I'm out of town today for my aunt's birthday in Tampa, and we're taking a quick break to enjoy some literary nerdiness and drink hot chocolate.
The hot chocolate comes from Starbucks. The nerdiness comes from Peter Farb. We're taking a look at a selection from his book, Word Play: What Happens When People Talk, and have found that there is actually a rule in the English language regarding whether the G is pronounced as a hard consonant when it appears in a word that ends with ER.
For instance, Singer.
This is not a word with a hard G.
If I have this correctly, then according to Farb, the reason there is no hard G is that Singer is derived from a verb.
However, neither Linger nor Longer has a verb at its root, and therefore, we pronounce the G as a hard letter.
And there you have it. Birthday fun from my family.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Recycling and Monster trucks
There is a huge bag of bottles on my porch right now that’s waiting to be recycled. It’s enormous. I haven’t had the time to drop them off anywhere, and there unfortunately isn’t any recycling pickup at my home.
It makes for a great conversation piece.
Guests used to come by and see a tiny cloth bag hanging from the knob of the kitchen drawer, and they’d realize right away it was a collection of recycling. They’d drop their bottles and cans in there, too. No problem.
Then I hit a busy spell and wasn’t able to take the bottles anywhere, so my collection grew. Family and friends would walk by the kitchen, and I’d see them do a double-take at the overflowing group of recyclable materials before they’d ask, “Um… what’s that?”
Before too long, the bag got so large it was blocking several cabinets.
Finally, when I couldn’t open or close my dishwasher, the bag had to be moved out to the porch. Now it’s like a monster growing larger and larger. Maybe soon it will devour my home, and I’ll become part of the pre-recycled mess myself – a predictable end to the person who foolishly bred the beast. I wonder what they’ll turn me into. Paper? New shoes? A tire?
The other day, someone asked me why I don’t just take the bag to the trash. It’s massive. It’s in the way. It’s an eye-sore. It’s “just garbage,” anyway.
Okay. I’ll admit. I’ve been slacking way too much. The thing needs to go, like immediately. But I won’t just dump it in the dumpster, especially not now.
Now that I’ve managed to accumulate an impressive amount of recycling, tossing it in the garbage would feel pointless. Why did I live with those bottles and cans in my kitchen for so long if I wasn’t going to do the right thing with them?
So I’ll finally take them away this weekend, when I steal a moment to myself. It’s either that or be swallowed by the bag-o-bottles beast and processed into a monster truck tire.
That’s my excitement for the day. What’s yours?
It makes for a great conversation piece.
Guests used to come by and see a tiny cloth bag hanging from the knob of the kitchen drawer, and they’d realize right away it was a collection of recycling. They’d drop their bottles and cans in there, too. No problem.
Then I hit a busy spell and wasn’t able to take the bottles anywhere, so my collection grew. Family and friends would walk by the kitchen, and I’d see them do a double-take at the overflowing group of recyclable materials before they’d ask, “Um… what’s that?”
Before too long, the bag got so large it was blocking several cabinets.
Finally, when I couldn’t open or close my dishwasher, the bag had to be moved out to the porch. Now it’s like a monster growing larger and larger. Maybe soon it will devour my home, and I’ll become part of the pre-recycled mess myself – a predictable end to the person who foolishly bred the beast. I wonder what they’ll turn me into. Paper? New shoes? A tire?
The other day, someone asked me why I don’t just take the bag to the trash. It’s massive. It’s in the way. It’s an eye-sore. It’s “just garbage,” anyway.
Okay. I’ll admit. I’ve been slacking way too much. The thing needs to go, like immediately. But I won’t just dump it in the dumpster, especially not now.
Now that I’ve managed to accumulate an impressive amount of recycling, tossing it in the garbage would feel pointless. Why did I live with those bottles and cans in my kitchen for so long if I wasn’t going to do the right thing with them?
So I’ll finally take them away this weekend, when I steal a moment to myself. It’s either that or be swallowed by the bag-o-bottles beast and processed into a monster truck tire.
That’s my excitement for the day. What’s yours?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Late birthdays, Abandoned
This morning, as I was surfing the Internet for things about speculative fiction, I found this site. It’s an interesting read. KV Taylor blogs her thoughts about various spec fic writings she has found, and what she thinks about them.
Then, as I clicked back and back through her archives, jotting down notes about one writer or another I’d like to check out, I found… myself!
Here is what the blogger had to say last year about my short story “God Corp.,” which appeared in The Opinion Guy’s issue 13:
“Next up, sci-fi. I was going through the current issue of OG’s Speculative Fiction, and in spite of the fact that it’s a poetry issue, was struck by Irene Pynn’s God Corp. [link goes to .pdf] Look for it on pg 7. This made me particularly happy because it has a lot of classic sci-fi themes happening, but they don’t feel like a rehash. She’s making you care. Plus, it has time travel, god, and Shakespeare. I mean, what more do you want?”
That was some nice praise I had totally missed when the story was first made public. It was great to see today! Like a late birthday present.
After that, I continued avoiding my necessary plot work by narcissistically Googling myself. Only I wasn’t Googling. I was Pipling myself. I suppose that’s what we’ll call it. Twitter was all abuzz today about this site, and for good reason; it’s a fun tool.
The thing that really made me laugh was that, as soon as I Pipled myself, I clicked through a few pages and found (you guessed it), our blogger friend whom I mentioned a few paragraphs above. That was enough of a coincidence to make me send her a thank-you email for brightening my day… twice.
The fact that all my web surfing kept bringing me back to information about my own writing meant – I decided – that I really ought to be plotting instead. So I made some final decisions about the book I’ll be doing in February, grabbed some late breakfast, and then talked to myself (yes, out loud) about my protagonist while I drove across town.
And now I feel very happy to announce that, on February 1, I will begin writing a book I tentatively call Abandoned.
That is all.
Then, as I clicked back and back through her archives, jotting down notes about one writer or another I’d like to check out, I found… myself!
Here is what the blogger had to say last year about my short story “God Corp.,” which appeared in The Opinion Guy’s issue 13:
“Next up, sci-fi. I was going through the current issue of OG’s Speculative Fiction, and in spite of the fact that it’s a poetry issue, was struck by Irene Pynn’s God Corp. [link goes to .pdf] Look for it on pg 7. This made me particularly happy because it has a lot of classic sci-fi themes happening, but they don’t feel like a rehash. She’s making you care. Plus, it has time travel, god, and Shakespeare. I mean, what more do you want?”
That was some nice praise I had totally missed when the story was first made public. It was great to see today! Like a late birthday present.
After that, I continued avoiding my necessary plot work by narcissistically Googling myself. Only I wasn’t Googling. I was Pipling myself. I suppose that’s what we’ll call it. Twitter was all abuzz today about this site, and for good reason; it’s a fun tool.
The thing that really made me laugh was that, as soon as I Pipled myself, I clicked through a few pages and found (you guessed it), our blogger friend whom I mentioned a few paragraphs above. That was enough of a coincidence to make me send her a thank-you email for brightening my day… twice.
The fact that all my web surfing kept bringing me back to information about my own writing meant – I decided – that I really ought to be plotting instead. So I made some final decisions about the book I’ll be doing in February, grabbed some late breakfast, and then talked to myself (yes, out loud) about my protagonist while I drove across town.
And now I feel very happy to announce that, on February 1, I will begin writing a book I tentatively call Abandoned.
That is all.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Whirlwind
It’s been a whirlwind day, so I’ll keep this short.
I’ll be interviewed as a guest on Kim Smith’s radio show on BlogTalkRadio Wednesday, February 4. More details to come!
It’s nearly February, which means I need to finish up with my plotting for the novel I plan to work on that month. The problem is, though, that I have a couple of ideas, and it’s a bit difficult to choose between them. Maybe tomorrow I’ll magically become more decisive. But let’s not hold our breath.
I went with my family today to meet with a possible caterer for my wedding. We haven’t made our final choice yet, but the lunch was great!
That seems like everything. Back to the whirlwind I go.
(by the way, for anyone who was confused by yesterday’s post, please check out the link at the bottom!)
I’ll be interviewed as a guest on Kim Smith’s radio show on BlogTalkRadio Wednesday, February 4. More details to come!
It’s nearly February, which means I need to finish up with my plotting for the novel I plan to work on that month. The problem is, though, that I have a couple of ideas, and it’s a bit difficult to choose between them. Maybe tomorrow I’ll magically become more decisive. But let’s not hold our breath.
I went with my family today to meet with a possible caterer for my wedding. We haven’t made our final choice yet, but the lunch was great!
That seems like everything. Back to the whirlwind I go.
(by the way, for anyone who was confused by yesterday’s post, please check out the link at the bottom!)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Rabbit Hole Day, 2012
Posted December 22, 2012:
Looking back on life after the events of 2012 is a bit like looking down into moving water; everything is blurred and confusing. It’s not clear what was real and what wasn’t.
The day it all happened, my dog came home with no more hair on his body. Once a bouncy puff-ball, he was suddenly a long, thin, ferret-looking creature, and the cat was terrified.
At first sight of him, her tail grew extremely large, and she stood on her tip-toes hissing and spitting. The dog was visibly alarmed to realize that he was not actually himself anymore, so he spent the rest of the day on the couch, his little face hidden beneath his paws, and his bald body shivering under the ceiling fan.
Then the worlds ruptured.
As I was trying to comfort my dog, I looked across the room at my TV and saw a strange image – it wasn’t like a television show; the set wasn’t even turned on. No, this was more like staring through a window that had cracked open. Only the window was shaped very strangely. There were several triangular shapes all put together in a circle, almost forming what looked like a pinwheel.
Through this odd window I could just see into another world. I stood, adjusting my glasses and peering into the television. There was something there. I saw people wandering to and fro through a market square, only they didn’t appear to see me. As I sometimes do with reality shows, I automatically assumed a passive interest in their lives. Where were they going? What were they doing?
It was twelve o’clock, according to their town tower. With a shock, I saw every member of the town stop and turn to face the tall clock at the center of their village. They didn’t move. For several minutes I watched them watching the tower.
And then, at 12:12, one person – the one who seemed near enough to touch – turned and focused his eyes straight on me. I jumped back and caught my breath.
He pointed into my house. The rest of the villagers turned to face me, as well. They pointed.
I cleared my throat and tried to calm the pounding in my chest. “Wh-what do you want?”
My dog stood up from the couch. He barked three times and then leapt through the television, into the alternate world.
“Sprocket! Come back here,” I called, but it was too late. He had entered their dimension, and the window had disappeared.
Later the next day, I awoke to the sound of my cat crying. She was pacing back and forth at the front door, meowing so desperately and pitifully that I was certain she’d broken a bone. I picked her up. She was fine.
But she continued to cry, and she began to reach out at the door as though she were trying to open it herself.
I opened the door.
Instantly her cries ceased as my dog bounded inside, with just a little more hair on his body this time, and he licked the cat right on her face. She purred.
What a strange day.
Looking back on life after the events of 2012 is a bit like looking down into moving water; everything is blurred and confusing. It’s not clear what was real and what wasn’t.
The day it all happened, my dog came home with no more hair on his body. Once a bouncy puff-ball, he was suddenly a long, thin, ferret-looking creature, and the cat was terrified.
At first sight of him, her tail grew extremely large, and she stood on her tip-toes hissing and spitting. The dog was visibly alarmed to realize that he was not actually himself anymore, so he spent the rest of the day on the couch, his little face hidden beneath his paws, and his bald body shivering under the ceiling fan.
Then the worlds ruptured.
As I was trying to comfort my dog, I looked across the room at my TV and saw a strange image – it wasn’t like a television show; the set wasn’t even turned on. No, this was more like staring through a window that had cracked open. Only the window was shaped very strangely. There were several triangular shapes all put together in a circle, almost forming what looked like a pinwheel.
Through this odd window I could just see into another world. I stood, adjusting my glasses and peering into the television. There was something there. I saw people wandering to and fro through a market square, only they didn’t appear to see me. As I sometimes do with reality shows, I automatically assumed a passive interest in their lives. Where were they going? What were they doing?
BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG
It was twelve o’clock, according to their town tower. With a shock, I saw every member of the town stop and turn to face the tall clock at the center of their village. They didn’t move. For several minutes I watched them watching the tower.
And then, at 12:12, one person – the one who seemed near enough to touch – turned and focused his eyes straight on me. I jumped back and caught my breath.
He pointed into my house. The rest of the villagers turned to face me, as well. They pointed.
I cleared my throat and tried to calm the pounding in my chest. “Wh-what do you want?”
My dog stood up from the couch. He barked three times and then leapt through the television, into the alternate world.
“Sprocket! Come back here,” I called, but it was too late. He had entered their dimension, and the window had disappeared.
Later the next day, I awoke to the sound of my cat crying. She was pacing back and forth at the front door, meowing so desperately and pitifully that I was certain she’d broken a bone. I picked her up. She was fine.
But she continued to cry, and she began to reach out at the door as though she were trying to open it herself.
I opened the door.
Instantly her cries ceased as my dog bounded inside, with just a little more hair on his body this time, and he licked the cat right on her face. She purred.
What a strange day.
Monday, January 26, 2009
10 Things You Didn't Know About Your Favorite Author: Kathleen O'Brien
Kathleen O'Brien is the author of over 32 books.
10 Things You Didn't Know About Your Favorite Author -- KATHLEEN O'BRIEN
1. What is the most interesting experience you've had as a writer?
When I was researching deviant sexual practices for my romantic suspense QUIET AS THE GRAVE, I encountered some spine-chilling pictures of interesting…devices. And machines. Wow. For a former convent-school girl like me, this was a shocker. Now I just hope no one ever confiscates my computer and checks on my searches. Straight to the loony bin for me!
2. Do you own any pets? If you do, tell us about them!
I used to be a cat person, no exceptions. But then I met Lily, our new Bichon, and I flipped. Not only is she smart and cute and (something no cat has ever considered) obedient. She also is free from the two things that I'd always hated about dogs: stink and slobber.
3. Describe your most recent main character. Compare his or her appearance to celebrities or other fictional characters we know.
I just finished a Superromance that will be part of Harlequin's 60th anniversary celebration. It's called FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY, and the hero, Matt Malone, is part Irish, part Italian. He's black-haired and olive skinned, and gorgeous, of course. When I wrote him, I saw a cross between a young Al Pacino and a sober Colin Farrell…only taller!
4. What is your favorite book to read, and why?
I never get tired of reading Georgette Heyer's THESE OLD SHADES or Mary Stewart's NINE COACHES WAITING. Never. I also love Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles, but they are so hard they wear out my brain, so I need to be in the mood. The smart mood.
5. How do you decide on the names for your characters?
Main characters' names have to "feel" right. Isn't it weird how you have certain associations with certain names? The scary thing is, maybe other people have different associations. The hero in my next book, TEXAS WEDDING, is named Trent Maxwell. I hope no one associates that name with serial killers or knuckle-draggers...because Trent Maxwell is one of my favorite heroes ever! I first met Trent in TEXAS BABY, and I couldn't wait to write this sequel so that he could have his own romance!
6. Do you listen to music while you write?
I used to think I couldn't listen to anything, because it created static for my inner voice. Then I discovered Pandora.com, and found out that if the music is just my style (super corny), I can do just fine!
7. What is the strangest way you've come up with an idea for a story?
No one believes this. I have a critique group. We've been together for years, with dozens of books among us, and sometimes we get punch-drunk trying to think of something new. I have this gorgeous filigreed sterling silver nut spoon I inherited, and one night we decided to balance it on the tip of our nose while reciting possible character occupations. Whatever we were saying when the spoon dropped…we had to use that idea. I think that's why the heroine in HAPPILY NEVER AFTER, another romantic suspense, created stained glass.
8. What is your favorite city in the world, and why?
Dingle, Ireland. I'm Irish, and the air in Western Ireland just sings to me. The little beach at Slea Head, with its caves and winds and its crystal water trickling down stony cliffs, is pure magic. I received a hug on that beach that will always be the memory I use to ward off demons.
9. Describe what your plotting process is like.
I hate plotting. I always feel that I'll never, ever have another idea. Sometimes I start with no more than a tingle of curiosity. I come to the critique table and say, "I've always thought it was weird that The Dead Bride is so universally understood to be creepy. Why is that, and how can I use it?" Sometimes I have a character in mind, or a certain kind of story, but more often I just start whining, "Help me, guys!"
10. When you aren't writing, what do you like to do for fun?
Of course, like all writers, I'm a reader. I also love games--board games, card games, word games, jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, charades. Anything! I love movies and great TV shows. I love walking and traveling and museums and the theater and my iPod. I crave moving water: the beach, the lake, the ocean, the backyard fountain. Even rain. I can spend hours watching it.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Pets and Books
Well, the vacation at the beach is nearly over, and I’m actually a bit glad. It’s been lots of fun, but I woke up this morning half-expecting my dog to jump up on my belly and lick my face, asking to be let outside.
Then I felt homesick.
My pets amount to one dog, two cats, and two goldfish.
Our dog is a maltipoo (Maltese and toy poodle mix) named Sprocket, after a character in Fraggle Rock. He’s just under two years old, and his best friend is –
Coretta, our kitten. She’s a little calico we rescued from the streets, and the most loving animal I’ve ever met. When Sprocket goes outside, she cries as if her heart is breaking, and when he returns, she leaps on top of him – paws outstretched – to play. They’re absolutely perfect together.
Watching over them is our other cat, Othello. He looks like a miniature panther, and he can usually be found lounging on the couch or the tile floor, observing playtime between the others, once in a while even jumping into the fray himself. He’s my little soul mate from the animal kingdom, so we spend a lot of time together. Sometimes he sits on my keyboard to let me know it’s time to snuggle!
Frida and Pituka are our goldfish. Coretta loves to watch them from the floor. She looks up with calm interest and tilts her head from side to side, as if trying to understand why they’re in the water all the time.
So today, though I’m having a wonderful time getting away from it all, I’m starting to miss home a little. I’ll be happy to see my pets when I’m back!
I’m also getting ready for February, when I plan to do my own, personal NaNoWriMo. My goal will be to finish a first draft of my next novel before March. So that means I need to start plotting now!
If you have any thoughts about From Light to Dark that you’d like to share, I’m always happy to hear them.
Also, be sure to take a look at my silly meme answers to Heidi Ruby Miller’s “Pick Six” interview. You’ll get to learn all about my obsession with cartoons.
Then I felt homesick.
My pets amount to one dog, two cats, and two goldfish.
Our dog is a maltipoo (Maltese and toy poodle mix) named Sprocket, after a character in Fraggle Rock. He’s just under two years old, and his best friend is –
Coretta, our kitten. She’s a little calico we rescued from the streets, and the most loving animal I’ve ever met. When Sprocket goes outside, she cries as if her heart is breaking, and when he returns, she leaps on top of him – paws outstretched – to play. They’re absolutely perfect together.
Watching over them is our other cat, Othello. He looks like a miniature panther, and he can usually be found lounging on the couch or the tile floor, observing playtime between the others, once in a while even jumping into the fray himself. He’s my little soul mate from the animal kingdom, so we spend a lot of time together. Sometimes he sits on my keyboard to let me know it’s time to snuggle!
Frida and Pituka are our goldfish. Coretta loves to watch them from the floor. She looks up with calm interest and tilts her head from side to side, as if trying to understand why they’re in the water all the time.
So today, though I’m having a wonderful time getting away from it all, I’m starting to miss home a little. I’ll be happy to see my pets when I’m back!
I’m also getting ready for February, when I plan to do my own, personal NaNoWriMo. My goal will be to finish a first draft of my next novel before March. So that means I need to start plotting now!
If you have any thoughts about From Light to Dark that you’d like to share, I’m always happy to hear them.
Also, be sure to take a look at my silly meme answers to Heidi Ruby Miller’s “Pick Six” interview. You’ll get to learn all about my obsession with cartoons.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
It's cold outside!
Today I’m battling a spotty hotel Internet connection and watching classic movies on mute. It’s a brief, chilly vacation, but there’s something about being away from everything for a day or two that helps recharge the mental batteries.
Because I’m evidently out of my mind, I’ll be enjoying the Florida beaches – in windy January weather. Wish me luck!
The response I’m getting to From Light to Dark is fantastic. I’m so pleased to hear from people who enjoyed it.
If you haven’t yet been over to Heidi Ruby Miller’s page to see my “Heidi’s Pick Six” interview, give it a look! Let me know what you think.
In other news, today is my fiancé’s birthday. Happy birthday, Rob! ☺
Now, to find a sweater in my luggage so I don’t freeze on the beach…
Because I’m evidently out of my mind, I’ll be enjoying the Florida beaches – in windy January weather. Wish me luck!
The response I’m getting to From Light to Dark is fantastic. I’m so pleased to hear from people who enjoyed it.
If you haven’t yet been over to Heidi Ruby Miller’s page to see my “Heidi’s Pick Six” interview, give it a look! Let me know what you think.
In other news, today is my fiancé’s birthday. Happy birthday, Rob! ☺
Now, to find a sweater in my luggage so I don’t freeze on the beach…
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
From Light to Dark
Finally I can update again!
Welcome to the new-fangled, redesigned, risen-from-the-ashes-of-webwork-oblivion, irenelpynn.com. It’s good to have a change once in a while, I say. How do you like the new look?
There’s more to announce, so I’ll get right to that and try to keep my post short and sweet this time:
First off, the wait is over for my fantasy novel, From Light to Dark. It has been released and is available right now from Wild Child Publishing!
The people of Light World and Dark World live in fear of one another, blindly hating what they don’t understand, until Eref leaves Light World and meets the beautiful Caer—in Dark World. Suddenly, the worlds are thrown into chaos as Eref and Caer struggle to do what is right.
Marked for death, the two teens must work together against an evil institution that has kept Light World and Dark World apart for hundreds of years.
I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to send me your thoughts.
It’s very exciting to be able to announce that fellow Seton Hill University grad Heidi Ruby Miller has interviewed me for her “Heidi’s Pick Six” author series! Come learn a bit more about me here:
http://heidirubymiller.blogspot.com/2009/01/heidis-pick-six-irene-l-pynn.html
Also, I was recently honored to be the Featured Author at Golden Visions Magazine, and my short story, “Mind Reader,” was published in their print edition toward the end of 2008.
Here’s hoping that 2009 welcomes you in with open (if chilly) arms, and that you realize something wonderful about yourself this year. Happy reading, and Happy Inauguration Day!
Welcome to the new-fangled, redesigned, risen-from-the-ashes-of-webwork-oblivion, irenelpynn.com. It’s good to have a change once in a while, I say. How do you like the new look?
There’s more to announce, so I’ll get right to that and try to keep my post short and sweet this time:
First off, the wait is over for my fantasy novel, From Light to Dark. It has been released and is available right now from Wild Child Publishing!
The people of Light World and Dark World live in fear of one another, blindly hating what they don’t understand, until Eref leaves Light World and meets the beautiful Caer—in Dark World. Suddenly, the worlds are thrown into chaos as Eref and Caer struggle to do what is right.
Marked for death, the two teens must work together against an evil institution that has kept Light World and Dark World apart for hundreds of years.
I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to send me your thoughts.
It’s very exciting to be able to announce that fellow Seton Hill University grad Heidi Ruby Miller has interviewed me for her “Heidi’s Pick Six” author series! Come learn a bit more about me here:
http://heidirubymiller.blogspot.com/2009/01/heidis-pick-six-irene-l-pynn.html
Also, I was recently honored to be the Featured Author at Golden Visions Magazine, and my short story, “Mind Reader,” was published in their print edition toward the end of 2008.
Here’s hoping that 2009 welcomes you in with open (if chilly) arms, and that you realize something wonderful about yourself this year. Happy reading, and Happy Inauguration Day!
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