I'm judgy that way
Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 8:34AM I'm supposed to be writing a novel, because clearly I'm insane and signed up for NaNoWriMo. Just as clearly I'm NOT writing a novel, I'm letting you know what I think about some stuff. But quickly, so I can get back to not writing that novel.
An Echo In The Bone, by Diana Gabaldon: I think she's trying to make up for the fact that she's been dragging the Outlander series on for SEVEN BOOKS NOW, and that the last two were kind of 'meh'. Because this one is full of action and plot and lots of juicy bits, and I was actually anxious for the characters a lot. But then she kind of tacked a plot device onto the end in very abbreviated fashion, something that could have been much more interesting and extended, and left another part completely hanging, which she's never done before. Usually she tidies everything up and leaves her characters poised on the edge of a brand new day. So if you hate cliffhangers, wait until the last one is out so you can keep reading.
President's Choice "Spelt with Red Pepper" side dish: I don't know what made me decide my family was lacking in spelt, but I bought this a while ago. Hubby finally cooked it this past week, and by 'cooked' I mean 'added the obscene amount of water as directed and then obsessed over how long it was taking to boil off, finally gave up and made Stove Top Stuffin''. It did, in fact, absorb all the water eventually and was pronounced as 'um, well, not bad'. I thought it was gross. If you are medically required to ingest more spelt, for some reason, then it would be tolerable, but when you're perfectly able to eat something more palatable (like Stove Top Stuffin'), I would recommend doing so. Sorry, PC, I normally like your stuff, I guess I just don't dig spelt.
The E.N.D., Black Eyed Peas: I keep waiting for this album to grow on me, but it's not, really, other than a few songs. Also, BEP has never had to 'grow on me' before, it just grabs and shakes. I'm saddened by this, but perhaps I'm just not their target market anymore?
Chic Gamine, Chic Gamine: This, on the other hand, has TOTALLY grown on me. It was released in 2008 but, they're Canadian so maybe not too many people have caught on yet? Anyway, beautiful vocals and happy music.
Relator, Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson: I thought, really? Scarlett Johansson? But this tune is endearing and her voice is sweet and bluesy. I haven't listened to the whole album yet (Break Up), so I can't pass judgement, summary or otherwise.
Wiped! (Life With a Pint Sized Dictator), by Rebecca Eckler: I'm probably late to the party on this one. I got it from my Mom, who got it from her cousin with the comment, "Keely's blog is much better."* Which, y'know, made me blush and mumble something demur-ish. I'm half way through it, and while I don't make any claims to be a better writer, I can kind of see what she meant. It's not exceptional - it says nothing regarding new motherhood that a thousand women haven't said before. It's, at best, mildly amusing. Also, it's hard to feel empathy for someone who has a full-time nanny and two months in Maui, y'know?
The 2009 Hallowe'en Event on City of Heroes: Every year my fave MMO has a 'Hallowe'en Event', which usually includes trick-or-treating for loot and badges. This year they added a zone event for more badges, which is cool. It's okay. I just wish they'd do something, y'know...spooky.
Help I'm Alive, Metric: Help, I can't get this song out of my head.
That is all. I got this 'summary judgement' idea from Becky at Suburban Matron. You should try one, it was very cathartic.
please do share, summary judgements
Reader Comments (19)
I did nano four years ago...and now I call myself a novelist. Trust me even weirder things can happen. You can do it. Remember it's about quantity not quality during this month and you'll fine because you can re-work the good parts later.
Outlander - I loved her other ones and waited so anxiously for this one but eh. I'm not really liking it and gave up after several chapters (after skipping over all the Lord John and his son chapters. HOnestly I'm not interested in THEM. Give me Jamie and Claire :)
Just to show my total lack of international exposure, what the heck is spelt? I have never heard of it.
I did the post a day last year and once was enough. Haven't tried the novel though. Maybe next year.
Hmmm, I was so so so looking forward to Echo. I actually havnen't started it yet because when I heard it was coming out I decided to re-read all of them Outlander and Voyager were by far my faves. RIght now I'm on Breath of snow, I was hoping Echo wouldn't be "ehh" but come on, Jamie is in his 50s after all. My hubby is in his 50s too.. I already know what that's all about. And well, I'm not that excited about Brie and Roger OR Lord John and Willy. BUT I'll still give it a go and see what happens...
I'm a HUGE Gabaldon fan, but I had a hard time keeping up with the five-sided plot in Echo. I love Lord John, really, but his 'voice' in the books is kind of... meh. Same with William. But the twist at the end was very OMGWTF I HAVE TO WAIT HOW LONG FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!? Gah.
Wow... a novel in a month?? You go girl.
Help, I'm Alive has been rattling around in my head for quite some time, as well. Damn you, Metric!
Stop procrastinating and write your damn book.
Good luck on the novel!
I haven't read any of the Outlander books.I signed up for a book club and their first selection was An Echo In The Bone. I couldn't finish it. Should I start from the beginning? Are they that good?
Great judgments. That ScarJo song is totally addictive! Great music recs all around.
I failed NaNoWriMo two years in a row, it didn't help that I had zero planning and that the entire month is encapsulated between Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Good luck giving your inspiration a swift kick to the ass.
I've decided I'll not attempt nano cause I know I'll fail miserably. Hope you learn something from the process! And yes, your blog is better than most 'new motherhood' books!
So wait, you're not doing NaNoWriMo? What about our blood pact?? (I fell off the NaNoWriMo wagon day 1.)
I'm having enough trouble managing NaNoBLOMo....let alone writing a damn novel. I'm also still waiting for BEP's new album to grow on me...so that tells me that either we're both old farts who they aren't trying to target anymore or they just suck ass this time around.
This is a good idea, I might try it later in the week!
I joined NaNoWriMO too. I don't know waht I was thinking. After two days, I've got 1,000 words.
and I'm reading blogs instead of writing.
I am working my way up to NaNoWriMo by doing NaBloPoMo. :)
I went to see Diana last month and I love love love her!! I'm sad to hear you don't love the new book! Eh, you can't have them all be great. I haven't started it yet, it's on my library list and should have it next month or so...
Since you love Rebecca Eckler so much, check out
www.twitter.com/ninegrambrain
Fun parody site for all those who miss the original ninegrambrain blog.
You nailed Echo dead on. It was so not worthy of her previous books. Lord John needs to keep to his novellas and quit taking so much time away from Jamie, Claire, Brie and Rog. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO LITTLE JEM????? I am dying and I detest cliff hangers. Quite the impatient fan here.
While I LOVE the characters in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, I am still struggling to get through Voyager. I am learning that those books are just books I will have to be in the specific mood and right frame of mind to read. I don't find them boring or bad, just hard to get through.
Good luck with NaNo.