tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10274262370535234862024-03-10T20:23:40.655-07:00Utopian PressDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-747177480950318922023-07-11T14:22:00.007-07:002023-07-11T14:26:21.190-07:00Tiny Houses<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQPkH0H_tFg273ALsgHBlzvEIisvwpKLcr8PlqoZherR60ndGIyr6ywJ2NsKb8A_bt5hGs1NVmXnp7QTIeHqtMsj4jtcJUO4xtNJMIWcfrW9geodADivJ08ZGLNmWLo7ZtCDleFZbMlEUAtkitlv-fUgNUlKwDNUYBMiTieNfvnljC8hNEyYlX6vyI3OW/s1280/Amazon%20Affiliates%20Wiki%20Tiny%20House.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQPkH0H_tFg273ALsgHBlzvEIisvwpKLcr8PlqoZherR60ndGIyr6ywJ2NsKb8A_bt5hGs1NVmXnp7QTIeHqtMsj4jtcJUO4xtNJMIWcfrW9geodADivJ08ZGLNmWLo7ZtCDleFZbMlEUAtkitlv-fUgNUlKwDNUYBMiTieNfvnljC8hNEyYlX6vyI3OW/s320/Amazon%20Affiliates%20Wiki%20Tiny%20House.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nest House by Jonathan Avery</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I confess. I have been a fan of the tiny house movement for at least a decade, and perhaps longer. I grew up in Germany where large living spaces just aren't normal, and even prosperous locations are often tight quarters. Every square foot (or should I say meter?) is creatively utilized, there is nothing useless, storage is kept to a minimum, and many items and rooms are multi-functional. <p></p><p>No surprise that the van life would sound appealing to me as well. The same concepts apply, except the homeowner is much more mobile. I seriously considered going this route a few years ago.</p><p>And then my eyesight failed. That plan is now a no-go.</p><p>However, my planned novels with traveling characters are still very much in process, and everything I have learned can be adapted to a tiny house lifestyle. Oh, yes, that's definitely still on the agenda. In my wildest dreams, I would have more than one tiny house on my little rural acreage.</p><p>Did you know you could buy tiny houses on Amazon? They sell out fast, and units like this one are much less expensive than even a travel van. </p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ESCAPE-Boho-E/dp/B07QSXP5CV?pd_rd_w=aFZ3B&content-id=amzn1.sym.979276af-0315-48f7-920c-ae1ddfce33e2&pf_rd_p=979276af-0315-48f7-920c-ae1ddfce33e2&pf_rd_r=DK5BYRNG27YWEWQAZVXZ&pd_rd_wg=OMNhj&pd_rd_r=3a503a3a-c157-4706-819a-1edb2b4aa665&pd_rd_i=B07QSXP5CV&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=d190ddfe6ec96467b0a32df5803ca1b5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07QSXP5CV&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07QSXP5CV" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div>There are other creative options. You could convert a storage shed like this:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Handy-Home-Products-Palisade-Yourself/dp/B09P48C4N2?&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=d5576392997b9f44a401b1d4cd23241e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B09P48C4N2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B09P48C4N2" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I would probably dive into a gazillion books and plan my own version. Then put Himself to work building one. Or maybe two. I can't quite imagine two polar opposites living together in such a tiny space, but that's another issue.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are countless books published about designing tiny houses. Here are a few that interest me:</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-House-Floor-Plans-Designs/dp/B094T8MQ4W?crid=1J11PT9NHY4HD&keywords=tiny+house+books&qid=1689110048&s=books&sprefix=tiny+house+books%2Cstripbooks%2C146&sr=1-3&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=3fb246285363ecdcfff4295804a98340&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B094T8MQ4W&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B094T8MQ4W" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/150-Best-Tiny-Home-Ideas/dp/0062444662?crid=1J11PT9NHY4HD&keywords=tiny+house+books&qid=1689110206&s=books&sprefix=tiny+house+books%2Cstripbooks%2C146&sr=1-20&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=2f43bee03618ae19e8065871ca5fddd6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062444662&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=0062444662" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Small-Houses-Editors-Fine-Homebuilding/dp/1641550627?crid=1J11PT9NHY4HD&keywords=tiny+house+books&qid=1689110206&s=books&sprefix=tiny+house+books%2Cstripbooks%2C146&sr=1-23&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=eae6e0b84245fe30b7dab403085024f0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1641550627&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img a="" bor="" height="1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Giant-Book-Tiny-Homes-Living/dp/1951274539?crid=1J11PT9NHY4HD&keywords=tiny+house+books&qid=1689110206&s=books&sprefix=tiny+house+books%2Cstripbooks%2C146&sr=1-22&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=4a2ccc2621c46225e9483550cc3eb2b1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=1641550627" target="_blank" width="1" /><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1951274539&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=1951274539" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>And there are so many more! I get excited just looking at the covers. </div><div><br /></div><div>How about you? Have you ever thought of living small? </div></div></div>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-41158126818307124392023-07-11T10:13:00.006-07:002023-07-11T10:13:48.140-07:00T is for Tarot<p> <a href="https://lostmodernists.com/pamela-colman-smith/">Pamela Colman Smith: From Tarot Artist to Suffrage Activist - Lost Modernists</a></p><p>Henry Bell reads Tarot cards, and always does a reading for himself as well as reading the cards for others at Renaissance Festivals and other esoteric gatherings. Much to his chagrin, his frenemy love interest does too. Perhaps I'll have them BOTH seeking help from their cards about their mixed feelings about the other. That could be amusing! Foolish humans.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6P68frNqEnUXAGl6-FWH_H3lStAq8u-EoYwKpjOVkSyrXRpRsFmWc8BamKHvJ_RwqT6O6WglC-DgFt3Lo_T8ohtWrExWZ5JEDA26WFchTdr9lckxoVLmdTgyJsuP9zT1HAkrx61sLi08jhepCuXofS7nXSbCBQBqTnPo_GL8KBlRyydNW7sKGMwptmg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="330" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6P68frNqEnUXAGl6-FWH_H3lStAq8u-EoYwKpjOVkSyrXRpRsFmWc8BamKHvJ_RwqT6O6WglC-DgFt3Lo_T8ohtWrExWZ5JEDA26WFchTdr9lckxoVLmdTgyJsuP9zT1HAkrx61sLi08jhepCuXofS7nXSbCBQBqTnPo_GL8KBlRyydNW7sKGMwptmg=w230-h400" width="230" /></a></div><br />I've spent a good deal of time looking at Tarot cards after working my way through this book:<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Tarot-Meanings-Beginners-ebook/dp/B09V3DK7JM?crid=398OC4LOGX0RJ&keywords=tarot+for+beginners+book&qid=1689094022&sprefix=tarot+for+beginners+book%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-18&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=32a6d7a0db74ec407c999a14e8f7755f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B09V3DK7JM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UtopianPress Affiliate Link</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>But I would have Henry spring for a better, updated version of the original Rider-Waite deck. The printing of my first set leaves a lot to be desired. This Rider-Waite Radiant set is better:</div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Radiant-Rider-Waite-Tarot-Deck/dp/1846045835?crid=3IN1UELK9KMNM&keywords=rider+waite+bright&qid=1689094258&sprefix=rider+waite+bright+%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=09d05106b816e4f43c51fb9c9d4e6b42&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1846045835&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UtopianPress Affiliate Link</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What about Fae Donovan, the heroine? I suspect she would go for something prettier, and perhaps even support a friend who designs Tarot cards. Here are a couple of choices:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572810661?coliid=IDYZB0WRNXT7N&colid=3ETWECC2MPAS8&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=61ce9b71a74c21e612ad4ed0bfcb86e8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1572810661&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kriswaldherrbooks.com/home/">Home - Kris Waldherr Art and Words: the official site of bestselling author Kris Waldherr (kriswaldherrbooks.com)</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1572810661" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div>This one is a favorite of mine: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8SKRQ73?coliid=IVTNCTHSW1X0E&colid=3ETWECC2MPAS8&psc=0&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=ce53596f8fe61fe568143098a3b9167c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0B8SKRQ73&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0B8SKRQ73" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div>It seems logical that a costumer would appreciate Art Nouveau clothing, yes?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1846045835" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />T is also for other sorts of testing. I love to run my book characters through various kinds of analyses. Like this series of tests about Shadow Work:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://lonerwolf.com/tests/">Tests ⋆ LonerWolf</a></div><div><br /></div><div>My favorite will always be the <a href="https://amzn.to/3pH0zVi" target="_blank">Five Love Languages</a>. It's fast, easy, fun, and really makes a writer think about their characters.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I know all the astrological signs for my characters. Do you know your characters' birthdays? I do, and I make sure they act somewhat in line with astrological themes, even though I don't really believe strongly in astrology. No reason your hero can't be a little superstitious!</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, I'll have a post about Tiny Houses - you get Two-fers for the letter T!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-16516729184196966102023-07-10T15:32:00.001-07:002023-07-10T15:34:55.501-07:00S is for Sewing <p>Fae Donovan is my heroine in the <i>Cutting Edge</i> mystery series, and she is a costumer in great demand across the United States. She loves her job and is quite comfortable in her perfectly planned and organized Mercedes Sprinter van in which she travels to various theaters and cosplay venues across the country. Her home/studio on wheels is magnificent in its organization and modern efficiency. She has all the amenities of a tiny home, with plenty of space to work and to store the tools of her trade. </p><p>And lots of scissors. She always has plenty of good scissors. Isn't it handy and totally annoying to know that Henry Bell, that irritating man she keeps stumbling upon wherever she happens to be... that he, the wretch, sharpens her beloved scissors better than anyone... ever?</p><p>Side note: if you're looking for sewing shears, you can find them at Amazon. Like Fae, I prefer <a href="https://amzn.to/43lIQjU" target="_blank">Ginghers</a> because they are reliable and affordable, and also hold a sharp edge.</p><p><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01KS77U6Q&asins=B01KS77U6Q&linkId=83e3ec5b47dbe0d5fe24af628a0e9ddf&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></p><p>Fae has plenty of storage space under her travel van, so she carries a full-size sewing machine that she can set up at various theater locations. She is a Singer girl, like her mother and grandmother before her, and the pricing of Singer machines sits well with her Scot's blood. <a href="https://amzn.to/43lIQjU">This one available on Amazon </a>is quite affordable, and light enough to carry into work locations.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXocxTzEvhbAtntIY_IoFCrc3TeBYr91js7f13soK69OrPHbZz_mHsHdw5d44Qc6DAstFvNUqRToQZC6UMfzrHRYrfI5Gao-XsgKcpJTydaJd-VO-XsTExs5XjiESL7eE_uWXhEw1C61FpMCPlY7mCZGfEnF_Pt7QSfG5LQXLi2vdsAXxC5dFuUMrhI_67" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1432" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXocxTzEvhbAtntIY_IoFCrc3TeBYr91js7f13soK69OrPHbZz_mHsHdw5d44Qc6DAstFvNUqRToQZC6UMfzrHRYrfI5Gao-XsgKcpJTydaJd-VO-XsTExs5XjiESL7eE_uWXhEw1C61FpMCPlY7mCZGfEnF_Pt7QSfG5LQXLi2vdsAXxC5dFuUMrhI_67" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> This is an affiliate link.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>Would Fae carry books with her? My guess is many of the reference manuals she uses would be available online or via eBook. But most craftspeople do have a few books that serve as professional bibles. Here are some that she keeps tucked under the seat of her travel van. </p><p>Here is one essential:</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596682477?&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=5b24fd3f051f088e3989977323a26ef9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1596682477&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=1596682477" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></p><p>And this one for pattern making:</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0887346650?&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=8bce31ffd20fd53bf5777921babc0e72&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0887346650&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=0887346650" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></p><p>This is her mother's copy and she carries it for good luck:</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0435086103?&linkCode=li2&tag=utopianpress-20&linkId=f1428df5617d95d2d244c98d9a542bc8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0435086103&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=utopianpress-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=utopianpress-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=0435086103" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></p><p>If you have sewing book favorites, by all means, tell me in the comments! I love costumes, but true confession and full disclosure: I hate to sew. How I ended up with a main character who does it for a living is clearly wishful thinking of epic proportions! </p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-21601388594409291242023-07-10T09:46:00.001-07:002023-07-10T15:32:46.981-07:00R is for Reading<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ8EhmDSP3ZeRxUhuFElTOdnaTh2fahhXU53zIC_4TBs7ZvfTkRUBwuG_gdIFA6kmr0IZUwe0O_n_RjkLMkcwAsKzzOhXpek2BdPwEr1S9Dz1N2nzamIu__KAzQG0S2thzp0gvi7WKaeRvcBGLUi1dq2AnQAVbMpwxjT-Ycd9bDTm_K8ZEwwYxT6I6UKV/s511/reading%20on%20chair%20laura%20lacambra%20shubert.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ8EhmDSP3ZeRxUhuFElTOdnaTh2fahhXU53zIC_4TBs7ZvfTkRUBwuG_gdIFA6kmr0IZUwe0O_n_RjkLMkcwAsKzzOhXpek2BdPwEr1S9Dz1N2nzamIu__KAzQG0S2thzp0gvi7WKaeRvcBGLUi1dq2AnQAVbMpwxjT-Ycd9bDTm_K8ZEwwYxT6I6UKV/s320/reading%20on%20chair%20laura%20lacambra%20shubert.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist: Laura LaCambra</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My day begins with books, and it ends with books. But not necessarily ones made of paper. I do have plenty of those, and they line the walls in most of my rooms. But as my eyes have aged, I find reading on a Kindle is much more comfortable, and it eliminates the need to go to the library or bookstores, something that became a major issue during the COVID pandemic.<p></p><p>I don't know what I would do without my Kindle these days. I am due to buy another one soon. If you are thinking about it, here's my <a href="https://amzn.to/3JSJ3UV" target="_blank">Amazon Affiliate link</a>, which I just set up! If it works okay, let me know in a comment. </p><p>Most of the books I read, at least the first time, are reviewed via my state library's Overdrive feature. I can read eBooks for free on my Kindle, and most larger libraries carry tens of thousands of titles. </p><p>I also subscribe to<a href="https://amzn.to/3PQvtFt"> Kindle Unlimited</a>, and for about $10/month, I have access to millions more books. I highly recommend signing up for this service and know that all the authors who have opted into this program receive royalties every time their books are read. </p><p>My goal with my own Vella books is formatting them using <a href="https://amzn.to/44Evtg6" target="_blank">Kindlepreneur</a>, and then moving them into the Kindle Unlimited program. </p><p>One of those future books will include a romantic suspense series about modern travelers living in their vans. Henry Bell is a tinker with a young daughter, a young American man of Romany descent, and his frenemy love interest is a costumer who travels the RenFest circuit. In fact, most of this blog is brainstorming for that book series. And, yes, it all begins at the beginning of the pandemic. You can bet they are using Kindles for their reading and research! Like most folks in the first year of the pandemic, they will have a lot of time on their hands, and reading will help fill a void. </p><p>Have you continued reading more since the slow-down of COVID? I still don't go to the library much, and because I am trying to downsize to a van life size, I am buying fewer paper books, and even giving up my own beloved collectibles. </p><p>And research - right now it's all about van life and tiny houses. There is so much terrific information online about that, as well as groups. But more about that in a future post.</p><p><br /></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-90935321014457847712023-07-08T12:14:00.002-07:002023-07-08T12:14:43.657-07:00Q is for Quick<p>Getting up to speed on any new venture can be challenging and time-consuming. I have three days to gear up for the Amazon Prime summer sale via my new Amazon Affiliate account. Where to start, where to start?</p><p>I decided to ask AI, my favorite being <a href="http://bard.google.com">Google Bard</a>, which is like regular Google on steroids. Here is the rapid-fire response to my query. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkraRR5aF5bI2GX-7hPixrv4YWUPxwHyw6Opkt2MMB3wy1br49Mam2_huy_LWLRc8munE57MLOU6eFo_ucZitROTCw5Z0JnSosDT51Ru7On0AWWuILOHmhfMsNE_dL_O8Iu8gg3_xMaAt-r3v9DKA9KCSAldIBJ3S68n5YNxQXHLl169Caj1zqphAnACm/s1352/Amazon%20Affiliates%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1352" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkraRR5aF5bI2GX-7hPixrv4YWUPxwHyw6Opkt2MMB3wy1br49Mam2_huy_LWLRc8munE57MLOU6eFo_ucZitROTCw5Z0JnSosDT51Ru7On0AWWuILOHmhfMsNE_dL_O8Iu8gg3_xMaAt-r3v9DKA9KCSAldIBJ3S68n5YNxQXHLl169Caj1zqphAnACm/w616-h279/Amazon%20Affiliates%201.jpg" width="616" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIE7a0xbOLorx76HjfbzsmiEN7rXJmpdFVhkKBSmvjMwCB_GkFjM2rUjo1OniJk0vaGwtYXyCFZsJRqLDl8kzeMR_nrh_s0eFxOpa-dQ9ei__qwNbMI2hVsg_o0rnOJcVDSABXn7qOI0DbEKuhrgZewprWuG3uYT6VbwZJGbKsxkxnC9Z7SqHU4ms2_oB/s1327/Amazon%20Affiliates%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="1327" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIE7a0xbOLorx76HjfbzsmiEN7rXJmpdFVhkKBSmvjMwCB_GkFjM2rUjo1OniJk0vaGwtYXyCFZsJRqLDl8kzeMR_nrh_s0eFxOpa-dQ9ei__qwNbMI2hVsg_o0rnOJcVDSABXn7qOI0DbEKuhrgZewprWuG3uYT6VbwZJGbKsxkxnC9Z7SqHU4ms2_oB/w608-h190/Amazon%20Affiliates%202.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS541JGjDt92dx8Dx8om8km3iUTTDH1oFaEYD46ld-i-ImDKmWrZbIvXJH2f0BzeldXZQ2G5E6SxxDJaWe1RAfZXa7Pn5HTDDc_RKHTNa1JXzXaXnz_xpbeeH5TkKnC6PdV7oUrn0hc0ReeTiQ4ts0rHwy5Z5-5PJlSX7WmHHz8Dpr7RyRx3oDnh87jiOB/s1271/Amazon%20Affiliates%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="1271" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS541JGjDt92dx8Dx8om8km3iUTTDH1oFaEYD46ld-i-ImDKmWrZbIvXJH2f0BzeldXZQ2G5E6SxxDJaWe1RAfZXa7Pn5HTDDc_RKHTNa1JXzXaXnz_xpbeeH5TkKnC6PdV7oUrn0hc0ReeTiQ4ts0rHwy5Z5-5PJlSX7WmHHz8Dpr7RyRx3oDnh87jiOB/w614-h263/Amazon%20Affiliates%203.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dpeOclR1lAAyz4sCEMScGfMVM7wqNBBh3GITVBmhomgyA3qKbCLynsLpWcxe7-23v-3WU24PV8iF7m3AZN7WIe3-VTISoZkjgot2UWHTXGAb9zpYj2w9Y-CMNtf8l2J-aC912I2L_AaOLZ8sXiKq4t1qS9djw7hL3E7RRBIfBFwWQHO1-k39NrQ-w8HN/s1277/Amazon%20Affiliates%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="1277" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dpeOclR1lAAyz4sCEMScGfMVM7wqNBBh3GITVBmhomgyA3qKbCLynsLpWcxe7-23v-3WU24PV8iF7m3AZN7WIe3-VTISoZkjgot2UWHTXGAb9zpYj2w9Y-CMNtf8l2J-aC912I2L_AaOLZ8sXiKq4t1qS9djw7hL3E7RRBIfBFwWQHO1-k39NrQ-w8HN/w614-h186/Amazon%20Affiliates%204.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well then. At least now I have a game plan! Onward, ho!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br />Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-4948587620626583732023-07-08T11:41:00.001-07:002023-07-08T11:41:13.343-07:00P is for Personality<p> Running your characters through personality tests. Do you?</p><p><a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/personality-quiz/">Finally, A Personality Quiz Backed By Science | FiveThirtyEight</a></p><p>I also like to check astrological compatibility. I don't really believe in it, but I suspect at least one of my main characters would. I don't want to get too involved with astrology because it's such an involved and huge study. Too much work for this writer.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTYpIzdE5CAsHt2C60pYWiVSBAJmnouP2H6nvFGUEeaZL75nviSmNfOY95wXu1WcLv1Rp5qdfEn0J1xcvaNuG4t4_MSUTK4LNwOT-tRgPAlRVvK3XZRsLC9MxOvECftqQcCcDTmmVAjiD94xa9D07eWnDc42MQ75ycJJBAJR9Xj-cDTgYcGTEsXW810g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTYpIzdE5CAsHt2C60pYWiVSBAJmnouP2H6nvFGUEeaZL75nviSmNfOY95wXu1WcLv1Rp5qdfEn0J1xcvaNuG4t4_MSUTK4LNwOT-tRgPAlRVvK3XZRsLC9MxOvECftqQcCcDTmmVAjiD94xa9D07eWnDc42MQ75ycJJBAJR9Xj-cDTgYcGTEsXW810g" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nebulahoroscope/">Nebula | Facebook</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I think I've mentioned before that I like the Five Love Languages to get a handle on what my characters are really like. <a href="https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/" target="_blank">Here's the link to give it a try</a>! There are various quizzes. Think about each of your mains and then run them through a quiz. Learn anything new about them? Leave us a comment if you came up with some surprises. </p><p>And, finally, when it comes right down to it, I discover personality details and quirks in the actual writing. Sometimes those characters can surprise you! It's especially true if they misbehave, and that's bound to happen when there is a lot of stress. Oh, yeah, I don't think the pandemic brought out the best in people all the time. </p><p>Tough times for an enemies-to-lovers romance.</p><p>P is also for Promotion, and as an indie writer, I am always looking for new ways to get the word out about my books. I haven't ever tried promoting products that relate to my stories, but as I plan this new series, I think about all the "stuff" my characters will be using. Not only for a van life, but for anyone (like me) downsizing their lives and moving to smaller accommodations. To that end, I have joined the Amazon Associates Program just in time for Prime Days. Please be sure to tell me if you like my recommendations!</p>
Now to test an affiliate link. How about for the best computers to travel with?
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=utopianpress-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=027b612befd8ad925d3d99abce893ab0&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=565108" target="_blank">Best Computer for Travel</a> Let's see what Amazon recommends.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-17815122929896548402022-05-04T11:39:00.004-07:002022-05-04T13:30:59.963-07:00O is for Obstinate and More<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdlx7EIDtk7hZalJ_c-q1qet9GAtkvbtIBTuA7xYnA0PhwZ9w_gFHN_05rV2Y9xvY938R72Pqnhp8w68A1Yx7vB7plFQPYkUVSCNSE9Ab6VO8UI5Tu_HpKYnG60Ng0V0mb6MObZZ_Yzk7svyDkIJrpIWWKvmAi8Bvi9cDYTu3h5UKcPzCFlSuRuo5UYA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="704" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdlx7EIDtk7hZalJ_c-q1qet9GAtkvbtIBTuA7xYnA0PhwZ9w_gFHN_05rV2Y9xvY938R72Pqnhp8w68A1Yx7vB7plFQPYkUVSCNSE9Ab6VO8UI5Tu_HpKYnG60Ng0V0mb6MObZZ_Yzk7svyDkIJrpIWWKvmAi8Bvi9cDYTu3h5UKcPzCFlSuRuo5UYA=w587-h451" width="587" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stubborn Mule by Hermann G. Simon<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">People who are obstinate can be real asses, can't they? I expect that characteristic will loom large in the beginning of the first book of the </span><i style="text-align: left;">Cutting Edge</i><span style="text-align: left;"> mystery series. I have three people to define, two in an antagonistic hero and heroine relationship, that will eventually (who knows when?) turn into a romance, and one adolescent child between the two determined to get them matched up. All will exhibit unique forms of obstinance. Because the ways we're are stubborn are very personal, aren't they? And the reasons for obstinance are even more interesting. Some negative characteristics often cloaked by obstinance include:</span></div><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Close-minded</li><li>Manipulative</li><li>Hostile</li><li>Anxious</li><li>Rebellious</li></ul><p></p><p>But even more interesting are the positive aspects, which include:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Strong will</li><li>Resilience</li><li>Defense against peer pressure</li><li>Passion and vigor</li><li>Good work ethic</li></ul><div>Just to name a few good qualities that all my mains will possess! And maybe a few of the negative. I'll have to pick a few for each so they don't overlap and sound like the same character. Or worse, the writer! Who me? Obstinate? That could never happen. </div><p></p><p><br /></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-459026540477833252022-05-03T18:04:00.001-07:002022-05-04T11:07:37.400-07:00N is for Narcissism<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1wSlPJa7mxHaoDcAFtbxCXtUULP_lbYA2uZpEO18mwZD3nrB9fkM96DjUyPQVo-rVMnCNitYvn8TwJWTN2r1DIrH3k8eGQWcJWzgMQuaVDpQfU93O6E7H9zC_tn43mY7-M7AqtLhscWiqqdpdMWxZyt_SvUHfeTbSfurHVoaCCuFzbC-tvJb2eUhf4A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="405" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1wSlPJa7mxHaoDcAFtbxCXtUULP_lbYA2uZpEO18mwZD3nrB9fkM96DjUyPQVo-rVMnCNitYvn8TwJWTN2r1DIrH3k8eGQWcJWzgMQuaVDpQfU93O6E7H9zC_tn43mY7-M7AqtLhscWiqqdpdMWxZyt_SvUHfeTbSfurHVoaCCuFzbC-tvJb2eUhf4A" width="198" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narcissus by Caravaggio</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">I have read that narcissism is at epidemic levels in western culture, and I am not sure what that means exactly. We're a selfish society? Yeah, well, who can argue with that?</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">From Wikipedia:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism" target="_blank">Narcissism</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"> is a self-centered personality style characterized as having an excessive interest in one's physical appearance and an excessive pre-occupation with one's own needs, often at the expense of others.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">The most common symptoms include:</span></p><ul class="b_vList b_divsec b_bullet" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; color: #444444; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Being overly boastful, exaggerating one’s own achievements</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pretending to be superior to others</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lack of empathy for others</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking down on others as inferior</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monopolizing conversations</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Impatient, angry, unhappy, depressed or has mood swings when criticized</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Easily disappointed when expected importance is not given</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Always craves for “the best” in everything</span></li><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Has a very fragile self-esteem</span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #444444;">I don't know about you, but that sounds like an antagonist waiting to happen! </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFcanP7wpGUDa52ltSrgy0G9rMMzlZe_NNvPiNIq7oXJ3g_amhSdNXuTJ5bOdCcODa4UO-IoMBptr4wCgGqoBi7ur6n91iCSyn_uxf8a5dMq8s9WBQkGK2hXXxCnKYRC-5T7lFi_-Xh6jl57Nq0c1LYbfAkPRahcQHZMdSmSva8OjnQLPw_Ph_RlnjXg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioreRu1Bukz0FvzLd20t7RWWbjLKs9I6MKxmz8BHI82Nw7Zp5nUxUL_tPfdb4V6E-R33oie5PsHp94Y86yRSSfdRZNs-Bllfksom-tPmUUsMHUQAD4VXX_7kN6DzWTjBnNsDGcl1exuPhsEAm0Qxi2pbhiayovFsg_ZidxiRlhARGI3LB0r6SkY2nW3g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioreRu1Bukz0FvzLd20t7RWWbjLKs9I6MKxmz8BHI82Nw7Zp5nUxUL_tPfdb4V6E-R33oie5PsHp94Y86yRSSfdRZNs-Bllfksom-tPmUUsMHUQAD4VXX_7kN6DzWTjBnNsDGcl1exuPhsEAm0Qxi2pbhiayovFsg_ZidxiRlhARGI3LB0r6SkY2nW3g=w603-h336" width="603" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Note to self: Read this book. <i><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Narcissism-Epidemic/Jean-M-Twenge/9781416575993">The Narcissism Epidemic</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5bSn8dRQw_kzpHNdOuhIHKXA7hSk9X2TGpTG2FNr_Hzj21vsWYIW7QtNFrDv7SA9UwUxm9za3SD3mjCB05ZLJfWZanjSQIe5sSqoEgKti5C9YHtQa1rxda4XvKziPulnla4akLpp-ldsMFBlH4tJ1iSdw1isCBkRzNNIb_ORmB7OIjKIO605WeGlqqw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="226" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5bSn8dRQw_kzpHNdOuhIHKXA7hSk9X2TGpTG2FNr_Hzj21vsWYIW7QtNFrDv7SA9UwUxm9za3SD3mjCB05ZLJfWZanjSQIe5sSqoEgKti5C9YHtQa1rxda4XvKziPulnla4akLpp-ldsMFBlH4tJ1iSdw1isCBkRzNNIb_ORmB7OIjKIO605WeGlqqw" width="155" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixtUxuMIUZf9Y0z3I-OgfYIIo8S2h4lyvfPSEKaFzp8u-ELnU6v4b1z1QPOedUYeBaPNeveHK5vVgJ7RPkRQgaoYzmMdxjVQo793zAYcRhylqvlemUdX0-IwtchmExq-aC-FC4HJHF2A6AylIfaIxnSH2eor6bCKOX_SF6PQvUrAl-cH8Brt6rAMyxYQ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixtUxuMIUZf9Y0z3I-OgfYIIo8S2h4lyvfPSEKaFzp8u-ELnU6v4b1z1QPOedUYeBaPNeveHK5vVgJ7RPkRQgaoYzmMdxjVQo793zAYcRhylqvlemUdX0-IwtchmExq-aC-FC4HJHF2A6AylIfaIxnSH2eor6bCKOX_SF6PQvUrAl-cH8Brt6rAMyxYQ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div></div></span></div>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-8209090372870052562022-05-02T10:23:00.002-07:002022-05-02T10:23:30.129-07:00M is for Murder and Mystery<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4_kn73LjAJ9TmSZO4A6FxflGsWCg08BHRK5WIxtF3kHxp58NSPH-CwXL2ukLF6IVwVxusRj6FEYN_TWR9i3_AZJa5SONO0tCGaaZwClEa4ryq2dbcuTGyjpO2JueOpzo_GlubZJ7RtW2eSX9NxI2YlCG12-TFew1S7nTyhDDwW1AXmoXJ243hyPic3A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="584" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4_kn73LjAJ9TmSZO4A6FxflGsWCg08BHRK5WIxtF3kHxp58NSPH-CwXL2ukLF6IVwVxusRj6FEYN_TWR9i3_AZJa5SONO0tCGaaZwClEa4ryq2dbcuTGyjpO2JueOpzo_GlubZJ7RtW2eSX9NxI2YlCG12-TFew1S7nTyhDDwW1AXmoXJ243hyPic3A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dial M for Murder by Alfred Hitchcock</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>It has to be for murder, of course. It's a<i><b> Cutting Edge Mystery</b></i>. What will make this set of stories a little different is that all the murders will involve blades of some sort. Knives, swords, and even box cutters. And don't forget straight razors. Henry Bell, my hero, is an expert blade master. He might be a suspect in any of the murders, but not for long. He usually is sought out as the civilian expert and becomes part of the police team.</p><p>So, let's think about murders and where they might happen. It's early days here, and I have only started brainstorming the first book's murder.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrXp1ZAR76lSvJCJ2dxYEmEaiB-8oMT2b3ko_JUeomJlxyMWlAQUqsDadWC82nD41zELD3HUwV8jMlTCrwC-EoHScDcutS6ST5j1drEulZLoV_l2AtZGw2cYJ5_Z991ny9of4aGGHJPweRvzIVfXn_S6MnIlfC82Pz6CA_ZK6cBQ7cegSeQsrAzkb3BA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrXp1ZAR76lSvJCJ2dxYEmEaiB-8oMT2b3ko_JUeomJlxyMWlAQUqsDadWC82nD41zELD3HUwV8jMlTCrwC-EoHScDcutS6ST5j1drEulZLoV_l2AtZGw2cYJ5_Z991ny9of4aGGHJPweRvzIVfXn_S6MnIlfC82Pz6CA_ZK6cBQ7cegSeQsrAzkb3BA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>Most obvious, since Henry is a knife sharpener with restaurant clients, is a chef's knife that is used for a murder... with Henry's fingerprints on it. They would be easily explained and, of course, he'll have an alibi. Probably the antagonistic heroine. I have to find ways for them to keep running into each other.<p></p><p>Another idea: because he helps choreograph theater fight scenes, a sword could become a murder weapon in that setting. No clue why, but actor egos seem logical. Maybe even some competition around the heroine?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid1IoOVxCf9McWs2GSFQpsC4ZGXHldp-B0CsxDHgDmEOG4fbrH2CT8t_nhsIa23sfYDiSbZuiTG_7k87DZUOq518GrmZ0jLljCHzj51rFY2Meg4CpXBbULRvoo_tVTqMf0mCrjuq6fptSNJF1vfu36y6bQmQ2qYG0u9P7iW7brZJ0W0FOl5gGgT9bvQw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1000" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid1IoOVxCf9McWs2GSFQpsC4ZGXHldp-B0CsxDHgDmEOG4fbrH2CT8t_nhsIa23sfYDiSbZuiTG_7k87DZUOq518GrmZ0jLljCHzj51rFY2Meg4CpXBbULRvoo_tVTqMf0mCrjuq6fptSNJF1vfu36y6bQmQ2qYG0u9P7iW7brZJ0W0FOl5gGgT9bvQw=w400-h224" width="400" /></a></div><br />He participates in knife throwing contests and also teaches knife throwing. Those settings are competitive and involve people of a certain mindset, and I'm not talking warm and fuzzy crafters. Definitely murder potential!<p></p><p>Shears. He sharpens those too. Murder at a hair styling salon? It could happen. Those scissors are pointy and very sharp. There is a lot of pressure on business folks in the early days of the pandemic, and hair salons were shut down. Death by stress? It could happen.</p><p>Garden tools, farm equipment, and even power tools like drill bits can all be used to maim and murder. I don't even like thinking about those possibilities. Ew.</p><p>And the classic throat slitter, er, I mean, straight razor, a time-honored way to end a life quickly. Double ew. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaWsQIh-uuEo0YFnAtNh8hW25Z0n9Q0944SqrB2daN94RHsz9p70IxJ7qo-E3cT5hsNaXHeNjPFRP1KevIdM-VAFGlhFX0ZWeCEdqdFYNGjIbvKmpN40e0H3358W8k_ZBV6GHNQTvUzPOWdXEmy7wy61J5ilm2xHRRAV0McLw0MJwaC4WcEkCrpCsyFg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="3192" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaWsQIh-uuEo0YFnAtNh8hW25Z0n9Q0944SqrB2daN94RHsz9p70IxJ7qo-E3cT5hsNaXHeNjPFRP1KevIdM-VAFGlhFX0ZWeCEdqdFYNGjIbvKmpN40e0H3358W8k_ZBV6GHNQTvUzPOWdXEmy7wy61J5ilm2xHRRAV0McLw0MJwaC4WcEkCrpCsyFg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I don't have a straight razor, and I definitely need to buy one for research purposes. Those things aren't cheap though, if you buy a quality one. Wow, even the used ones are pricey. A European brand-name vintage razor in good condition on eBay will cost you $50-$100 easy. <p></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-66484586865599845922022-04-25T14:27:00.004-07:002022-04-25T14:29:57.019-07:00L is for Laundry<p> ... and for laundromats. I haven't used one in forever, and probably take my washer, dryer, and clothesline too much for granted. But someone who travels in a home on wheels, would have to scope out laundry facilities everywhere they park, right?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsXS2fYS0CDdg7jYFZN1ye2PjzQW8ct8LxlGd-IPWo5_KRnY7lB7HxxRKvW4_LqAzQNxc-MkVdVCMtReRMg6idjP1zz1-PTsaxjM0jGSQZf4DIILkMNg2FKf_L_Y3gzydwJ2rnzWx_hrWBRqr3zl-l9kdf8RDt8hUcJQCYqAs3J931Zl1Gct-RI9KGKg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1386" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsXS2fYS0CDdg7jYFZN1ye2PjzQW8ct8LxlGd-IPWo5_KRnY7lB7HxxRKvW4_LqAzQNxc-MkVdVCMtReRMg6idjP1zz1-PTsaxjM0jGSQZf4DIILkMNg2FKf_L_Y3gzydwJ2rnzWx_hrWBRqr3zl-l9kdf8RDt8hUcJQCYqAs3J931Zl1Gct-RI9KGKg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I am guessing most aren't nearly this fancy, especially in small towns. <p></p><p>How do they even work nowadays? Does one still use cash? How much per load? Do campsites have laundry facilities? I'm guessing probably so, but don't know for sure.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh92sj6ItkrXRtsbCLAHZ8RU40DP54tFNtaSIXzJ15Q7f3mnViPfPB0PZ-ci5LaEGDaGD2NrYLv6spPvruoX2z__A2qR42ngE1BVQYBpBJNQjsOYOmLrFaCeHkdTbu6ExuXcxpnqT-rk92znfLHGVWgaphdgcTQ12cVPo5sEjDOM_YoDGxMghh7lNjn9g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh92sj6ItkrXRtsbCLAHZ8RU40DP54tFNtaSIXzJ15Q7f3mnViPfPB0PZ-ci5LaEGDaGD2NrYLv6spPvruoX2z__A2qR42ngE1BVQYBpBJNQjsOYOmLrFaCeHkdTbu6ExuXcxpnqT-rk92znfLHGVWgaphdgcTQ12cVPo5sEjDOM_YoDGxMghh7lNjn9g" width="287" /></a></div><br />And think about personal behaviors, when cleaning clothes becomes an event that has to be planned. You wear your clothes more than once, right? Or you wash by hand. But you can't necessarily do this sort of thing wherever you happen to be parked:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYDejPNbrKa8E6hjGbCY7f-a8p8WIpjGWjoP9OHIXd57a2qlhzLRDHCklnWe-VOfw9jbiTv8jGJkphLJ7NFtizBQfy6VFglk6y5YbxTRKHkP7GkPewQygqXDn6oWHkY_Rt_Aet8OLfX6C5E4IBm2PAvW_3xMIyf3MLNIQvcAqBbpbmdumbfpcR4eDkAw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYDejPNbrKa8E6hjGbCY7f-a8p8WIpjGWjoP9OHIXd57a2qlhzLRDHCklnWe-VOfw9jbiTv8jGJkphLJ7NFtizBQfy6VFglk6y5YbxTRKHkP7GkPewQygqXDn6oWHkY_Rt_Aet8OLfX6C5E4IBm2PAvW_3xMIyf3MLNIQvcAqBbpbmdumbfpcR4eDkAw" width="320" /></a></div><br />No, indeed. You'd have to figure out a way to dry handwashed clothes inside your rig. The bathroom would be logical, but they are tiny in travel vans. Of course, there are other options too. You could park at a friend's house and catch up on laundry there. Here are some other options in <a href="https://www.chasingthewildgoose.com/van-life-laundry-tips/" target="_blank">an article about van life.</a><p></p><p>Now keep in mind that my main character has a child. That changes the paradigm a little, too, doesn't it? Because children are not naturally clean, and most kids love to play.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-RDRkl26hKWugdtRo_CiZBsr7MBl5QeVYFosM2S5f64QoP7Tvr2LGOWP2KVN6KfjCt5zo-ZU4qDn1FXkRSQfT5fWVHlGQ4kYmbqZ4Xvv1ffGwstgwk_6uQApWYlrv2CnGtTvbxrJ-lucm7U2cbSDd895T97XZQElAp7on6D-lWnI9wtMfeQK7NxD8Vw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="630" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-RDRkl26hKWugdtRo_CiZBsr7MBl5QeVYFosM2S5f64QoP7Tvr2LGOWP2KVN6KfjCt5zo-ZU4qDn1FXkRSQfT5fWVHlGQ4kYmbqZ4Xvv1ffGwstgwk_6uQApWYlrv2CnGtTvbxrJ-lucm7U2cbSDd895T97XZQElAp7on6D-lWnI9wtMfeQK7NxD8Vw" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/dirty-kids-are-healthy_b_14057410" target="_blank">Photo credit: HuffPost</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We might get a glimpse of Grumpy Dad every now and again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-44947955896007757562022-04-25T13:57:00.006-07:002022-04-25T13:57:52.449-07:00K is for Kissing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihts57j8rxlHTndYKbWAB8hxV-joqLIOHF8e9PXWfLEIABnX6SCFlfr4ikWvu2h3ThLSL6V60hR2alp3wuoUjNkKTJTBy5rLDqGxHkeBrBqh0rui59B9FjUIWMmmry2japJUypvVLDd9PbaJWNv1KLkOkKfazKRN6Z-njbYDK_KkcFEVuSOIpdFbNnuA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="276" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihts57j8rxlHTndYKbWAB8hxV-joqLIOHF8e9PXWfLEIABnX6SCFlfr4ikWvu2h3ThLSL6V60hR2alp3wuoUjNkKTJTBy5rLDqGxHkeBrBqh0rui59B9FjUIWMmmry2japJUypvVLDd9PbaJWNv1KLkOkKfazKRN6Z-njbYDK_KkcFEVuSOIpdFbNnuA" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's something I love to do in real life and something I love to write about in romance stories. <p></p><p>But in a novel that begins during a pandemic when everyone is cautioned to wear masks and social distance, kissing is going to present quite the challenge, isn't it?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-soztuqWX9-_qKS4fMv8_jwckfVnFePjJtYY0L-NyCrvkkXg9rs6aW9Fm8a_vETnLXRDxwJtlrWxJCtIi8ELuqQFOm-6E9YuiNaGwNwFwES3yEFcorWwxToGKeGMtP8BNr8XlJMJJNruszaHU_Zr7wrpoG7RviFaDZtnOULjAppMrZr7KYjulEI0VkQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1180" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-soztuqWX9-_qKS4fMv8_jwckfVnFePjJtYY0L-NyCrvkkXg9rs6aW9Fm8a_vETnLXRDxwJtlrWxJCtIi8ELuqQFOm-6E9YuiNaGwNwFwES3yEFcorWwxToGKeGMtP8BNr8XlJMJJNruszaHU_Zr7wrpoG7RviFaDZtnOULjAppMrZr7KYjulEI0VkQ" width="177" /></a></div><br />Even more interesting, characters will have to smile with their eyes, if they smile at all. They will wonder what's under that mask. Nice teeth? Dimples? What kind of a chin? Lush kissable lips? Will they be pleased? Disappointed?<p></p><p>So that leads to research about a new kind of smile - <a href="https://elemental.medium.com/masks-are-causing-our-smiles-to-evolve-c0981ec19e90" target="_blank">the Duchenne smile</a>. How would I describe this in my story? Smize like you mean it! I do believe I'll use that expression.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHYPl44AllZITjbAovfaJRj-Xp5uJW_rHDwTsNfe921bMlwqAqJqhJ-7dB7q1xpSg9KM83_I4dh2370zUkDdScpCT23lLW6dtGSeZWUi-gKsp_nYvLjoEceb_aEh_ofHpQ_khSXThN97jJvvp0E3gLQpOMvVBh6zycjjJYnOKurxmM2VPR7VAuOrC2iw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="875" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHYPl44AllZITjbAovfaJRj-Xp5uJW_rHDwTsNfe921bMlwqAqJqhJ-7dB7q1xpSg9KM83_I4dh2370zUkDdScpCT23lLW6dtGSeZWUi-gKsp_nYvLjoEceb_aEh_ofHpQ_khSXThN97jJvvp0E3gLQpOMvVBh6zycjjJYnOKurxmM2VPR7VAuOrC2iw" width="320" /></a></div><br />I suspect the romance (enemies to friends to romance) is going to be a slow burn in this series. A very, very slow burn. It already feels like a modern-day Regency romance, where characters didn't touch hands, much less lips. <p></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-10278763903252056972022-04-17T17:16:00.005-07:002023-07-10T13:52:54.681-07:00J is for Jousting<p><b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15.75px;">Jousting</b><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 15.75px;"> is a martial game or </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15.75px;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hastilude" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Hastilude">hastilude</a></i><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 15.75px;"> between two horseriders wielding </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15.75px; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Lance">lances</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 15.75px;"> with blunted tips, often as part of a </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tournament_(medieval)" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15.75px; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Tournament (medieval)">tournament</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 15.75px;">. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeGO_n56SUKfWjKuqJiDecFXgTTQTVX8uJWhmDohX5lMyuzBOkQaRP2VuwnT2KdQ5dfiOe9PnL8amXuEYvPVNo__3t-zx_otUrtyUW10ig-G_wpDwxOv04kfCUeOUF2yADXi2pOGHquyLjncEzO1y3aB6PNJ3oM5ULTMJtF1xCCTUdkwEGdzbS5zjQzA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="1024" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeGO_n56SUKfWjKuqJiDecFXgTTQTVX8uJWhmDohX5lMyuzBOkQaRP2VuwnT2KdQ5dfiOe9PnL8amXuEYvPVNo__3t-zx_otUrtyUW10ig-G_wpDwxOv04kfCUeOUF2yADXi2pOGHquyLjncEzO1y3aB6PNJ3oM5ULTMJtF1xCCTUdkwEGdzbS5zjQzA=w400-h166" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wikipedia.org</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And I can tell you in no uncertain terms that my protagonist, Henry Bell, will not be doing this. For one, he doesn't know the first thing about horses. He does, however, know a lot about swords, and about the choreography of sword fights. You will see him staging realistic fights with this kind of knowledge:<div><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6O5D12VATRk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>So enough of that. How about jealousy? Will we have some of that between the current enemies who will eventually become friends and even lovers? Probably more of that feeling as the story progresses, than any real romance. Poor Henry is so tormented the first half of the book. He is attracted and repelled by Fae Donovan. Who? Oh, MY, the heroine has a name now! Fae owns Faerie Creations, and though she doesn't really look like fae herself, just the connection reminds Henry of his first wife. Thus, the repulsion. So why should he care if other men are attracted to Fae? Why should he feel deep and aggravating jealousy?</div><div><br /></div><div>Because, well... is lust ever reasonable? No. Is love? No again. </div>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-16074531131533600172022-04-17T13:24:00.002-07:002022-04-17T13:24:13.664-07:00I is for Internet and Income<p>The <i>Cutting Edge </i>mystery series begins at the start of the COVID pandemic. So many things were instantly impacted, including travel and how businesses operated. Can you imagine what is was like for a traveling business, not knowing how your usual venues were impacted? Theaters closed. Stores closed. Restaurants closed or had limited hours. And how to find more work? I think we all realized how dependent we were on the internet. Certainly my book characters did.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQOjTWxdGIawgp4jiaIDSLyqk67jssYtdZg76z2J6twAFR88GjUh524fNOf7KlcQv_vG0wyXy42I_g_Jk5WlPfnln_OvvASRJj2Zw3Crp5v0S8Oggkf19u9YgUeI6mXghiu177Bm71WCWJYUCgj4lbcUjMGeoKNWdsNX16JoOpHAFhgGgItsHqtFNRew" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="254" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQOjTWxdGIawgp4jiaIDSLyqk67jssYtdZg76z2J6twAFR88GjUh524fNOf7KlcQv_vG0wyXy42I_g_Jk5WlPfnln_OvvASRJj2Zw3Crp5v0S8Oggkf19u9YgUeI6mXghiu177Bm71WCWJYUCgj4lbcUjMGeoKNWdsNX16JoOpHAFhgGgItsHqtFNRew" width="308" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So that begs the question: how do RVers access internet? Do they have equipment on their rigs? What's a hotspot? Or do they rely on their smartphones? Because you can bet that everyone was tapped into some form of virtual communication. Must research this some more.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1puZWRHfDjzt6CEG-s81O1peLc_ihnHXKVtR8iOxZcAegJQBU7VuF0T_z336eNiP7erHlcSuI2vpe82-kBh7s8fLpReua2aQvT4NPeGrNscfWszWPNRteoYv0kO7xPDNKHeYWLitDqL7JTUrewPz2342Fq6irNk9_J67klGP8pBzi0noDywmfXRYAaA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1puZWRHfDjzt6CEG-s81O1peLc_ihnHXKVtR8iOxZcAegJQBU7VuF0T_z336eNiP7erHlcSuI2vpe82-kBh7s8fLpReua2aQvT4NPeGrNscfWszWPNRteoYv0kO7xPDNKHeYWLitDqL7JTUrewPz2342Fq6irNk9_J67klGP8pBzi0noDywmfXRYAaA" width="320" /></a></div><br />Income: another problem from the onset. Traveling creatives, of course, know how to adapt and find new venues. My heroine, a costumer maker, jumped on the custom mask bandwagon right off. The hero? It was spring, so rather than travel to restaurants to sharpen knives, he made contact with farmers needing equipment sharpened for spring planting. Those are just a few ideas.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYThLLl6hdqAH4Z4R4XNce2q27ycloKULl8PlzTwTEQPiDHgGjk8qeoFMO6vpgKAYiAUxGvHyQItcS5IFFfsAye-Ix0XEcGvKZcXEs8Iw1yNI3HqeNxaBZ-r-gZucaMDEGOnUc8zgAkGhFX9r5_ghJ7CYB3sXOlkam_kSVG5smoDpMr3LK2RubxJVkw/s335/covid%20mask%20art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYThLLl6hdqAH4Z4R4XNce2q27ycloKULl8PlzTwTEQPiDHgGjk8qeoFMO6vpgKAYiAUxGvHyQItcS5IFFfsAye-Ix0XEcGvKZcXEs8Iw1yNI3HqeNxaBZ-r-gZucaMDEGOnUc8zgAkGhFX9r5_ghJ7CYB3sXOlkam_kSVG5smoDpMr3LK2RubxJVkw/s320/covid%20mask%20art.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p>That made me wonder how banking would work for people on the road all the time. Online banking, but what about carrying cash? How would you hide money on a rig?</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlREqYOH4UQNwaGWl96l9r4gYASBkGDu0QlavZw8r7sZPxKLkENMTSTQtXl1f3-c1xAd_5UTi51vVIzKvepHvO0RACpnecN0zR8CfkKRJAhyXUmfxXjvK49TavbMnvNER7WoRgnxd7XXcf9BBadog39ZI4DoPJDbeawdiKUF3hM7qXQzj77d9fuI5b4w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2400" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlREqYOH4UQNwaGWl96l9r4gYASBkGDu0QlavZw8r7sZPxKLkENMTSTQtXl1f3-c1xAd_5UTi51vVIzKvepHvO0RACpnecN0zR8CfkKRJAhyXUmfxXjvK49TavbMnvNER7WoRgnxd7XXcf9BBadog39ZI4DoPJDbeawdiKUF3hM7qXQzj77d9fuI5b4w=w588-h331" width="588" /></a></p><p></p><p>And those stimulus checks. No problem, I guess, with federal payouts, but what about state support? Do travelers register somewhere so they have a home base? Would they qualify for some sort of state unemployment?</p><p></p><p>Please leave me a comment if you know the answer to any of these questions!</p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-29399774108606640162022-04-10T15:09:00.000-07:002022-04-10T15:09:17.378-07:00H is for Happy or Not<p> Hats?</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3FSvyoQj1xmtzvsHM7s2TVryBs_Y5GHaBkYl0FDyyqOFCIdfNQfL1AJO1NAbOWP7brTT11lR0gsaN4FFlpqaIYuGvrbpa9rszsmDGRq18lDBHJwvLuhllJJdu014RCQlyo_W7m-sEyIsOBXbR2_eUJuSnGSoH2v32asqKTM2Mf-ebScaZ_6Ee57itMg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3FSvyoQj1xmtzvsHM7s2TVryBs_Y5GHaBkYl0FDyyqOFCIdfNQfL1AJO1NAbOWP7brTT11lR0gsaN4FFlpqaIYuGvrbpa9rszsmDGRq18lDBHJwvLuhllJJdu014RCQlyo_W7m-sEyIsOBXbR2_eUJuSnGSoH2v32asqKTM2Mf-ebScaZ_6Ee57itMg=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hannahats.com">hannahats.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hair?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPkbVIKbPkwQyJzV9LLT_1HoBg5eDWw834B7WYZg1UxzPFecMetBS3zkvQcyA1WT9c6eqVbnhmXehNduyzn8RdG48k1EBcinlfsWp1Vd8cWiIuEbjqruuAaPvebIeKEEuiHxFsK0Ldzge31O7exoi0DXiyH-Blplu5nalDfqYARHxE3NB7eyNn-JHRIQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPkbVIKbPkwQyJzV9LLT_1HoBg5eDWw834B7WYZg1UxzPFecMetBS3zkvQcyA1WT9c6eqVbnhmXehNduyzn8RdG48k1EBcinlfsWp1Vd8cWiIuEbjqruuAaPvebIeKEEuiHxFsK0Ldzge31O7exoi0DXiyH-Blplu5nalDfqYARHxE3NB7eyNn-JHRIQ=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">True confession: I could write about the unnamed heroine's hair all day long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I won't. There is a theme that has to play into this story for various reasons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Homeschooling</span></b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because Henry Bell and his daughter travel, by necessity she can't exactly be enrolled in any school. Which, of course, sends up all kinds of red flags with local authorities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As well, we have a dark-haired father with a very light-skinned, blonde daughter. The dissimilarity in appearance sends up red flags too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The blonde heroine who is the eventual love interest might have a card to play if there is some nefarious reason the child becomes a legal pawn. Do you see where I'm going with this?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So back to homeschooling on the road. Turns out the proper term is roadschooling. More information <a href="https://www.fulltimefamilies.com/roadschooling-how-to-homeschool-while-rving/" target="_blank">here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisGNfRKB177yiLaL3xBW6ySLLJw_ikNJDDWut6SvqU0sXSMf4yT_UnZWS7lSTYsjjD5ukUlvVCVt0TlOHJ1eB7xvwLZf8JIKilwe0T6TzaTnh2iblCdAnc3tfycPs4czDq2AQBgi6N2LRHsprkJDH9RddRtMqHOzeoN9tmPL3d67zMEMBqH2-_xnVzXg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisGNfRKB177yiLaL3xBW6ySLLJw_ikNJDDWut6SvqU0sXSMf4yT_UnZWS7lSTYsjjD5ukUlvVCVt0TlOHJ1eB7xvwLZf8JIKilwe0T6TzaTnh2iblCdAnc3tfycPs4czDq2AQBgi6N2LRHsprkJDH9RddRtMqHOzeoN9tmPL3d67zMEMBqH2-_xnVzXg=w267-h400" width="267" /></a></div><br />I have a lot of research to do yet. I haven't even started to hatch a plot yet!</div><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-83390175482244117922022-04-10T13:50:00.009-07:002022-04-10T15:11:33.294-07:00G is for Gypsy<p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/iain-mckell_n_4110136" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="618" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibzQLiWz6ylWC7Q8lpevxqQ8rqx43aL0_dvUDfRKCWVYBQiu-CzgIgfbGIP3t6LhHJGRQmiccHrcbrpykZSDLuGG48aKHbJfFQNko7gsxloMG7CFDwFgzAaCjlXRBClS3zQEozDVmCkHOktFNEZqTY49PAnpIIVDTTiGqpdGjmY9BpW8hcTMImC346Fg" width="241" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/iain-mckell_n_4110136" target="_blank">Modern Day Gypsies</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am having a tough time with the Gypsy theme. The more I dig, the harder it gets. Let's start with the meaning of the word.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPDPjSzQ33ya_7tVQjb7ed3g_qdG2toZtGXaDhu3fxUkpDj6P9JKNGfZOrp8JRD8-8x2URJ2RvITBG11WP3L3a62VKXaau4qcyz1MPSJ90FKIN09eK_nzhCyMqKnVaQgGVHhIMOrjqNWxD5kQw9T8OZCWtTe6rouvuIz3dMxJXX-xl-WO5dU656-dRQ/s651/CE%20gypsy%20def.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="651" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPDPjSzQ33ya_7tVQjb7ed3g_qdG2toZtGXaDhu3fxUkpDj6P9JKNGfZOrp8JRD8-8x2URJ2RvITBG11WP3L3a62VKXaau4qcyz1MPSJ90FKIN09eK_nzhCyMqKnVaQgGVHhIMOrjqNWxD5kQw9T8OZCWtTe6rouvuIz3dMxJXX-xl-WO5dU656-dRQ/w400-h168/CE%20gypsy%20def.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Henry Bell, an American, clearly fits into the second category. But from the beginning, I felt he had gypsy blood too. Which required a lot more research that is very complicated. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Romani, Gypsy, Traveller labels are much less confusing in the United Kingdom. Once I started researching the immigrant situations of those people into <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_Americans" target="_blank">America</a>, things got a little dicey. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTW3XQ3JxltMz-oPTULaBgK9RXz-BN7XOmwPyLdhOs5-udhYwdkltj3kmEC9RZjPYLwNkPS3ehw7hZvje5jDtj-llygXbXroL_qHAP1ceIY9pi_hb_lQMrNnnODj3M5LGIFnV12nW80FwYIEcJ7oIaWt-LIm-0EAvomBoONjteWMDnxEWtqakP-F0esA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTW3XQ3JxltMz-oPTULaBgK9RXz-BN7XOmwPyLdhOs5-udhYwdkltj3kmEC9RZjPYLwNkPS3ehw7hZvje5jDtj-llygXbXroL_qHAP1ceIY9pi_hb_lQMrNnnODj3M5LGIFnV12nW80FwYIEcJ7oIaWt-LIm-0EAvomBoONjteWMDnxEWtqakP-F0esA=w395-h400" width="395" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://origin.anothermag.com/art-photography/gallery/1314/iain-mckell-the-new-gypsies/1" target="_blank">Iain McKell Photos</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>There are more than ten separate sects of gypsies in the U.S., but Henry Bell is likely a Scottish Traveller, given his trade as tinker and knife-maker. <a href="https://www.gypsyloresociety.org/additional-resources/gypsy-and-traveler-culture-in-america" target="_blank">The Gypsy Lore Society - Gypsy and Traveler Culture in America</a></div><div><br /></div><div>His pattern of travel definitely ties into what is described in this article: <a href="https://www.everyculture.com/multi/Du-Ha/Gypsy-Americans.html" target="_blank">Gypsy Americans - History, Immigration waves to the united states, Settlement patterns (everyculture.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>A bit more information at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_Americans">Wikipedia</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me to WHY I am doing all this research. Does it have to be this complicated? Do I really NEED to know his family background? Maybe. Especially if he has siblings that will be introduced. Also, there is storytelling and music pattern, that not only defines his personality, but connects him to the heroine who I am sure is Irish. So, yeah, that Gaelic connection is strong. Maybe even some prejudice against gypsies? Not sure about this.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I feel ethnic history thrums through our blood. It's part of what defines us. It looks us in the face in a mirror. Curly hair. Dark skin. The need to wander. The thrill of pounding metal. The ATTITUDE!</div><div><br /></div><div>More pictures of Henry Bell compliments of the author, <a href="https://marcussakey.com/" target="_blank">Marcus Sakey</a>. Remember that this story starts in the early days of the pandemic, so masks. What will the heroine feel when we uncover the cleft chin? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghO8y07Ltr-d33Ofao3smIY4ZbmYUJh3rC8HQKpX7iiMvSAc6JebaNb5Qih4awSlEVbhA73tsJERfV7AXkMdwDvkYDbH_iefNhczYAwSbFY_M73X9_fWy69a-mHkaIkmjZltZ1lHBTgUBALCOBIcjz_qp9BgipjTELZjIL8Sn12rJsrWts1P8oYAxug/s300/CE%20sakey%20as%20henry%20bell.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghO8y07Ltr-d33Ofao3smIY4ZbmYUJh3rC8HQKpX7iiMvSAc6JebaNb5Qih4awSlEVbhA73tsJERfV7AXkMdwDvkYDbH_iefNhczYAwSbFY_M73X9_fWy69a-mHkaIkmjZltZ1lHBTgUBALCOBIcjz_qp9BgipjTELZjIL8Sn12rJsrWts1P8oYAxug/s1600/CE%20sakey%20as%20henry%20bell.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4f3VOSd5Rf7pZQGbcebqC31ZMmYsPL0hMN-kgoB05pUPXmzRP56VblyUal7ceLZWFMGPUctWJ8oURrmGQieNK6sMexDgJoXi5Qi3gDYIc5mLNW8AE78dv0LRzAqsKzpmBOJSxKRm9cVtV4u5YVycrHe-OZhh0LunBkbfdr0krdD-AqbdiVHSgmOO5A/s966/CE%20sakey%20as%20bell.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="966" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4f3VOSd5Rf7pZQGbcebqC31ZMmYsPL0hMN-kgoB05pUPXmzRP56VblyUal7ceLZWFMGPUctWJ8oURrmGQieNK6sMexDgJoXi5Qi3gDYIc5mLNW8AE78dv0LRzAqsKzpmBOJSxKRm9cVtV4u5YVycrHe-OZhh0LunBkbfdr0krdD-AqbdiVHSgmOO5A/s320/CE%20sakey%20as%20bell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbJ9D_r0G0b_wrF3m3ovJubujgSmg6KjwbA4-sfhS-y4_mJLLP9MjzF6lBc_sMa2eg5MbycUVKQqpMe6okzxrudp_kmQGoVlEbuRjqZ0XuvnlnI2k8t3dgqrtVrKc9wElQOe_vb_mRxZ4z71-FhnijQKQeQE2pd7gxrjubz9yC9dEzV8zAyplKoMtBA/s593/CE%20sakey%20as%20bell%20book.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbJ9D_r0G0b_wrF3m3ovJubujgSmg6KjwbA4-sfhS-y4_mJLLP9MjzF6lBc_sMa2eg5MbycUVKQqpMe6okzxrudp_kmQGoVlEbuRjqZ0XuvnlnI2k8t3dgqrtVrKc9wElQOe_vb_mRxZ4z71-FhnijQKQeQE2pd7gxrjubz9yC9dEzV8zAyplKoMtBA/s320/CE%20sakey%20as%20bell%20book.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here's a curious twist. Sakey's first book is called </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blade_Itself" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><i>The Blade Itself</i>.</a><span style="text-align: left;"> I had no clue when I first saw his photo and decided my book character looked just like that. I guess that kind of connection is appropriate for a Cutting Edge Mystery.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Huh! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="dc_wt b_clearfix" style="color: #444444; display: flex; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div aria-level="2" class="b_focusTextMedium dc_truncate b_clearfix" role="heading" style="color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 40px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 48px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 4px;"><br /></div></div></div>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-59769490586356628162022-04-08T12:39:00.002-07:002022-04-08T12:39:14.389-07:00F is for Eff<p>Let's skip the effing swear words in the <i>Cutting Edge</i> book. I have a child in this one, and a parent who is sensitive to young ears and what they should hear. Swearing has its place in any piece of writing, but it doesn't fit these characters. At least not yet.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCzYHfEQ0_7N7Vs6218jO_JUuRPjoOHqpt2Soo-gBMrPzQIKy-D8wQlXn4df2xwVInXO9y9T-_GdCWaNiamdt9EwPd0HRcz5dDv39rOcC6lzj9YFDZQp17lihPkNxLodr2eDqw4F9IN68EUrGA9LlSQpPd6jW0ZI1A3Su5fie2F0UfBJaU3YZCWeYK5A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1100" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCzYHfEQ0_7N7Vs6218jO_JUuRPjoOHqpt2Soo-gBMrPzQIKy-D8wQlXn4df2xwVInXO9y9T-_GdCWaNiamdt9EwPd0HRcz5dDv39rOcC6lzj9YFDZQp17lihPkNxLodr2eDqw4F9IN68EUrGA9LlSQpPd6jW0ZI1A3Su5fie2F0UfBJaU3YZCWeYK5A" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: MentalFloss.com</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>But what about some other F-word prompts to help me understand these people?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-OJrbcg8ceI6wvbGN7YJyfUhWu2ZfU4GNyrdZzFSdEi8i18U_rrIP3SxnN0y3ldsKVkHboYY3LIHruw8PAVwUrfXY-dPF7tn4nP-y3sOmC759ttxsrIiR_j5m7952tDAMxVB094We7BKm3EtRKgZYYvbxAJi-5aNn8Q6FGL4-2_NhEAq2zQciXVzj9Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-OJrbcg8ceI6wvbGN7YJyfUhWu2ZfU4GNyrdZzFSdEi8i18U_rrIP3SxnN0y3ldsKVkHboYY3LIHruw8PAVwUrfXY-dPF7tn4nP-y3sOmC759ttxsrIiR_j5m7952tDAMxVB094We7BKm3EtRKgZYYvbxAJi-5aNn8Q6FGL4-2_NhEAq2zQciXVzj9Q" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Fear: That's always a big motivator, especially for parents. Henry Bell has a young daughter, and because they are constantly on the road and often in strange places, he keeps a wary eye on the girl. There are definite rules to follow, and he is very cautious about who takes care of her when he is gone. In fact, a certain level of trust with the heroine helps their romance develop. I really need to name this child. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYk4B6nlPoBTL-m4asukGzkURkaoZpxAw_l8FCzQxV0XLaS9pBipsqSIjSwCqrBSeujnT-RPL_wYET1WgUNgT0fk2Pd05OnMSN_z7GDR-SHLx1Pky_cGCbRRCeGSElIlpksSGdDPJC2zeUkFIS-3pUDecOVKLZuIIgALjpqUjxDSLa3-CBTregjrfwg/s715/ce%20fury%20face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYk4B6nlPoBTL-m4asukGzkURkaoZpxAw_l8FCzQxV0XLaS9pBipsqSIjSwCqrBSeujnT-RPL_wYET1WgUNgT0fk2Pd05OnMSN_z7GDR-SHLx1Pky_cGCbRRCeGSElIlpksSGdDPJC2zeUkFIS-3pUDecOVKLZuIIgALjpqUjxDSLa3-CBTregjrfwg/s320/ce%20fury%20face.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br />Fury: What would really set Henry off? Something unfair? Something cruel? I have to think about this. Henry strikes me as a man who might become irritated, but I don't see him as someone who would lose his temper easily. Yet we all are capable of fury, aren't we? Must ponder this some more.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTvIXTbkFnewZWLQ-r3T7SLaNJ5psmhDxC3RS7qUGTxt-MUlyTNlOvpLm5lOA0i4HCUsBq0xSyAMOf4LSZwO23qm_nY44LAEGsiuEJw6c8f6qiIfEWQYX84Z84Ssoia1-nOQGKv_X5O4ZkGelABmd71Q3x3-WX5gN3Nl5_4SUQGMFqEQe9BbjLOUBkw/s1920/covid%20closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTvIXTbkFnewZWLQ-r3T7SLaNJ5psmhDxC3RS7qUGTxt-MUlyTNlOvpLm5lOA0i4HCUsBq0xSyAMOf4LSZwO23qm_nY44LAEGsiuEJw6c8f6qiIfEWQYX84Z84Ssoia1-nOQGKv_X5O4ZkGelABmd71Q3x3-WX5gN3Nl5_4SUQGMFqEQe9BbjLOUBkw/s320/covid%20closed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Frustration: Right off, I think the circumstances would frustrate him because the pandemic put the kibosh on so many creative work environments. Same for the heroine. They rely largely on events like farmers markets, art fairs, Renfests, and other such gathers. As well, Henry has a lot of gigs sharpening knives for restaurants, which were largely closed early in the pandemic. The heroine is a costumer and most theaters had to close. So, everyone in their immediate circle had the frustration of trying to find work. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9vhcWKbIwcCQ-NflQI631afWVfwCGopdZUs7g3KdqXpP-vyK68uWICmfJCC50Gbzwww-2CAOm7Ohn-DfDDDq5E20vdaEL_bEVD_wX0_yHjdxB9qBbR64eBiFZ3cqTQmM1w5gqJVapX-yxu5YXhvFAt37eZshPpM-su5b9M8u_eCvElydNNL5aZUt7iw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9vhcWKbIwcCQ-NflQI631afWVfwCGopdZUs7g3KdqXpP-vyK68uWICmfJCC50Gbzwww-2CAOm7Ohn-DfDDDq5E20vdaEL_bEVD_wX0_yHjdxB9qBbR64eBiFZ3cqTQmM1w5gqJVapX-yxu5YXhvFAt37eZshPpM-su5b9M8u_eCvElydNNL5aZUt7iw" width="239" /></a></div><br />Fun: The characters have lots of friends with whom they cross paths, even if it's just meeting at campgrounds. Despite social distancing, they can share food over campfires and grills, and it's a common thing for someone to pull out an instrument in the evening and start playing. Dancing is also part of the fun. I might have to add some outdoor games, like horseshoes. What other games are there that would be easy to transport? <p></p><p>Friends: Lots of friends via travel and related work. Henry Bell is much-loved and respected. Have I mentioned his best buddies call him Tink? Short for Tinker Bell. Get it? Ha ha. </p><p>Family: I don't have a sense of family at all. Henry might have a sister, but parents? Nothing strikes me. Yet his daughter might wonder about her grandparents, right? </p><p>I must name that child. I already have a scene in which she wants a nickname and Henry teases her with ideas like this: Liberty Bell? Blue Bell? School Bell? Door Bell? Cow Bell? </p><p>She needs a real and pretty name. I have until the letter N for Naming to figure this out. Any ideas?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-75941090691232927652022-04-08T11:26:00.000-07:002022-04-08T11:26:22.413-07:00E is for Eyes A-Z Blogging Challenge<p style="text-align: center;"><i>The eyes are the window to your soul. ~ William Shakespeare</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The eyes shout what the lips fear to say. ~ William Henry</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The soul that can speak through the eyes, can also kiss with a gaze. ~ Gustav Adolpho Becquer</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzfBptuCaQCtpwf5upMNBNb6qmQUN_I7ehhXulFEW8pJANjLE49daFb13cp3PSeJKxfsjpFbbG5GUzcxxdwc7HLNUZQCB-TsjPAWS8T1leP0w_cunhzpxN3Xv9nz-bLzkAzTNjm9GFdYiP0YKrAsu2tTJSomKOoB8F2o2buu1CtdLjiPHBvp8QvYXQg/s747/CE%20E%20blog%20post%20eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="747" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzfBptuCaQCtpwf5upMNBNb6qmQUN_I7ehhXulFEW8pJANjLE49daFb13cp3PSeJKxfsjpFbbG5GUzcxxdwc7HLNUZQCB-TsjPAWS8T1leP0w_cunhzpxN3Xv9nz-bLzkAzTNjm9GFdYiP0YKrAsu2tTJSomKOoB8F2o2buu1CtdLjiPHBvp8QvYXQg/w400-h161/CE%20E%20blog%20post%20eyes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Eyes are always important characteristics and I like to describe them in my writing. Color is very important to me. It drove me absolutely insane that the <i>Outlander</i> heroine had whisky-colored eyes in the books, but the actress who played the role on Starz had lovely blue eyes. <p></p><p>In the <i>Cutting Edg</i>e stories, the eyes play an unusually significant role. The book begins at the start of the COVID pandemic when everyone is wearing masks. No smiles. No frowns. Just voices. And eyes. So much communication has to happen through visual contact.</p><p>And in an enemies-to-friends scenario? Oh, yeah, miscommunication could get very interesting. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp7ZG4qt7CvAoD5KPqc5jQG_Iuh2pyCxHc9cUmbuQgPZMkWba8nSwc7YTvV0ZopHNv3MgQND7bNVyofinDrlnqJBnO7NgodBoAdvdgnElwWRZJpCwlcTOxuc9wABKqwnacb5dVPPmGhVT3H1C4KHuZxep3x9fg1Lgf1-rSWorXAOH7NqxmEYoZ5EJeTg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="2560" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp7ZG4qt7CvAoD5KPqc5jQG_Iuh2pyCxHc9cUmbuQgPZMkWba8nSwc7YTvV0ZopHNv3MgQND7bNVyofinDrlnqJBnO7NgodBoAdvdgnElwWRZJpCwlcTOxuc9wABKqwnacb5dVPPmGhVT3H1C4KHuZxep3x9fg1Lgf1-rSWorXAOH7NqxmEYoZ5EJeTg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The eyes have it, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wrong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The actual quote is "the ayes have it". Raise your hand and say aye if you knew that.</div><br /><br /><p></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-19141594841939301532022-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:002022-04-07T20:00:36.903-07:00D is for Dagger<p>Henry Bell isn't just a tinker who travels around the country sharpening knives and other tools. He MAKES knives when he can find a forge to use.</p><p>Here's a <a href="https://www.instructables.com/How-to-make-a-knife-7/" target="_blank">blog post </a>that explains how to do it. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVxhh9te1-VjEA-k9nxkBDbqxgUGFx0WDYcpmrQ661y9S6sTTHRCGS-pPHfGa1Pls8rPEExZJnk-bSnBY_0JjfSj1cnh6Vbrq3Pmm3jA-1YiU1AtGJ80kuEKdCpoxfQYWu8jiQymiVPtK4OW_7TskkMQCWgWsbnvw9DBBaFNeWKUgBIWkrrTqIrC6fUA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVxhh9te1-VjEA-k9nxkBDbqxgUGFx0WDYcpmrQ661y9S6sTTHRCGS-pPHfGa1Pls8rPEExZJnk-bSnBY_0JjfSj1cnh6Vbrq3Pmm3jA-1YiU1AtGJ80kuEKdCpoxfQYWu8jiQymiVPtK4OW_7TskkMQCWgWsbnvw9DBBaFNeWKUgBIWkrrTqIrC6fUA" width="320" /></a></div><br />He also choreographs sword fights for theater groups and RenFest participants.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVk_CAtvxxFqquKc4alXK-70wVrxN0PFMvMYW0L9DARZBvCRGJh-s4QQspKeGKsuu3TUTBKZWhTU6Im7MsQwU0mP6YfnFTbvKM3IYDBZnVfOzMxOpi832CL1WBptfSW9rtqg4Lp2OQCJ0V-7-AbD5wWaquvkYhZZ95x2l7rC7dclWIKOBXWvC1HfEsbg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVk_CAtvxxFqquKc4alXK-70wVrxN0PFMvMYW0L9DARZBvCRGJh-s4QQspKeGKsuu3TUTBKZWhTU6Im7MsQwU0mP6YfnFTbvKM3IYDBZnVfOzMxOpi832CL1WBptfSW9rtqg4Lp2OQCJ0V-7-AbD5wWaquvkYhZZ95x2l7rC7dclWIKOBXWvC1HfEsbg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: charlestonstage.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And he's a knife thrower. He met his wife working for a carnival, and still goes to national meets and competitions to teach and participate in knife-throwing. Probably nothing THIS dramatic though, but you get the idea.<div><br /><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Br0EzZkWMYs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p></p><p>This is a part of the character that is totally me. I love knives, I collect them, and, yes, I throw them. But only at inanimate targets. I'd be embarrassed to admit how many knives I own. So, I won't mention it. </p><p>This is actually a fairly inexpensive hobby. You can get a set of beginner throwing knives like this for about $20.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMkpJwjlkSrLMLD2Xr3gPguMC2-sPhDiKUQqBTu2ROfDbrrjIInzFaJpvb1T3-TmI7QpaLHeXVdsfIIEU0nN0jq45jH0Ckre8qskRBSMWBOd6h_EXQD8uGXczhyQshmFynYT1V0NhxkjyRG_h43GahOoB7-G9lhQj44h5rC_mzXTHcJ7n21TirE8b-A/s1500/throwing%20knives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1500" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMkpJwjlkSrLMLD2Xr3gPguMC2-sPhDiKUQqBTu2ROfDbrrjIInzFaJpvb1T3-TmI7QpaLHeXVdsfIIEU0nN0jq45jH0Ckre8qskRBSMWBOd6h_EXQD8uGXczhyQshmFynYT1V0NhxkjyRG_h43GahOoB7-G9lhQj44h5rC_mzXTHcJ7n21TirE8b-A/s320/throwing%20knives.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Does your character have any weird passions or hobbies? You have to admit, Henry Bell is an unusual guy. </p></div></div>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-81894579452215258352022-04-07T19:06:00.003-07:002022-04-07T19:06:31.776-07:00C is for Challenge <p>Apparently, my biggest challenge this month will be blogging daily! Ha! I'll just accept the Catch-up Challenge here and now.</p><p> Back to the <i>Cutting Edge Mystery</i> novel. </p><p>There will be Children. Henry Bell, the main character, is a single dad with a daughter. I'm not yet sure what age. Adolescent for sure. I'm not even sure what she looks like exactly. I'm leaning to a delicate blonde, because it ties into the enemies-to-lovers theme I might want to explore. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6zs5LLt5efm6xx2f1oajkb3VTkV-sC89M9gQ7HNk5nTj0XlPIAV7O-HUcF51VFqdMAMvcgHs38Ayc_mZ2m-WtyuHBQIT9OZRF5SlGtDhF1k0ohHjRLCGLcHACTJqOzoOueaAPqYJeGckwJTjUnjtv3datbAWlrjbs-_s5sJ6YvRLlbSvSIE9Mq5sB3Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6zs5LLt5efm6xx2f1oajkb3VTkV-sC89M9gQ7HNk5nTj0XlPIAV7O-HUcF51VFqdMAMvcgHs38Ayc_mZ2m-WtyuHBQIT9OZRF5SlGtDhF1k0ohHjRLCGLcHACTJqOzoOueaAPqYJeGckwJTjUnjtv3datbAWlrjbs-_s5sJ6YvRLlbSvSIE9Mq5sB3Q" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Which brings me to the eventual heroine in the story, who is also a traveler, so their paths keep crossing. She is a costumer working with theater and dance groups, but also participates in art festivals and Renaissance and Celtic festivals. Do I know her name yet? No. But I know what she looks like:</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HgGAzBDE454?start=6" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I think I'll make the daughter a blonde too. The hero has problems with the love interest's appearance, because she reminds him of the child's mother who left him with an infant. The daughter, however, is attracted to this woman for so many reasons, including appearance. </div><div><br /></div><div>It could play. </div><div><br /></div><div>What else? Pets are going to be an issue. Traveling with animals complicates life, and travelers tend to simplify. But a cat is always a nice addition to life, especially one who travels well. I once had a cat who loved to sit on the dashboard and take rides in the car. That could work too.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMUwk-HeG1mdm-SXc5iUMcTmB13qr-TEXfXc5KBFIui3AUMqPgsybso6ZpjkSu3Vr3EwsabNJHkSgsZSXOU1W9oFac8FekV0O5XlhPwx6hrrkGcxy_mbbfVd87bcYjHia0UtKvNJv7OyxeCxbRwPwPnGtecOSWAw3To8ub7O7k3f6gFAgAGWKJG4seQ/s930/cats%20chai%20in%20contemplation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMUwk-HeG1mdm-SXc5iUMcTmB13qr-TEXfXc5KBFIui3AUMqPgsybso6ZpjkSu3Vr3EwsabNJHkSgsZSXOU1W9oFac8FekV0O5XlhPwx6hrrkGcxy_mbbfVd87bcYjHia0UtKvNJv7OyxeCxbRwPwPnGtecOSWAw3To8ub7O7k3f6gFAgAGWKJG4seQ/s320/cats%20chai%20in%20contemplation.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I don't know. I really want a rat, not a cat. I'll have to think about this some more.</div><div><br /></div><div>What about you? Any writing challenges lately? </div><div><br /></div>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-33461608804904808202022-04-02T09:21:00.010-07:002022-04-02T09:31:49.385-07:00B is for Brainstorming <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiquQ8Pd4Ut3Sq_hQV4_zMsfITWsrrq12unuSE-ym6WYN-As8-c392UTGxn-fGv2gonM6ImOCnUl2EHoahE7D-ZkZm01Aps7SEKo-RZhnZoYe1GRsgOflrsIyQTr9-Q3HS0JvylXuQI9PzYCPCyRBMIKxQdW_JBqA7vETisw0b2BWSROBWHy9zBBRc3KQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1429" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiquQ8Pd4Ut3Sq_hQV4_zMsfITWsrrq12unuSE-ym6WYN-As8-c392UTGxn-fGv2gonM6ImOCnUl2EHoahE7D-ZkZm01Aps7SEKo-RZhnZoYe1GRsgOflrsIyQTr9-Q3HS0JvylXuQI9PzYCPCyRBMIKxQdW_JBqA7vETisw0b2BWSROBWHy9zBBRc3KQ=w400-h183" width="400" /></a></div><br />I love vardos. I am fairly certain that I have some Romany DNA. The traveling lifestyle intrigues me, the artistry in the costumes and living spaces... it all seems so familiar to me.<p></p><p>My main character, Henry Bell, definitely has that ethnic bloodline pumping through him. I haven't totally nailed his appearance... partly because he is always wearing a pandemic mask... but I think he looks like a blend of these two guys:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrlV9DCSL9eih9qvyxbdSfc-nuw76aZdAvqYl2JjSKtnkMbAGJyDp9GP6G-AQjDvBfj4z8OrwAgicJf2XNvZV5tthKlihqXUWSPHs-HsKvfvZ0mgec3K1rprxIsv5m0CoSFNtcLI2IFRQMLOFzIJT6_UON4FTpo-QwdVHMK09UtkouzzRczNBG-QQgFw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrlV9DCSL9eih9qvyxbdSfc-nuw76aZdAvqYl2JjSKtnkMbAGJyDp9GP6G-AQjDvBfj4z8OrwAgicJf2XNvZV5tthKlihqXUWSPHs-HsKvfvZ0mgec3K1rprxIsv5m0CoSFNtcLI2IFRQMLOFzIJT6_UON4FTpo-QwdVHMK09UtkouzzRczNBG-QQgFw" width="160" /></a></div><br /> Henry is a tall, well-built fellow, dark-skinned and curly-haired and looks every bit the Romany gypsy of his mother's blood. He usually wears his hair tied back in a ponytail and is beardless, especially during COVID days when this story begins. This is a picture of Colin Farrell doing his best not to look too crazed. Henry actually has a more heavy-lidded, deadpan look on his face when he's in public. But this is a start. He's 6' 2" tall and only his best buds call him "Tink" - short for Tinker Bell, the name of his business. We'll get into more of that in another post. <p></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfeAB-3lbYW5iF2KUy_OmSUkdZTejUSqtX2F1AiUBZLHy-K-hsqyxnIlzE9jRGTe_FGEb8Y0boGdk-LEYYIb5UgJDCA2qP0ipB7-70xUvwABiFUw3C8YMhm6WHEzbnyKQ1fhicUI-afIJYjqBM_zlvwr5nPqdRA5oxcf08_MmmVLQd3wNO084o6qL9Q/s316/Marcus%20Sakey%20as%20Henry%20Bell.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="194" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfeAB-3lbYW5iF2KUy_OmSUkdZTejUSqtX2F1AiUBZLHy-K-hsqyxnIlzE9jRGTe_FGEb8Y0boGdk-LEYYIb5UgJDCA2qP0ipB7-70xUvwABiFUw3C8YMhm6WHEzbnyKQ1fhicUI-afIJYjqBM_zlvwr5nPqdRA5oxcf08_MmmVLQd3wNO084o6qL9Q/s1600/Marcus%20Sakey%20as%20Henry%20Bell.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus Sakey<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>What else about Henry? He's fairly agile and quiet and his hands tend to have gray stains, especially under the nails and fingertips. No tattoos. The only piercings are for two earrings. That I know for sure. He likes to walk barefoot. He has a deep voice. He does not snore. He's a runner. </p><p>And that's just the start. I don't have his sense of humor down yet - so important!</p><p>And I need to find his deepest wound. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I'll add more as he evolves in my imagination. </p><p>Do you use photos of famous people to imagine your characters? An image in front of my face is so important to start building their personalities.</p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-55284732486168573832022-04-02T08:39:00.004-07:002022-04-02T08:53:02.531-07:00A is for Appetite #A-ZBloggingChallenge<p>All my book characters love food. Their stomachs are like separate characters! The new series I am planning for NaNoWriMo 2022 is about a modern tinker who travels around the country sharpening tools and knives. And teaching knife throwing. And getting accused of murder by blade. Then he helps solve the crimes. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxjVf1Yle2LI_BpZUcKvhGRdc9_kiosnAwQ1z_36MOkEZQhE6xJgjWY9xPS_EF__MYbv1Qa-of86YiH_qSt8UmFrL0XT952P5zOV89GZXbyN_Qb8I9VHK5Yxq5v7e604v71OKkaD1_P2jYmXOP22GfMIUaSU_UtIQVmf3Fg63Vn1JeHWW2491UFeV1cg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxjVf1Yle2LI_BpZUcKvhGRdc9_kiosnAwQ1z_36MOkEZQhE6xJgjWY9xPS_EF__MYbv1Qa-of86YiH_qSt8UmFrL0XT952P5zOV89GZXbyN_Qb8I9VHK5Yxq5v7e604v71OKkaD1_P2jYmXOP22GfMIUaSU_UtIQVmf3Fg63Vn1JeHWW2491UFeV1cg" width="310" /></a></div><br />But thinking about how he appeases his appetite in a crazy van like this is interesting to ponder. The book begins in the first year of the COVID pandemic, so there is less eating out and a lot more cooking at "home." My hero also has a young daughter, with food tastes of her own.<p></p><p>The interior is even more ornate than the outside of his crazy van!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO8lPP5GpB8_RgQzlUZ6hXf-o_34ga9SlJ8eFogWh8D01EJ2q86lgarOqmgfGCUyfquMLuoqZ-Hb9XdwBGLoYtle_fGA8nopeOlzeqoNJMKAbtKhFN-qHqVahM8bMT7iik60d3obPU6ven0HPmKc9R_H5t4XoSRf_mmIU1UIwIbpyYAjdJPhBCUP8mg/s1000/vardo%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO8lPP5GpB8_RgQzlUZ6hXf-o_34ga9SlJ8eFogWh8D01EJ2q86lgarOqmgfGCUyfquMLuoqZ-Hb9XdwBGLoYtle_fGA8nopeOlzeqoNJMKAbtKhFN-qHqVahM8bMT7iik60d3obPU6ven0HPmKc9R_H5t4XoSRf_mmIU1UIwIbpyYAjdJPhBCUP8mg/s320/vardo%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Or maybe it would be better and more surprising to readers to have a really spartan interior like this:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQn1Y_iMEc4e6zkrvj8Go4lI1G67nNmiMUFlnAZONwh-ScIyW6LJZ1Z17mQJIRllfFooBqlSXsyJ2noeaUohPmAH9AcXcutqjZJNpA0kJopqcgWp8B910vzThaab_AQCpuWj1-05neTsTtOHfZIC8CKZbKsojXqZvw7KCvCvi9CXTQia5_siHbQrwJQ/s517/vardo%20not%20van%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="517" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQn1Y_iMEc4e6zkrvj8Go4lI1G67nNmiMUFlnAZONwh-ScIyW6LJZ1Z17mQJIRllfFooBqlSXsyJ2noeaUohPmAH9AcXcutqjZJNpA0kJopqcgWp8B910vzThaab_AQCpuWj1-05neTsTtOHfZIC8CKZbKsojXqZvw7KCvCvi9CXTQia5_siHbQrwJQ/s320/vardo%20not%20van%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />How would I handle the actual cooking and eating in the story? Foods to fix in small spaces would include one-pot meals. Raw foods. Grilling outside of the van at campgrounds? <p></p><p>How about recipes like this? In smaller portions or to share with other campers:</p><p>A field of dreams salad, one of my favorites:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sgSnzBfKNXsvOPSP0ZOuKGqEAhv0rQaD-JtPQGlqhZ7bZT6Z3120olnXS2RgsN8YOpvi3XVKWDocWYFdUd0k5dUN2-rGnYH5akmp2neDLKQV0yZ0kH8CIN92z1VCdE6a0fX6SpvnqKrCsoOSIcRqR6OefGaFT448shYLEDyYuiX5vf5zZPvN5f2SRA/s960/food%20field%20of%20dreams%20salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sgSnzBfKNXsvOPSP0ZOuKGqEAhv0rQaD-JtPQGlqhZ7bZT6Z3120olnXS2RgsN8YOpvi3XVKWDocWYFdUd0k5dUN2-rGnYH5akmp2neDLKQV0yZ0kH8CIN92z1VCdE6a0fX6SpvnqKrCsoOSIcRqR6OefGaFT448shYLEDyYuiX5vf5zZPvN5f2SRA/w400-h225/food%20field%20of%20dreams%20salad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greens, berries, nuts, bleu cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Minestrone is a good one-pot meal that can easily be made in an Instant Pot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx75tqYKHjOuyjTL2vwSK0bjPTMUWJ_3oUMtfdXd0GINRCseNpGNkEguiCcwZmb1dwvx4ovThsGgzGzTL8_dX_9saVI5CVCdyUza5API9gPpOFaCe1fq0rRT6OnlhZkm4pXpKdiP5Ud7rz6FQIK31mx0MH7aabQrmCeL2FmmrUpuOU_uj5Ad0Y7XGMQ/s768/food%20minestrone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx75tqYKHjOuyjTL2vwSK0bjPTMUWJ_3oUMtfdXd0GINRCseNpGNkEguiCcwZmb1dwvx4ovThsGgzGzTL8_dX_9saVI5CVCdyUza5API9gPpOFaCe1fq0rRT6OnlhZkm4pXpKdiP5Ud7rz6FQIK31mx0MH7aabQrmCeL2FmmrUpuOU_uj5Ad0Y7XGMQ/s320/food%20minestrone.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/instant-pot-minestrone-4777798" target="_blank">Instant Pot Minestrone Recipe</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cleanup will be an issue in a small space, so one-PLATE meals are important too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't want to get into dietary issues with father or child, but I am moodling the influence a love interest might have - I am pretty sure she will be a vegetarian. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, so that's enough brainstorming for the letter A!</div><p><br /></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027426237053523486.post-35613682410145570202013-09-16T13:33:00.001-07:002013-09-16T13:33:48.519-07:00Too Many Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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