Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Black Hills - Nora Roberts

I just finished listening to this a few days ago. I liked it but I think I prefer her trilogies better. It's a fairly simple reason why too. I just like getting to know the characters more thoroughly in a series. Nora Roberts writes complex characters, especially her female leads and I feel that some of them need a longer story arc to shine.

Lil was one of those characters. Dr. Lillian Chance set her mind to her life's work when she was just a child. It was fascinating to read through her childhood and young adulthood to see that purpose solidify. There was a man though. There's always a man. :o) His name was Cooper Sullivan and he was troubled as a kid. A product of a broken home, his grandparents provided the stability he longed for. He became a cop in defiance of his father's wishes and then resigned after a terrible accident over which he had no control.

Lil and Coop came together early in their 20s, too early perhaps. It didn't last. Couldn't as he had something to prove to people. Mostly himself. When he came back in his 30s, he'd proven "it" whatever it was. His new focus was to work on the farm, the only place he'd ever considered home after his grandfather was unable to do so.

As it happens, Lil came under siege because of a misguided man. They had a connection in his mind, as warped as it was. He threatened her and all she'd built. The refuge where abused animals were offered sanctuary. Her staff. Herself. Her family. All threatened due to their connection with her.

As usual, there's suspense and romance in a Nora Roberts novel. All told with that special something Ms. Roberts brings into her stories. They make me wish I could write like that. Maybe someday.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

I'm tossing myself into the creative pool again

I'm participating in NaNoWriMo. It stands for National Novel Writing Month. Basically, it's the writing equivalent of the 100 yard dash. You get one month (November) to get to 50,000 words. Once you do and your word count is verified, you win. Not money. You get the pride in yourself that you were able to achieve something that most people dream of. Writing The Great American Novel.

Some from Nano have had their novels published. Check out the website www.nanowrimo.org ... it's a great time. It's nuts and you'll make yourself crazy if you decide to participate but completely satisfying.

Maybe this year I'll actually finish. I started it last year and abandoned it as I wound up hating my characters. This year, I'm doing a series of short stories. Either way, I'm determined to make to 50K.

See you all at the finish line!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

An Echo in the Bone - Diana Gabaldon (no big spoilers)

Good EFFIN Lord! I have to wait another THREE YEARS to find out what happened? Really? REALLY?

I didn't realize how much I missed Jamie and Claire until I opened this book. I found Roger a bit whiny at first. I know he's been through a lot but I guess I don't really get how a trip back through the stones would be enough to shake the foundation of his faith and make him turn away from being a minister. Maybe I missed that part.

There was so much going on in this book. You can really see how closely Ms. Gabaldon is starting to weave the net that binds them all together. It is like that net is being slowly tightened around the characters and pulling them closer & closer to each other.

I'm not giving away too much except for the fact that I enjoyed it. The roller coaster was in effect for this one as well. I found the Lord John bits a tad boring but then I'm not a fan of his as a whole. I feel sorry for William and can't wait to find out where Jamie went and what they're up to.

OK ... really. I'm not giving away anything else. But MUST you make us wait so long for the next one?