Walking through the Desertland

I notice that I go through periods of writing and non-writing: I'm currently in a non-writing period. It started almost four weeks ago, after I finished a rather intense chapter in EoG. I can't say that I've lost my way in that story, because I know exactly where I need to go for the next chapter. I just can't seem to get up the drive to sit down and write. I like to call this period "walking through the desertland" because that's really what it feels like. My creativity, drive and passion are all being sucked dry by the desert sun. This week it seems that I've hit an oasis of sorts. I still haven't written any further in EoG, but I have a side project that might end up being quite enjoyable.

I've never been one to give great titles to my stories, so this one is currently labeled Untitled aka the Medium. The idea came to me in stages. I've been thinking up a new character, whose name is Sebastien Corbeau, the Marquis de la Fere. He's French and so far rather mysterious. I didn't think that he would fit in in any of my current writing projects, but I was having difficulties figuring out what kind of story he'd work best in. Sunday night I had a weird dream and my dear Sebastien was in it! So I decided "hey, that's the story for him!" and started writing it down. What came out is a little disturbing and definitely not my regular thing, but I'm open to possibilities, especially since it's the first thing I've been able to write in 3 and a half weeks.

The story takes place in an alternate 18th century France. Sebastien is the chief sorcerer to the king. He is part of the clan of Tamalik sorcerers who use mediums to harness their powers. Sebastien has lost several mediums during battles. He is currently being hunted by a general who has overthrown the crown and taken over leadership of France. Sebastien is trying to restore order to France, but first he must find a new medium.

Okay, so there are a few things going on here that are very atypical for me. First, I've never written a historical story before and never thought that I would. While I specifically said this was an alternate 18th century France, I imagine that certain historical figures will still be around. That requires research of a kind I don't like to do when I write. Second, this is another fantasy story (sigh). Third, not only is this a fantasy story, but it involves sorcerers, a fantasy element I'm really not fond of. So, this begs the question, why write something I'm sure to dislike? I guess I'm hoping that, since I dreamt it, I won't dislike it, or as it continues, I'll learn to love it. I keep saying that I don't like the fantasy/sci fi literary genre, but I don't think I've really given it a chance. The majority of stories I've written have been in this genre, so there must be something about it I enjoy. But for right now, I'm not going to research stories about wizards and sorcerers, nor am I going to run out and watch The Sorcerer's Apprentice. I want to see how far I can get on my own steam.

Book Review: Devil's Bride

Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


If memory serves me right, this is the first romance novel I've read cover to cover. While the general idea of this story was hilarious, it dragged on forever and failed to engage the reader in any way. The plot was predictable and unimaginative, the mystery was easily solved within the first hundred pages. What Stephanie Laurens does do an excellent job of is character development. I loved her characters and how they interacted with one another. Though Honoria was trying at times, her interactions wtih Devil Cynster were hilarious and kept me reading. I doubt that I will continue with the Cynster series, but I'm glad I broadened my horizens.

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