Grace's request, as he was going to a friend's house for board gaming. I did morning-type things as I was feeling slightly under the weather with either a very mild cold or allergies or left-over mucusy aftereffects of the asthma attack I had on Christmas morning. (Either way, my ears are full of fluid and that affects my general well-being.)
  So we headed off to our favourite Warnbro Beach to go for a dip on this very pleasant, albeit windy day.
  Alas, the beach was closed. Our sympathies to the Guest family.

Current Mood:

thinking upon't

Why I like singinheart: For the most part, she's relocated to another part of the Internet, but I still keep her on my flist. Here is some rampant, open Christianity, but gentle and tending towards being "Christlike". When she comes back, I'll be here waiting for her.

Why I like sksperry: One of the funniest military blokes I've ever met. I love reading his stories. Definitely someone I wanna meet some day.

Why I like snapes_angel: I love how she's so wonderfully immersed in fandom. I also like her writing insights as she explores the craft.

Why I like solcita: Both grew up in the same town, same culture and ended up in the same orchestra (Granite Youth Symphony). We have many mutual acquaintances, which provides for reminiscent goodness.

Why I like stevenagy: Crunchy outside. Soft, chewy inside. Not afraid to let you know what's on his mind.

Why I like takrann: A deep and pensive person who, for the most part, has sworn off blogging. But when he does return, I'm ready to read his well-written posts once more.

Why I like tardiscaptain: I've known him since... Oh, nearly twenty years now. He was my second sidekick, and boy, did we have fun! (Chances are I'd be the sidekick this time.) Every time I make it back to the ol' hometown, I make it a point to catch up.

Why I like tikiwanderer: Another friend I met in Perth, possibly one of the first. Initially, our relationship was an extremely complex one, but I've learned to lighten up (the fact that she is no longer on my kill list is a very good thing {g}). I have also learned the virtue of selective ignorance. I read for the scienceness, the writing style and the next chapter of a pretty amazing romance story.

Why I like val_unleashed: A young artist on the cusp of life, feeling bit lost. I have no idea if she has found herself yet, or even if she's still alive. I would like to find out.

Why I like wadethomasiii: The perpetual optimist. Despite his health problems, he soldiers on, writing as much as he can.

Why I like waylanderpk: Some more Perth friends (even if they don't live in "Perth" anymore). I've always thought he and his wife were teh awesome! They still are. This is an example of an LJ that doesn't reflect the complete and utter awesomeness that some people can be in real life.

Why I like yorkshirewench: Someone I met through The Actor. I am in awe of her mad editing skillz. I always hated editing in film school because I had to use substandard equipment and techniques. But the proper tools in the hands of a master equals editing brilliance. I love watching her videos.

Why I like zrath: He's plain nuts, which makes him so darn interesting.

Why I like raecarson: I've always thought Rae was cool, and then she went and married Charlie. Coolness compounded. I find her funny and sweet and full of joy. (Might be genetic; she's also related to purdypiedad.) She often has some fascinating opinions on things that are always worth a read.

Why I like rcloenen_ruiz: Another writer living abroad in a "foreign" country. I like hearing her experiences of living and working as a writer abroad, as well as being a mother.

Why I like retrobabble: A smorgasbord of interesting snippets from her life. It's the moments of yummy quirkiness that keep me hooked.

Why I like rhfay: Poetry goodness! Also: man in touch with his heart.

Why I like rhia_hilldancer: There's not too many people in SFF who are openly Christian, but she's one of them. Makes me feel not-so-lonely. I like watching how she balances the various aspects of her life.

Why I like safewrite: I've sold stories to her before. I always like keeping track of editors.

Why I like sarah_prineas: A writer getting published and all the fun and effort that goes with it always makes for a good read. I like the moments of unconscious self-affirmation.

Why I like satimaflavell: One of the original Stromatolights writing group in Perth. Her life journey has been different from mine, so I try to benefit from her views and experience.

Why I like secritcrush: I still don't know her secrit, and I probably never will. Still, she manages to share much of what goes on in her brain, and invites her peeps to do the same via regular polls. I like polls. Day job stuff's also cool.

Why I like sf_girl: A newer member to my flist. But hey, I can never resist the combo of writing and kids. It's good to read the LJs of writerly moms. It's a good barometer for my own career.

Why I like shadowhwk: Other than sharing the label "HWK", I love the brief snippets into her life. How can so few words say so much?

Why I like shunn: We grew up in the same town under the same culture. And while we both managed to escape the Zion Curtain, we both did it in very, very different ways. Anyhow, he's an SFF writer going places, and I find his occasional insights interesting. Ignore the fact that he's a dog person and I'm a cat person. It's irrelevant.

Why I like mmerriam: For a blind dude, he sure sees a lotta things and shares that on his LJ. Fun read. His stats are also fun. (Did I ever tell you I can read Braille?)

Why I like mnfaure: One thing I like about mnfaure (other than hearing about her cope with living in a different culture) is that we're practically neighbors. She lives on the other side of the ocean that laps my front door. She also takes spectacular pictures.

Why I like mrngglry98: When not a busy young mother, she provides some valuable insight into the human condition, thanks to her day job. I find this useful as a writer; after all, aren't we all writing about the human condition? Haven't seen her around for a few months, and I miss her.

Why I like msisolak: Oh, the wacky adventures of a Kindergarten teacher! You need a certain level of insanity for this job, and that makes for delightful LJ entries, regardless of the subject.

Why I like navicat: Subtly snarky and steeped in the craft. Bright spot.

Why I like pisica: Mmmm... polly goodness every week! Also, insight into the whole "Moving to another country" process. I've done it before, so it's good seeing someone else's experiences.

Why I like pjthompson: Illustrated quotes of the day. I find these enlightening, or at least thought-provoking. Even provoking, once in a rare while. Really, I enjoy the spiritual insight.

Why I like pkhardy: Ah, the queen of the cliffhanger. She'd tell us stories of her adventures in the Navy and always end on a cliffhanger, making us ask for further stories. Am still friended to her awaiting the resolution of whatever cliffhanger I'm waiting to be resolved.

Why I like pnew8: More slice o' life I enjoy reading, especially the day job bits.

Why I like purdypiedad: Sometimes some people have such a soul about them they can't help but attract others and inspire love. purdypiedad's not a writer (yet) and has been so far through the valley of shadows, she often wondered if she would ever see the other side. But simply by being the wonderful person she is, those around here will make sure she gets through. Why? Because she's worth it.

Why I like queenoftheskies: This novelist and screenwriter inspires me like no other, simply by her sheer word-countage. Some wonder how she can do it, but if every writer had the chance to write out every idea that struck them, they'd be cranking out the word-countage as well. She's one of the lucky ones who has organised her life to be able to do this. If she can do it, perhaps some day I can as well.

Why I like frigg: A writer of my acquaintance who deals with things in her life as they come her way. She tackles things that come her way and then moves on, prioritising as necessary. Reminds me I need better prioritising skills.

Why I like frost_light: I love watching a published author at work public-face wise. She has a good balance between promo and personal, with one not overwhelming the other. I've been learning a few things from her.

Why I like halspacejock: I think he's the bees' knees! Simon's story of his road to publication is the most unusual one I've ever encountered, and one I will definitely not take. A software programmer (and one of the few Australians I know who speaks Spanish) and author, Simon has a way of presenting info without being overbearing. I highly recommend his software, especially Sonar, as well as his books.

I don't buy many books in a year, but his are ones I am guaranteed to buy several copies of, for myself and as gifts for others.

Why I like jenniferechols: While most of my writerly flister mates are into SFFH, jenniferechols writes romance. Being a romance writer whose majority of fiction credits are SFFH credits, it's good to have a few flisters who remind me that I'm not so alone as a romance writer.

Why I like jim0052: I think Jim's a great guy. Author of "Soulsaver", he was one of the earliest OWW writers of my personal acquaintance to sell a book. He also fascinated me as he lived in the Caribbean. Jim was also involved in the film industry. Once in a meme we were going to go see the film "Ratatouille", but ended up dumpster-diving instead. Good times.

Why I like jodi_davis: We once lived in the same state, though not at the same time. Jodi later moved elsewhere where she bought my dream house. I love hearing about the house in her blog and eagerly await "house porn" photos.

Why I like johnjosephadams: Known to the SFF world simply as "JJA", he is the assistant editor to the popular "Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction". I love reading his editorial thoughts and opinions. I also know him from the OWW. Alas, reading his blog doesn't count as sucking up in hopes of increasing my chances of publication.

Why I like jpsorrow: JP is one of the original "Vicious Circle" critique group on the OWW. He has since gone on to publish several books. I'm so happy to see "one of our own" going on and being so successful. I still remember the book he put through the circle: "Fever".

Why I like jrelkins: Writer, mother, Christian, feminist. Also like her stats on writing. It's nice to see that she's got a whole lotta stuff going on in her life, and hasn't dropped too many major balls. (Just don't ask whose balls she's got.)

Why I like kaelajael: Someone I know from Perth fandom and only recently discovered was hiding out on LJ. I confess I don't read too many of the LJs of Perth Fandom; it's mostly a not-enough-time thing, but I do like keeping up with Ka'ela's. She's enthusiastic about being involved with SFF, but doesn't let it totally overwhelm her life (she's got other interests). She once let me crash out on her bed at a con where I was eight months pregnant. Another Writer/mother/feminist with religious influences of my acquaintance. (I seem to know a few of these.)

Why I like kmkibble75: This is the guy I want to go to the con with. He seems like such a fun guy. The monkeys get him every once in a while, but he seems to bounce back. Here's hoping he gets a kiss on New Year's Eve.

Why I like callistra and cheshirenoir: I've personally known this married couple for about as long as I've been living in Australia. His Grace has known cheshirenoir since Primary school when they were in the G&T program together. (Oh, the stories he has told!)

Wildly interesting, openly happy and obsessed with the most fascinating things, they are worth getting to know if you value stepping outside the square. Their LJs don't do them justice.

I insist they must come over to our place (or us to their place) sometime in the new year for dinner. We're long overdue for making tamales. (No, that is not an euphemism.)

Why I like carolhelga: Another writer, but she lives in a different world from most of my flist.

She teaches school on a Native American reservation. She's gentle, she's sweet and she's one of those pure souls so many people wish to meet yet never get to. Shame, really. We need more of her in the world.

I love it when she posts those quizzes ("What breed of cat are you", etc.) She's my co-conspirator (along with dorianegray) in Magitech. (okay, so we've pretty much gone our separate ways due to life, but I still dream of the Magitech world we created.

Why I like carolryles: A fellow writer I met in Perth. She's a pleasant person whose outlook on life is refreshingly different from my own. I love her devotion to craft development. She indulges in it from a scholarly point of view and I like that.

Why I like cassiphone: Writer and mom, like many of my flist. Feminist, like many of my flist. Fascinating, like many of my flist. Vocal, like half my flist. I like cassiphone because of how she looks at and analyses SFF. She also approaches the craft in a scholarly way and her LJ is peppered with thought-provoking essays. You wanna finger on the pulse of Australian SF community? She's one of the pressure points.

Why I like ccfinlay: No flist is complete without Charles Coleman Finlay. He and his loffly wife raecarson crack me up. Charlie is the epitome of hilariousness and a post from him is guaranteed to brighten my day. (Kangaroo scrotum is love!)

I first met him during the first days of the OWW and have been priviledged to observe the growth of his career over the past decade.

He comes up with some of the best story ideas. Some day I must meet him in real life and see his well-centred whackiness for myself.

Why I like coolmajaka: Dude, he's Texan, he's groovy and he's one of the best photographers of creepy-crawlies that I know. (And yes, he's a writer.) I love his boisterousness and his passion for life. This is the guy you wanna go with to the party.

Why I like david_bridger: David has a quiet dignity about him. He occasionally breaks this with moments of his wry sense of humour. Always fascinating despite the monkeys getting him down every once in a while. At least he no longer confuses Anusol with Poligrip.

Why I like deannahoak: Copyeditor extraordinaire! Her finger's on the pulse of publishing, and not just becuase of her job. Her posts have a glass-half-full feel to them. Her attitude is one of benificence towards humanity. As a result, I always find something useful in her posts. Always worth a read.

Oh, and she's also a mother.

Why I like diorling: Met her at the World Horror Convention in 2008 and had some lovely conversations with her. She impressed me so much I follow her LJ.

Why I like dorianegray: One of the Magitech trio (including myself and carolhelga), she's an Irishwoman. She loves LARPing and I love hearing about her adventures. She doesn't write much about writing, but I love reading about her adventures in life.

Why I like fred_mouse: My relationship with fred_mouse is a bit more complex than I'd like. We have far too much in common with one another, such as music, dancing and our passion for SFF (as well as other things). Because of fred_mouse, I engage in much self-introspection; am I the sort of person I want to be? Not always the easiest of tasks, but one everyone should engage in more often.

Anyhow, There are reasons I have the flisters I do and this is why:

Why I like addlesee: I've known addlesee for... oh, nearly two decades now as my ever-faithful sidekick. Once upon a time we would shed the cares of our tedious lives and our regular identities to become The Leading Lady and her sidekick The Living Legend. Together we'd fight crime, injustice and general 'idjitcy'. Mighty were our deeds and unappreciated were our efforts. Still, humanity needs saving.

While most of my flisters are writers, addlesee is a comic book artist. I just love his big ol' Southern heart! I admit he's quite different from pretty much all of my other flisters.

Why I like aimeempayne: One of the writerly crowd. I like her becuase of the glimpses she give us of her everyday life. She seems like one of those perfectly nice, well-adjusted people we all want to know (and if she isn't, she hides it very, very well).

She is a clever observer of human life. I love to read her insights into what other people do and her opinions thereupon.

Oh, and she appreciates music.

Why I like alleypat: Another writer who's had some fairly significant life challenges hit her, primarily cancer.

She's got this sense of humour that fires at random times. Put her in a group of ten people, show them all something, and while nine of them will see it for what it is, the tenth, alleypat, will see something to make you chuckle.

I'm just happy she shares those moments with us.

Why I like amy34: A fellow writer and mother. I can really relate to her insights. I also crit her on the OWW and other places from time to time.

I like hearing about her life as a writer and the mother of young children. I also like how sometimes that life will trigger a "what if" question in her head and she'll write these lovely-to-read essays on some aspect. I wish she'd write more of them.

Oh, and I am her beeatch!

Why I like angelboord: Another writer and mother. We don't get to see much of her on the flist because she is sooo extremely busy with many, many very young children. She prioritises as she needs to, and if that means LJ falls by the way, so be it. She doesn't give in to the guilt monkey, but continues plugging along doing what she needs to do with the energy she has.

Those few times she does post, she gives us an insight into her writing progress. Good to see she does still write, even with the pressures of family.

Why I like atheilen: She is the mistress of brevity. She doesn't post much and her posts aren't incredibly long, but she has this talent of making them windows into whatever life event inspired them. Frex, this entry is only a few sentences, but it tells a whole story.

I love her voice and style. Good reading.

Why I like barbarienne: She is a six-foot two-inch tall Amazon woman who bears mighty weapons and isn't afraid to use 'em (well, at least, that is how I envision her, not yet having met her in person. I'd like to, though). I first met barbarienne on the OWW where she had plenty of interesting things to say.

She's still interesting, possibly one of the most interesting people on my flist. She works in publishing, has a psychotic cat called Random and occasionally posts as the Fontiff. She knows lots about the publishing industry that many people don't know about, much less think to ask about. She shares her insight and wisdom with us and I'm greatly appreciative.

I love her sense of humour and her insight into, well, anything.

Why I like blackaire: Another published writer of my acquaintance.

I love reading about her life and how she balances being a writer with the non-writerly stuff. From her, I've learned that not only is it important to go and do lots of thing, but to have an opinion on many things, for it helps define your place in the world.

Why I like bnbalder: A relative newcomer to my flist, I'm still getting acquainted with Bo. There is something fascinating about watching a writer work through the mastery of their craft.

Why I like britmarschalk: Been a bit quiet lately, as some writers are wont to do, but I do enjoy her occasional entry.

Why I like calbannin: Another infrequent poster who occasionally gives us a gem. Reminds me of the fact that sometimes one must forget about the Silicon World and just sit down and write.

To be continued in another post, as I do have more than ten flisters.

amandajane17

I originally met AmandaJane17 on a forum for celebrating The Actor. She, like me, is in crazy-love with him.

Like many of my flist mates, she's a writer (a good one to boot), noted especially for her work in the extremely wonderful and underappreciated field of fan-fic. (I'm too young to read the adventures of Guy and John!)

AJ recognises the joy to be found in life and she pursues it. Her heart is full of love and she wants to share. Because of this, her attitude and joie-de-vivre is infectious. You just wanna give her a great big hug.

P.S. Happy (real) Birthday for last week!

Current Mood:

Je les aime mes peeps!

silk_noir

First of all, she's a writer. Writers have a certain fascination for me, because of the way their brains work. She doesn't just write fiction, but writes non-fiction as well. She writes health articles and I like reading health articles.

She's a woman of big heart and interacts with the world in an emotional way I highly approve of. She is touched by beauty and is annoyed by idiots. She has her hopes and her fears and is willing to share both. Her life is rich and I love to read about it. Her philosophy is that live is there to be lived (or life is living her). Either way, it's a fun ride.

Huzzah for the soon-to-be-new Baroness of Vatavia from the Duchess of Kneale & Countess of Wembley.

Current Mood:

I loves me peeps.

silk_noir

Reply to this post, and I'll tell you one reason (at least) why I like you. Then either put this in your own journal, or just go right ahead and send a spontaneous email to all those you like, unsolicited. Share the loff.

I have been known to, out of the blue, send a letter/email to someone telling them I appreciate them (well before they die). People need to be told this sort of thing more often.

I'm willing to pass on this meme as I think it's perfectly okay to solicit loff every once in a while; people don't always tell you how much they appreciate you because they don't know how to open such a conversation without feeling embarrassed.