Perhaps you remember me…..

Oh, oh hello there again…

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I’d like to be able to tell you that I’ve been focused on my book, and there have been flashes of that. But there has also been these things….

Valentine's Day Cake

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There’s been a little of this:

Jack helping me write.

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And, of course, we can’t forget Sookie:

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Senorita Sookie Pants

Isn’t she lovely?

Sookie’s a lot less trouble than Jack (when I’m writing), but I can’t post just a picture of Jack and leave Sookie out.  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are pretty needy little dogs.  Jack, whenever he can get a chance, will curl up basically on top of my head.  Often when I write, he worms between my back and the couch.  This is ok though.  He’s a living heating pad and a snuggler at the same time.  I pretty much love it.  Sookie, on the other hand, stakes out the spot right next to me and guards it.  She’ll mostly snuggle with too many licks.  Sometimes she likes my computer or the mouse if she can’t get me.

There’s also been a lot of trying to get my life together for Foster Care.  For those of you who don’t know, I’ll be a foster parent soon with the intention of eventually adopting.  Which is why, of course, I should be writing, writing, writing to get my book done before I add a toddler to my life.  I’ve decided to leave when my child comes into my life in the hands of God though.  He knows best, and I wouldn’t be pursing adopting this way without flashes of inspiration that have led me to this choice.  Also, I don’t have any control, so it’s up to Him anyway.  But that’s a long story for another time…

My plan isn’t for this blog to be only about writing despite my few posts being about the book, but my life goes something like this right now.

Work/ Family/ Church

With flashes of either:

Not writing and feeling guilty

OR

Writing, but wishing I was napping cause I’m so tired from Work/ Family/ Church

I haven’t been doing much reading lately, but I have been listening to The Stand by Stephen King who sets his novels up rather like Anthony Trollope or George Eliot–and that’s just delightful.  I’m not a big Stephen King reader.  In fact, I’ve read two books by him before this one.  I read Firestarter when I was far, far, far too young, and it scarred me.  Let’s just say that, to this day, I check behind me before cleaning out a garbage disposal.

Which is why until I read On Writing, I hadn’t read anything else by him.  But On Writing made me cry, and I thought if this man can wring tears from me in a non-fiction book, then I’ll give another of his books a chance.  Clearly, however, I couldn’t read a horror novel.  I’m not ashamed to say I’m a baby.  I also often dream about what I read, and I don’t particularly enjoy nightmares.  So,The Stand. Despite needing to skip a few scenes, I have truly enjoyed it thus far.

I’ve also read Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit.  There’s no real explanation for reading this except I liked the cover and got a cheap hardcover.  It was ok.  I bought the first few for dirt cheap, so I’ll probably read the rest of the series, but I won’t be reading it next.  The author’s voice snaps through occasionally.  How do I keep this from happening to me?  For my test readers, save me please.  Save me from myself.

But if there were just 1 book I could get you to read, it would be Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor.  I’ve read two of her books so far.  (The other was Blackbringer.)  And they were each so outstanding, I can’t help but push the reading of her every chance I get.  Beautiful, beautiful writing.  Lovely stories that never snap you out of the story.  If you can be in love with an author from her book and her blog, I’m in love with Laini Taylor.  I love her pink hair.  I love that her husband is an artist.  I love that she too loves Portland.  I love her kid, who looks amazing.  I love her house, and her decorating style.  Since she lives in Portland, I have to force myself not to stalk her.  But Laini Taylor, if you read this someday, I love you.  🙂

I have firm policies about saying what my favorites books are (they have to last the test of time), but right now, Laini Taylor’s work is creeping up my list of favorites which go something like this:

Harry Potter

Jane Austen (minusMansfield Park)

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Dare I say Laini Taylor?  Maybe Laini Taylor.

Definitely Roald Dahl.  The BFG is freaking genius.

Anyhow, that’s all for now.  Despite all evidence to the contrary, I’m alive.  I hope you are too—-

~Amanda

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