Thursday, October 20, 2011

Exhausted

I've been in a serious funk lately. My job is completely, utterly draining on my psyche. It's all I can do to get through the day without screaming at someone. By the time I get home, I'm so exhausted I can barely drag my butt into bed to crash. This time of year always brings out the worst in me, but it usually doesn't start until November 1, so I'm not sure what the problem is right now. What I do know is that there seems to be a rash of Brief Psychotic Bipolar issues in this town right now- basically that means people are freakin nuts! And they all seem to think it's my fault. I'm tired of walking on eggshells and trying to kiss ass to people, but I have to cuz if I don't they'll try to beat me up. We've been so short staffed that this would result in a gang of psychotic people trying to kill me while the nurse fumbles with inaction. The joys of working in Psych.
I still have hives, and no one can figure out why. It's frustrating and extremely itchy.
Top it off with my mother telling me she doesn't like the beginning to Changed, and well- I'm in a funk. I keep trying to remind myself that she didn't like Zombie War either, and that seems to be a hit, so she may not be the right person to critique my work. I don't know. I know that I miss my old coworkers, the ones that would read my rough drafts and threaten my life if they didn't get more. It's good for the soul to know that people like my stories. Watching someone read my work is one of my favorite things. Even if they don't particularly like it, I like watching the emotions cross their face as they read. To know I struck some chord with my writing makes me smile. I miss that.
Sorry for the downer, I just thought ya'll would like to know what's been going on and why you haven't heard from me in a bit. I keep trying to get into a positive place, but it has been evasive lately. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. :) ttyl

Friday, October 14, 2011

Don't Fear The Reaper

This book was great! I have to be honest, I got a little irritated at Keely's inability to cope with being dead. I mean, I get it, it's a traumatic thing. It's just, I would have liked her to have gotten a handle on it a lot earlier. It was as if we were going on a journey with the character, but focusing on the holy crap I just killed myself and there's no going back part and ignoring the vast unknown that's ahead of us. I loved Daniel instantly, and continued to enjoy him throughout the book. I'm still on the fence about Banning.
Michelle did an excellent job of creating a world and characters that I could connect with emotionally. I felt free to like and dislike characters and actions as if I were actually there observing them. The emotional turmoil Keely has from realizing the truly selfish nature of suicide was amazingly written. I couldn't imagine walking into that tub scene if I were her parents! Wow.
All in all, I would recommend this book to my friends. I enjoyed it, and hope there's a sequel that has more to do with Daniel. I'd love to know what happens to him now.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

slammed

My life has been crazy this month. First I helped a good friend with her gram who has Alzheimer's, then my folks came to visit for the weekend, and I started allergy shots. I'm FINALLY back on my normal schedule, but behind on the writing. :'( So very sad about that. I'm not going to make my self imposed October publication deadline. I'm not even finished typing up the 20+ pages I have written, let alone started editing anything after Chapter 6. I'm trying though. I want to publish a good version, continue to improve as a writer. You guys deserve a good sequel. I promise, I'm working my tushy off to get a quality book out for you!
Work has been miserably awful, by the time I get home I'm so physically exhausted and mentally drained, I haven't been able to do anything extra. Things are getting better though.
My wedding anniversary is in 5 days. I can't believe we've been married 7 years already. Some days it seems like yesterday, others feel like an eternity.
My favorite holiday is coming up- Halloween! I can't wait! We're going to Disney this year to celebrate. I've been working on my costumes along with the book and cover. All three should be great. :)
I'm very excited about the cover for Changed. I should have it finished this weekend, and will try to get it and the first chapter up for your opinions by Saturday.
Happy reading, I'm going to bed.