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September 30, 2006
Good Reading: "Returning Humanity to the Fast-Food Counter"
Check out this great column at Sword Review!
Returning Humanity to the Fast-Food Counter
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I did however feel the need to add comments of my own in the forums thread on this topic. I couldn't help it; it's a topic close to my heart.
Have a good day, everyone!
Posted by Selena at 07:40 AM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2006
Show DKA the money!
It's that time. Time for DKA's annual fundraising campaign. We need $4,000 for next year's budget, so please consider reaching into your wallet and PayPal-ing us some cashola. You know we’ll love you for it.
Just think of all that great fiction and poetry you’ve been enjoying at DKA. Now's the time to show your appreciation and ensure more good reading in the future.
We appreciate any and all donations – no matter what size they come in.
You can also help by spreading the word about DKA. Blog us about us. We'd love that. (As long as you say nice things, of course. You were going to say nice things, right?)
Here's the official announcement for more information. Feel free to link to it from your website and blogs.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:24 PM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2006
DKA: "He Loves a Great Story" by Steven Jopek
Closing out September's issue is…
"He Loves a Great Story"
by Steven Jopek
Tease:
"Sandalphon encounters a woman with an incredible story. Will the telling of the tale leave them both richer for the experience or is there more to the story than it appears?"
Posted by Selena at 07:27 AM | Comments (0)
September 25, 2006
Today's Good Reading-Apologies and Insanity
Here are a couple articles that I enjoyed today. One is serious and interesting. The other is hilarious…and interesting.
Apologies Accepted? It Depends on the Offense
From The Washington Post
How to Act Insane
From WikiHow
I particularly like the warnings, like NEVER appear dangerous to yourself or others. This article had me laughing out loud. It also reminded me of this time when I was in an acting class and someone asked the brilliant and brave question: "How do you get over the fear of looking stupid?" The teacher recommended acting a little crazy in public places. Harmless crazy, of course. Don't forget those important warnings.
Posted by Selena at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)
September 24, 2006
Today's Tally
I didn't get much done today. But I did manage to accomplish a writing practice and go to church, so the day wasn't a total waste. Also, I did some work I had been putting off.
I am slowly learning to do rather than avoid. So often when I hear that still, small voice prompting me to do something I know I should do, I just ignore it. I tell myself that I'm too tired or I don't feel like doing that right now. But it's all excuses. I'm starting to realize that life will go so much better for me if when I hear that voice, I just go ahead and do what I know I should do.
Today also held a nice surprise for me. A perpetually busy friend suddenly had a little bit of time available. So we went to brunch. It was wonderful.
All in all, a very good day.
:)
Posted by Selena at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2006
DKA: "Cold Dragons" by TW Williams
Today's update brings us a story about "The Frowning Knight."
"Cold Dragons"
by TW Williams
Tease:
"Sometimes the toughest foes are the ones found within. Sir Garlach of the Crossed Hands embarks on a quest that will have him facing an evil in the present, but monsters from his past as well."
Posted by Selena at 07:35 AM | Comments (0)
September 22, 2006
Good Viewing: "The Perfect Mate"
Tonight I turned on the TV just in time to catch one of my favorite episodes of ST:TNG. It's called "The Perfect Mate" and it's the one where Picard falls in love with a empathic metamorph on her way to an arranged marriage. It's a very romantic episode. (What can I say?!? I like the mushy stuff.)
Famke Janssen, who plays Kamala (the metamorph) is unreasonably gorgeous. But she also gives a very nuanced performance as Kamala. You can see her whole demeanor change depending on who is nearby. And the electricity between Kamala and Picard is palpable. Every time I watch the episode I want them to end up together. Yet, I know that given the players and the situation it could not go any other way. So, I am happy with it even though it is a bittersweet ending.
I call that "the Marcus effect," after Marcus in B5. But that's another story.
Posted by Selena at 09:39 PM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2006
Studio 60 and "the real deal"
My new favorite TV show is Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
That doesn't surprise me really since I am a HUGE fan of Aaron Sorkin's. (Loved "Sports Night," loved "West Wing.") He is a brilliant writer. I wish I could write like that.
The show so far is very good. I love that it's so intelligent, and willing to take risks and tackle the tough topics. It's edgy, but not just for the purpose of being edgy.
The pilot deals with how art/entertainment is being strangled by the fear of offending people. It's a worthy topic. When did we get so afraid of offending people that we decided it best not to even bring up certain topics? And what on earth makes us think that hiding is the best approach to dealing with the tough stuff?
I admit I'm a little guilty of that myself, being somewhat conflict adverse. I know that sometimes I hide my opinion on things because I don’t want to get into an argument. But deep down, I know that hiding from each other just perpetuates prejudice. It keeps us separate from each other. It encourages divisiveness. It keeps us in our separate camps thinking we have nothing in common with "those people." It doesn't solve any problems; it just avoids them.
So, I'm glad to see a TV show that is willing to tell it like it is, even when that means pointing the accusing finger at the hand that feeds it. I'm glad to see a show try to grapple with big issues. I hope it’s not just a one-time thing. I hope "Studio 60" is "the real deal."
Which brings me to my favorite line from the pilot episode: Danny says of Jordan, "What if she's for real?" It reminded me of that episode of "West Wing" where Josh hears then-candidate Bartlett speak and realizes that Bartlett is "the real deal." That moment convinces both Josh and Sam to quit their current jobs and join Bartlett's campaign.
The scene always makes me wonder what exactly we mean when we say someone is "for real" or "the real deal." Whatever it is, it's a powerful thing and we know it when we see it. I think it means someone is who they say they are, that they believe in something and are willing to follow it through, to make the tough calls and do the hard work. I think it means they believe in what they are doing and are there for something more than a paycheck.
People gravitate to those kind of folks. Belief and integrity still inspire us, I think. We all want to believe we are part of something bigger, have a greater calling than just getting through the day. People who are "the real deal" give us that feeling. They also tend to bring out "the real deal" in us.
Posted by Selena at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)
Must Stop Chocolate
It's a stressful time, but I realized this morning that I am making it worse by self-medicating with chocolate. While sweets seem like a great stress-reducer in the moment, they really are NOT.
I have the headache to prove it. It's so bad that I feel barely conscious, like most of my brain has shut down for repairs—which, actually, I guess it kind of did.
I tried a nap, but it didn't work. Between the kitten who wanted to play and the people jackhammering outside my window, there was no peace and quiet to be had.
Still, I'm feeling a little better. I was able to compose this. So I guess some of my brain function has returned.
Now the plan is a healthy lunch and some tea. Then we'll see how the day goes from here.
Edited to add: Oh great, now they've turned the water off. I guess I should have expected that since they are clearly working on the water pipes out there. Hopefully it won't be for long. Good thing I have all that water chilling in the fridge.
Posted by Selena at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2006
DKA: "To Err is Human" by Ian Barker
DKA's latest offering is a bit of science fiction about the fear of excellence.
"To Err is Human"
by Ian Barker
Tease:
"Can one young boy change the path of a person's career? Michael Carson is about to find out. Truth comes in all sizes and often from places not expected."
Posted by Selena at 07:52 AM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2006
Today's Tally
I have been trying to do a writing practice everyday. So far this month, I have managed it on only nine days. But some days I have done more than one to try to make up for it.
Total practices so far this month = 16. I guess 16 out of 18 isn't bad. I'd like to get that up to an average of 1/day though.
Today I did three writing practice sessions of 30 minutes each. The writing isn't very good. I'm not even sure any of them are worth going back to. But hey, it's practice, right?
What surprises me is that every time I sit down to do a writing practice the prompt turns into some sort of a story, or at least a story fragment. It’s not always good. But something always comes out, and that is kind of amazing to me. And reassuring somehow.
Posted by Selena at 09:03 PM | Comments (0)
Column Up: "Freedom"
My latest column is up.
Check it out if you're interested. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)
Not Sleeping
I was so tired that I went to bed early. But after two hours of not being able to fall asleep, I gave up. I figured that if I was going to be awake, I might as well get up and get some work done.
I've been working for over an hour and I'm still not sleepy.
Grrr.
What can I say? It's a stressful time. There is plenty to lose sleep over.
But at least all the driving I had to do today went fine. It was a lot of driving, about three hours worth. That's a lot for someone like me who drives maybe once a year.
I was really nervous about it, but it turned out fine. No car accidents. Not even any trouble finding parking spaces at the stops on my journey. Just a little getting…well, not lost, but off my directions. I managed to find my way back to the roads I knew and get back on track though.
So, thank God for a good driving day!
Posted by Selena at 12:13 AM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2006
Losing the Spam War
Well, even with Friends Only settings, my blogs at SR and DKA are getting trackback spam. So I am not using them anymore. I have changed the settings so that only I have access to view or reply to posts. We'll see if that works.
Honestly I don't think it will. I will probably end up having to delete those blogs. That would be a shame. I hate to lose all the old, valid comments from the nice people at SR and DKA.
Posted by Selena at 07:33 AM | Comments (0)
September 16, 2006
Still Getting Spam
I am still getting spam posted to my SR and DKA blogs, despite my best efforts. So I am now restricting access to those blogs to Friends only. If you'd like to be added to my Friends list, just PM me from SR or DKA. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: Battle at Engorlash by John K. Patterson (w/ illustration)
Next up is an action-packed story, complete with dragons and magic.
Battle at Engorlash
by John K. Patterson
Tease:
"A brutal enemy is about to arrive. One of the most ferocious beasts on Earth will lead the attack. A desperate army struggles to defend their kingdom, with little if any hope. A vital settlement hangs in the balance. And the only one who can turn the tide is a young wizard who doesn't yet recognize his true value."
Accompanying this story is an illustration by E. J. Mickels.
Posted by Selena at 07:42 AM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2006
Good Fiction-"Chasing the Great Sky Dog"
Looking for something good to read? Try Keesa's latest story at Sword Review…
It's a wonderful story! A retelling of an old Russian myth, I think. Great stuff.
Posted by Selena at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2006
Quotes of the Day/More MercyMe
I am really enjoying that MercyMe CD: "Coming Up To Breathe" by MercyMe.
Some of my favorite parts seem to be improvised bits at the ends of songs, like this at the end of "No More No Less:"
"I hope you stare just long enough to see
The heart that's beating here inside of me
Beyond all of the things you may think you know
I'm just a kid trying to make it home that's it
No more no less
Lord I want to go home
Nothing more nothing less
I just wanna go home
Nothing more nothing less
Oh there's no place like home
Nothing more nothing less
I just wanna go home
Nothing more nothing less"
I love that part.
Half of that isn't even in the printed lyrics.
Then there's this brilliant chorus from "Bring the Rain:"
"Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus bring the rain."
Then the end of the song is a wonderful, extended riff on this line:
"Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty"
Posted by Selena at 02:25 PM | Comments (0)
September 13, 2006
Meet Madeline
There is a new cat in my life. She is a three-month-old kitten named Madeline.
We adopted her a few weeks ago. She was sick for a little while with an upper respiratory infection she caught in the shelter before we took her in. One of my other cats got sick shortly after but with a gastrointestinal virus. The only cat that wasn't sick was the diabetic one. He was also the only one who didn't fight taking his meds. For a while there, "med and meal" time was a drama of eight different treatments for three different cats. What an ordeal! When I write my autobiography that will be the chapter called "My Life as a Veterinary Nurse."
Thankfully both of the sick kitties are better now. That of course means Madeline is now acting like the kitten she is -- running around the house, climbing on any and every piece of furniture, and constantly getting into trouble. Which is as it should be. I just wish I could break her of the habit of running across my keyboard on her way to the next exciting adventure.
The shelter called her breed "domestic medium hair," but she looks exotic to me. She has a really unusual face, and watch out for those ear tufts! (Who knew a cat could have such long ear hair?!)
Here's her picture so you can see for yourself:
Posted by Selena at 12:31 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2006
NaNo is Coming
I got an email yesterday reminding me that NaNoWriMo is a mere seven weeks away. Gotta get my subconscious to work on an idea for a new novel.
I'm thinking maybe I'll go the fantasy route this time, or maybe a romance. Hmm, we'll see.
I had so much fun with National Novel Writing Month last year that I'm looking forward to doing it again this year.
Better start planning though, and clearing my schedule for November.
For more info on NaNoWriMo, visit their website. I encourage everyone to sign up and participate.
Posted by Selena at 10:30 AM | Comments (1)
DKA: "El Remedio" by Marguerite Croft
Today's update is an unusual tale about the things we depend on.
"El Remedio"
by Marguerite Croft
Tease:
Nothing seems to be going right for Elsie, a first-year anthropology graduate student. Her classes are a disaster and she can't seem to get a handle on her research.
Enter Pel, star barrista of the magical coffee shop, El Remedio.
Can he bring Elsie success and make her a star?
Posted by Selena at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2006
Got another YES from Long Story Short
My email brought me happy news today…
…another YES from Long Story Short.
(They recently published a story of mine called "Autofill".)
This new story, "The Author," is scheduled for their January 2007 issue. I think all you writers out there will really enjoy it. I'm just sorry it's such a long wait.
I'll let you know when it is up.
Nothing like a little external validation to keep you going.
Posted by Selena at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
September 09, 2006
Quote of the Day (from Buffy)
I have gotten hooked on "Buffy, The Vampire Slayer." (Yet another TV show that I didn't watch until it was cancelled and released on DVD. Hmm, I wonder what that is about.)
The show is very quotable, which isn't surprising since it is the brainchild of "Firefly" creator Joss Whedon.
Anyway, here is my favorite quote from an episode I watched last night.
"Don't speak Latin in front of the books."
I love how it sounds like "Please don't feed the animals," as if books are wont to do all manner of crazy things if you feed them Latin.
For the surrounding dialogue, episode name, and more fun quotes, check out this very cool Buffy quotes site.
Posted by Selena at 09:56 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Fang of the Serpent" by Scott M. Sandridge
Our next offering is an action-packed story by Scott M. Sandridge.
Tease:
"The Thain twins have settled in the small town, Sorac, and have begun building a means to smuggle escaped slaves out of Vangaard. But Yavar is visited by the high priest, Varash, who delivers an ultimatum: turn in her brother or the entire town will suffer the wrath of Emperor Argazihm."
You may remember Scott's previous stories in DKA: The Price of Freedom, The Oathkeeper Destiny, and Marian's Test.
Enjoy.
Posted by Selena at 08:09 AM | Comments (0)
September 07, 2006
Writing, but not much
I haven't been writing much lately. Just a short (30 minute) writing practice everyday, just to keep my hand in it a little. And even that has been a struggle.
My writing lately has been a little strange. It keeps turning out very different from what I usually write. I find myself writing about darker topics, unlikable characters, and points of view I don't usually write in.
It seems lately that I start with a writing prompt but the story quickly veers in another direction, as if it had something else entirely to say. By the end, the prompt's topic is usually incidental, just some odd phrase or detail that started things off but didn't really have any importance to the story itself.
I don't know quite what to make of it. Writing and I are in a strange place right now. The fun seems to have gone out of it. I don't seem to have anything to say. Fresh ideas seem impossible to find.
One thing is for sure—I have been terribly unproductive lately.
I keep hoping that will change.
Posted by Selena at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2006
DKA: "Dedication" by T. L. Morganfield
We begin September with…
"Dedication"
by T. L. Morganfield
Tease:
In a world where the Aztec empire never fell, human sacrifice still thrives and an entire class of people are cloned to provide the gods with a never-ending flow of blood and devotion. Quicaltia, who doesn't subscribe to the long-held dogmas of blood sacrifice, never expected to meet his own Omitzmahuizyoti--"He Who Honors You"--the man meant to "feed the gods" in his name. But when he meets him for the first time just days before the sacrifice, Quicaltia is determined to save him from what he considers an "unnecessary death."
Posted by Selena at 08:04 AM | Comments (0)
September 04, 2006
MercyMe and "One Trick Pony"
Lately I have been listening a lot to a CD I bought on a whim. I had never heard of the group, never heard a single one of their songs. But I was buying CDs and picked it up anyway. I'm so glad I did.
The CD is called "Coming Up To Breathe" and it's by MercyMe. I guess it's Christian Rock, or something. I'm not good with genres. ITunes calls it "Gospel and Religious."
Whatever it is, it's wonderful. I have several favorite songs already.
Top choice is "One Trick Pony." It's got such a fun, happy rhythm. Plus I love the playful riff on how you can only have one master.
Here are some choice lyrics:
I'm a one trick pony if you will
I got a one track mind with a heart that's real
And don't forget I've got tunnel vision
For something much bigger than superstition
Call me hard headed for the One that changed me
Say what you will it will not phase me
No need for anything up my sleeve
There's just one thing that I'll ever need
You are my one and only
You are my one and only
Oh I'm a one trick pony
I also really love "So Long Self," "Hold Fast," and "Bring the Rain."
Maybe I'll post some choice lyrics from those songs later.
In case you can't tell, I heartily recommend this CD: "Coming Up To Breathe" by MercyMe.
Posted by Selena at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)