31
Oct
One of my favorite things about Halloween is the plethora of horror movies on TV. Unfortunately, this year’s offerings have been a bit of a disappointment, in my opinion (no matter what a certain network’s promos would lead you to believe).
I’m not into the slasher films like Friday the 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street or the other iconic horror flicks of their ilk, so there’ll be no marathons involving Jason or Freddie at my house. But give me a movie featuring vampires, ghosts, or werewolves, and I’m good to go! And if you can throw in a creepy kid as the villain–even better!
Now, if (like me) you’re looking for something fun to watch after the trick-or-treaters have packed it in for the night but just can’t find anything while flipping through the channels, don’t be afraid to go digging back through the decades for some oldies but goodies. Or even go out on a limb and try a foreign horror film (with subtitles, natch).
If you need some ideas, here are a few of my faves:
1) The Changeling starring George C. Scott
2) Silver Bullet starring Corey Haim
3) Bram Stoker’s Dracula starring Gary Oldman
4) House of Wax starring Vincent Price
5) The Bad Seed starring Patty McCormack
6) The Omen (1976 version) starring Gregory Peck
7) Gin gwai (The Eye) starring Angelica Lee
8) House on Haunted Hill (1959 version) starring Vincent Price
9) John Carpenter’s Vampires starring James Woods
10) The Fall of the House of Usher starring Vincent Price
Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive. I’m also a fan of some of the more mainstream movies like Underworld (the Director’s Cut), the Blade series, the various zombie movies (even though they seriously freak me out), and all the campy, low-budget movies that show up on cable every weekend. But if you want to watch a quality film that will give you the chills this Halloween, give one from my list a try.
And, most importantly, have a safe and happy Halloween!!
26
Oct
Well, I’ve finished yet another round of revisions on my angels and demons project!
I set it aside last February while I finished Red, knowing that I needed to cut the word count quite a bit and flesh out a couple of plot points that were still nagging me. Turns out this was a wise move. After having set it aside for a few months, I was able to go back in and give the manuscript the tough love it needed to tighten it up and make the story more solid. Sadly, that meant cutting some of my favorite scenes–and even a couple of characters. But it was all for a greater good, so it was worth it. (And, who knows? Maybe these scenes will get a second chance at life in a manuscript later down the road.)
Unfortunately, I still need to cut about 4,000 words before I can start seriously shopping it to agents and am at a loss as to where else to trim. So, I’m shipping it off to one of my Beta readers in hopes that she can point out some additional deadweight that can be jettisoned for the good of the story.
I was thrilled with the way this story turned out when I first wrote it, and am even happier with it now. Here’s hoping an agent feels the same way when I start shopping it!
I’ll keep you posted. 
17
Oct
I’m going to depart from my usual stumping of paranormal and fantasy romances to give a shout-out to my fellow MWW alum, D.E. Johnson. His first novel, The Detroit Electric Scheme: A Mystery, just came out in September, and Dan is finishing up the last few dates of his book tour this month.
I had a chance to hear Dan speak about his journey to publication at the Midwest Writers Workshop this summer and was intrigued by the premise of his book. I haven’t read The Detroit Electric Scheme yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list!
If you’d like the chance to meet Dan and get a signed copy of his book, here are the remaining dates of the tour:
Monday, October 18 at 7:00 PM – M is for Mystery, San Mateo, CA
- Reading, Book Sales & Signing
Thursday, October 21 at 7:00 PM – The Bookman, Grand Haven, MI
- Reading, Book Sales & Signing
Friday, October 29 – Sunday, October 31 – Magna Cum Murder, Muncie, IN
- Panel participation, Book Sales & Signing
Best wishes to Dan on his debut novel — here’s hoping there are many more mysteries to follow!
7
Oct
I’m currently reading Guide to the Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692 by David C. Brown (bought for me last year by a friend who was vacationing in the infamous town), so I’ve got witches on the brain.
If you’ve never read anything on the Salem witch trials, you really should, even if you’re not particularly interested in that time in American history. There’s something chilling about how easily the denizens of Salem Village and the surrounding towns were caught up in the insanity of these events and how ridiculous were some of their superstitions and accusations. It makes me wonder what people will think about our belief systems a few hundred years from now.
If non-fiction isn’t your thing, there’s certainly no shortage of novels featuring witches. I have several books and/or series on my “To Read” list, but am having trouble choosing between them. So, here’s my challenge to all of you: Take a look at the website of each author listed below and let me know which series you think sounds like the most fun. Whichever author gets the most votes will be first up on my Witchy reading list. In exchange for your vote, when I’m finished reading the winning novel, I’ll post a review.
So, without further ado, here are the three authors from which to choose:
Mindy Klasky’s Jane Madison Series
Vicki Lewis Thompson’s The Hex Series
Linda Wisdom’s Hex Series
I can’t wait to get started on one of these fantastic reads, so cast your vote!
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
4
Oct
I heard back on my partial today. The response read something like this:
“This isn’t really for me, but thanks for letting me take a look.”
That’s it. Nothing more.
I’d love to know what made her take a pass. Was it the writing? Was it the plot? Did she think the story would be too tough of a sell?
*Sigh.*
Without any sort of feedback as to why she wasn’t interested, all kinds of questions are plaguing me, and I feel self-doubt setting in…
So, in an effort to combat my rapidly descending bad mood, I have on the agenda for tonight:
1) Drinking an ice cold AmberBock
2) Watching several episodes of Supernatural, a TV series in its sixth season but which I only recently discovered. (I’m currently mid-way through season 2 and wondering how in the world I didn’t watch this show sooner. It’s fabulous! Great plot, fantastic characters, engaging dialogue–and it’s all about the supernatural. Color me excited!)
On tomorrow’s agenda:
1) Picking up the pieces of my shattered self-esteem
2) Sending out more query letters
And so it goes.
