My Novels

Tuesday, October 22, 2002

I'm trying to focus on writing a novel in November, (for the NanoWrimo website) but it's difficult to manufacture drama when so much of it is happening LIVE. I'm referring, of course, to the Beltway sniper who has continuously killed random people in that area for nearly a month now. We do have our own psychos here in the USA, and I believe this is one of them. I don't think there's a Muslim terrorist link; rather, this is a lone guy who is taunting the police and FBI profilers. I can't help but follow the latest news developments, because though repulsive, it is somewhat fascinating. Or at least if you are a writer, you would find it interesting, in that we are always keenly observant of human behavior, deviant or otherwise.

Today I had an idea that the sniper might be either accompanied by a woman who drives the vehicle after shootings, allowing the male sniper to hide in the trunk or something. OR perhaps the sniper actually dresses as a woman, and passes the roadblocks easily, since the cops are looking for a male in a white van. I don't think the sniper is in a white vehicle at all. At any rate, the fear factor is at work big-time there in that whole region. I do think the sniper will be caught, unless he/she/they stop abruptly and go elsewhere.

As for myself, I'm still dieting and keeping a more regular journal on that HERE. I went to the library today, got some good novels (I think!). I also go on my daily bike ride, which is still a good workout. I've seen so many supernatural movies lately that they are all starting to seem the same. However, I consider this background research for my novel.

Also, I have noticed that many movies starting around 1999 up to the present seem to have 'twist endings' where the protagonist is either dreaming or living in a virtual reality world (Vanilla Sky, The Matrix) or mentally ill (A Beautiful Mind)....and it isn't revealed until near the end of the movie. I wonder if this theme doesn't reflect how our virtual worlds on the net, and computer games, etc. have begun to influence us as to what is actually REAL compared to our imaginary worlds? This is a trend that might be parallel to a societal problem... Just some random thoughts on that idea.

Got to go. More one of these days when I have time for this blog!

Tuesday, October 08, 2002

Oh. My. God!

I'm sitting here using my laptop, and watching the Oprah Show. Apparently a bunch of women were offended by an earlier episode in which an author wrote about the downside of being a mother. Well, these perfect moms are sounding off at the other women who were honest enough to state facts. Talk about denial, yep...that's what the so-called perfect moms are into. I mean, there is no way that being a mom is always a grand, ideal experience. This one woman said that if women believed all the downside of motherhood, none would have children. So what? The world is overpopulated anyway, and what would be the harm in some women NOT breeding?

I'm here to say that I chose NOT to have children, and I do not have ANY regrets. So take that, you nutcase-in-denial moms!

Happy to report today that I'm making progess on gathering material/background/research for the novel I'll be writing in November as part of the NanoWriMo website challenge. I went to the library today, got some books on supernatural folktales of the South for reading and perhaps to inspire some twists in my plot. I also got a good book on creativity, "Marrying Your Muse" by Jan Phillips. Hope it keeps me centered, and renews my dedication to the fiction craft.

We're having great weather, in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. Nice for biking, but I didn't go on the ride this morning due to the park being unavailable. There's some workmen replacing the light posts, and I've had to ride on the hilly streets for a week, which has caused my knees/legs to ache...so I skipped today. Maybe I'll go tomorrow, and can ride in the park.

My two black kittens, now six months old, are at the vet being neutered. I called earlier, and the assistant said they did fine, and I could come get them tomorrow. I miss the little critters, though it's easier on me with them gone...taking care of NINE cats is a job. But I love each and every one, and would miss them terribly now.

There's weird news lately: a sniper on the loose around Washington D.C. Has killed 8 people so far, and who knows where or when he/she will strike again. I've always thought I'd like to write a serial killer novel, and had never even imagined a serial sniper, such as this one rampaging now. Perhaps it will give me some ideas. I hope they catch him soon though.

More later from the mad, mad world of the USA!