Every day we make the decision to get out of bed and start the day, but what promotes a writer to choose writing in a particular genre? How much does early reading/parental guidance/availability guide us?

I would say a lot to all three having thrashed over what books I have ever read in the course of this weekend and why I happened to like them. I remember going for fairly stories from the moment I could join a library. I progressed through Agatha Christy, historical romances, fantasy and sci fi. I occasionally dip into horror and have always devoured myths. It is no surprises that I now write dark romantic fantasy, science fantasy, high fantasy, urban fantasy and science fiction.

What about you? What do you like to read/write and were the early years a part of this? 

There are some places I should not be allowed near in any circumstances. (Sometimes I get lucky and my weakness is not known so this happens anyway). Bookstores are on this list and so are crystal shops. Imagine my joy when I discovered a book I craved in a crystal store? Surrounded by crystals? This was an oh dear moment.

First on my list of lapses must go the book, Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places by Brian Haughton. Um, I can justify this as I really do need it for research for a work in progress. Even the dh thought this would be interesting and that he might like to read it also.

Then we come to the frivolous that I wanted just because. There was a little emerald, a little blue apatite, a large fluorite and it that were not enough, when we went back the following day I succumbed to the urgings of a large labradorite. This is like a butterfly’s iridescent wings and they all have healing properties for the chakra. It says so on the cards I got with them. So there!

Everyone has a vice and this is mine. I will pick up a rock from anywhere in the world we have visited and bring it home. Not polished rocks like these ones, but rocks I have found that look interesting to me. I also have a couple of geodes I haven’t cut open yet. Oh, and ok, I carry a small amethyst in my purse. Well, it is my birthstone. I will post on Pinterest next week as the light has now gone and they all look amazing with the sun shining on them. Yes, they are going in my office. Those I chose help to promote concentration and finishing projects. LOL.

This was a culmination of an amazing weekend we spent with a dear writing friend of mine and her wonderful husband. The boys get alone great, so can amuse each other while we ladies get down to book talk. Yes, we brainstormed over plots. The thing is that we know each other’s work, so it needs no explaining. We can both jump right in. It is impossible to describe the fun of that to anyone who is not a writer.

The second venture out to the crystal shop coincided with a spiritual fair, where there was a local writer selling her books. Now there is food for thought. We are thinking of teaming up to get a booth later in the summer and plugging ours. Hey, she seemed to be doing good and with two of us pulling together, maybe this will pan out nicely? Nothing ventured, nothing gained and we will be one again in the close proximity of the crystal shop. Um, the venue. The crystal shop has nothing to do with this. Really it doesn’t. (I did forgo buying an amethyst bracelet so I consider I have been very good).

Hellava lot as it happens. The primary consideration is what the home owners actually like and what will work in their area/zone.

Next comes the ideas and the mock up of several plans. This includes several 3D sketches. How else is the home owner going to know what the prospective designs look like? Not from an overhead. Overheads only work when the owner knows the product and can envisage the outcome.

Getting something that works means everyone pulls together. The product has to be right for the location and also for the home owner. Bottom line is he who pays the piper calls the tune.

This is a labor of love

I don’t know. I am guessing like everyone else. What I do feel is a change in the air. Cross genre seems to finally coming into its own and I see a lot of new books doing a remarkable job of letting in some fresh air. Steampunk sci fi, fantasy western steampunk, sci fi satire, and others that are more than awesome with no definite label.

I guess this is good news for me as my stuff has always veered towards the different. I like deep stories, with layering, so the reader can go back and find something new on each re-read. This most certainly wasn’t planned as I am incapable of outlining. I tried this on several occasions and the story just ran away from the outline, coming as it would. Perhaps this is the main joy of writing for me. I get to find out what happens as the story unfolds.

Another bright, shiny idea has surfaced. I really don’t need this. I must finish works in progress. The problem lies with soon to be published Shadow Over Avalon. Well, not a problem really, except it reminded me of plans I had way back when. I have two and a half books written in this series and a chance memory flooded back. It was designed  loosely around a tarot pack, so I have already the wand, the sword and the chalice. Now I need to complete the pentacles, but not yet. Must put down some ideas and then leave it alone until I have done the rest.

My angel book is brightening up and I have to concentrate on that as a priority and then I have two urban fantasies. Well, one, anyhow. The other steps outside the box a tad and it is calling to me strongly. Maybe I will open up three files tomorrow. That way I can bounce around if I lose momentum on one.

Oh yes, and I am redecorating my office. At some stage tomorrow I will really have to disconnect my desktop so I can unscrew the plug holder to paint there. Also the phone outlet. Once that wall is done I can move my desktop et all back into place. Chick cave is happening!

We are going plant shopping with Kid 2, who needs study perennials for a sunny area. I am starting a list already and have an idea how to cheat on the fussy ones ever so slightly. There is a special water retentive soil mix that might help. I don’t know if we will get any in, it depends if the weather holds up or not. I hope so. Afterwards, a lovely barbeque. Yeah.

My office painting will be on hold until Monday. I have one big wall almost done and the ceiling above it. No, I will not be washing out any of my brushes/rollers as it is far better to wrap them in cling film to prevent them drying out. However, I will be so glad to have this one wall done as that is where my desktop, printer, modem and router are all situated. I wants a girl cave. LOL. No, it is not dark paint, just a nice fresh very light stone color I am doing throughout the house.

On the bright side, I have had a major turn out of stuff and am building the second bag of detritus to go out. I can see there will also be stuff for a garage sale I don’t need and never will. Is there any use for a Writer’s Market Place book from 2004? Um no. That is paper, so will go in with the recycling.

Even better, we got a generator, so no more basement issues as the sump will now have power in a blackout. I have to get the electrician in to do the stuff and then we are good to go. Of course, this doesn’t protect my internet connection, which is powered by a box in the street and will automatically go down, but the water problems are now history. Yeah! The cat will be relieved as he didn’t go a bomb on his impromptu swimming lessons. LOL. 

Well, I knew today was going to suck as I had a dentist appointment and I had to clean the basement after the flood of yesterday due to a power outage. What I didn’t expect was my web to be down.

Did the usual with unplugging and replugging the router to no avail. Phones Eastlink and finds I am talking to a trainee. Goes through the motions. ‘Apparently’ this time it is my system at fault and not the general area. The condescend to send out a tech NEXT TUESDAY. I now have a temporary fix as I am tethered to my husband’s phone. My access will be limited.

To add insult to injury, the two shows I watch on tv are unavailable as the cable, also supplied by these jerks, is also down. That is another phone call for the morning.

I guess my plans for the next few days have had a radical overhaul. I will be working on my WIPs, editing and redecorating my office. I doubt if I will be getting out in my yard as it is still too soggy.

If I could find another supplier who offered unlimited access to the web, I would jump ship in a heartbeat. On average, my system goes down about forty times a year. Oh and you bet I will be asking for a refund for services not provided.

Discussions have now commenced on the cover for my next book. Ideas will come in and be considered. Suggestions will be made. All this has to come together before it ever goes to the artist. It is a fascinating process.