Scotland

Back in May I spent 5 days in Scotland with my husband. Here are some of our pictures from our favourite spots.

Edinburgh Castle

Sunset in Edinburgh

Wallace Monument, Stirling

Lavender Harvest

Early this morning I collected some of the first lavender blossoms from my garden. So excited, can't wait for them to dry so I can hang them in my bathroom.

The changing face of the antagonist

They are the bread and butter of our novels – without the antagonist, be it a person, being, natural event, it is not a story unless we as writers give it breath of life. But things are changing.

I was reading a story online about how characters in film are grossly misunderstood – the recognition that antagonists have mental issues. What was seen as a way to create the edgy and unpredictable villain, we are now looking at ways to help them. Be it bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, anything goes but to victimize them and portray them as anything but evil is now drawing frowns and the typical finger wagging to say that it is unacceptable and politically incorrect. Did someone just call HR?

So next time when you have to decide if your hero or heroine will wield a sword in defense against evil or not, consider having them pass the villain a tissue box and say, “Let’s talk... what’s really going on inside. I’m here to help.” Don’t forget to add the anguished expression with crumpled brows that expresses heightened levels of empathy and forgiveness.

Don’t get me wrong – mental issues are a serious and neglected health concern. I battle depression on a daily basis along with anxiety. Trust me, my social skills are pathetic and underdeveloped (thanks mom and dad) so my poor husband has to deal with my constant need to hide under the covers and avoid the world. Many suffer far worse in silence. My point is that you cannot stray from human complexity that includes the many layers of mental issues when it comes to creating characters with whom we are to relate to on some level or another – and sometimes they will hold similar traits as those we know so well, ourselves.

Watch this video - this is inspiration

http://vimeo.com/67992157

what is it that you love to do?

Hiatus

It saddens me to announce my hiatus from writing Hearthstone (Bloodlust #2). I’ve reached a point where I feel I need to take a break – the story has long lingered in my mind that the speed of the way I write cannot keep up and thus it has lost its essence. I need to enjoy the summer and pursue other projects in the meantime. I presume I would pick up again in the fall – the season of change. I still owe you an excerpt but the one I want to share is not written yet – that day will come soon, I promise.

My trip to London

Just a few weeks ago I spent five days in London, England. My husband and I saw the Tower of London (my fav), Sherlock Holmes Museum (next week's posting), Harrod's, and so much more.
Here are some pictures:

Tower Bridge

Saw the amazing Crown Jewels of England. We were not allowed to take any photos of the jewels themselves. It was very crowded but worth the wait in line.

Tower of London - a must see in London. Saw where Anne Boleyn was executed and many more.

At a nearby pub - fish & chips and beer.

Next week I will share my photos of Stonehenge. 

Summer Picnic

The last few summers I have been bogged down with work and house reno's that this year I promised to enjoy the few months of summer we have here in Canada - of course Environment Canada announces that this summer will be below average. Nevertheless, over the weekend my husband and I had a little picnic in our backyard on one of the most beautiful days to help kick off the summer. The goal is to enjoy the amazing weather on a budget - we made lunch and sat under the pear tree, didn't need to spend a dime and we could enjoy a glass of wine too (drinking in public is illegal here).

Been a while...

...since I've written anything for this blog - so sorry for those who are following. It has been a crazy month and I have much to discuss. A few topics to look forward to over the next few weeks:

• Trip to London, England (castles, churches, food, culture)
• Trip to Scotland - why would I not go there if in London
• My Toronto (a short rant of sorts)
• Bloodlust Series Book #2 Update + Excerpt
• Summer Is Here!!! How I plan to enjoy the weather but possibly fail (like my 5k goal)
• Day Job antics - how little I care about it yet it dictates my mood on a daily basis