Hi, how was your week? Mine was a little crazy, so I’m thrilled it’s the weekend – more so because I get to catch up. So let’s talk. I have a pretty comfy couch, so we’re good here for a while.
I’m currently reading Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham, but we’ll get to that in a minute. First, I promised a summary of my thoughts on Crossing Bedlam by Charles Yallowitz, which I finished last week. I wrote a review, and you can find it by clicking here.
So, back to Grisham. I actually read a review on Don Massenzio’s blog, and as I used to be a huge fan of Grisham’s books, after reading what Don had to say about Rogue Lawyer I couldn’t resist. So far, so good. I think I might actually be hooked again. I’m a faithful reader, so I tend to stick by my favourites. Unfortunately the last couple I read of Grisham’s made me hesitate when considering his latest release. I would have got to it eventually, put it on my ever growing reading list. I’m glad I didn’t wait. There are so many authors I enjoy at the moment, it’s not easy to choose. Unless it’s Lee Child (because I have a serious weakness for Jack Reacher), I tend to read them in order.
Going back to the crazy, as in week, that would be crazy busy, I’ve only read a couple of chapters. I expect I’ll have more to say about it next week, though. If you’ve read it, feel free to share your thoughts.
Writing wise, I’ve mostly been editing. I’m working my way through episode 2 of the Collective, and trying to make sure the characters have a unique voice. It’s written in third person, but each episode is told from multiple points of view – changing characters depending on the scene. Again, it’s different to my novels, juggling so many characters (and plot lines), so the challenges just keep coming! Not that it isn’t fun. I’m having an absolute blast. In fact, I’m so excited about this project, I had to pull over to the side of the road yesterday to jot something down (safely).
One of the things I love about getting to know my characters is that, even when I know their background, think I know all their secrets, bam, out of the blue they share something with me and I think ‘No! Really?’ I know I’m not alone in that – even the most explicit of planners get caught by surprise. I mention this because it’s the reason I had to pull over (safely).
I will be releasing a sneak preview of the first episode next week (Chapter 1) on the website, so I’ll share a link with you. I already posted it to Watt Pad, so if you want to check it out, you can do that here. Just a note, if you read the post I wrote for Writer’s Quote Wednesday, you will recognise the first part of the chapter, so you’ll need to scroll down for the continuation – to find out how the scene ends.
But that’s it from me. I’ve rambled enough. I want to hear about your week. Are you reading anything new? If it’s still the same book, how’s that going? What about writing, blogging, creative outlets in general – do you have anything to share?
Thanks for stopping by.
Mel
12 responses to “Saturday Book Club – 19 March 2016”
Totally with you on the part about getting to know your characters. They always seem to have surprises. It’s been a rough week here with a lot of spontaneous errands and just all around yuck. Then again, I’m up at 4 AM, so I might just be in a bad mood. Hoping to take things easy this weekend in case next week is rough too.
Sorry about the yuck. I was going to say you were waking up just as I was going to sleep, but that’s not true because of the time difference! I hope you have a restful weekend – so you can look next week in the eye and say ‘bring it on’ 🙂
This weekend is supposed to a small snow storm tomorrow, which means I might be shoveling. Next Thursday starts another break from school for the kid too. I’m not telling any more periods of time to ‘bring it on’. This year can claim victory over me and move on to someone else.
That’s weird, my girls have a break too – they don’t usually clash with US breaks. I have them for two weeks so my writing space will get pretty dusty!
It’s a 5 day weekend for Easter. Then he has the last week in April off. I might have to use April entirely for outlining and planning since I won’t be able to finish a new book before that long break.
Characters do like to catch us off guard, don’t they? 😉
I’ve just finished reading A Wild Swan by Michael Cunningham. It’s a collection of short stories that explores the untold parts of classic fairy tales. I really enjoyed it 🙂
It sounds great – just my cup of tea! Have a great weekend 🙂
Same to you 🙂
I had the same take on Grisham. The last few were formulaic maybe? Trite? Not sure what the right word is. I’ll give this one a try based on your thoughts. He did used to be one of my favorites.
I’ve had a hellacious few days. Everything broke–my refrigerator, my home security camera, my book website–and then when I tried to call GoDaddy for help, I found out my cell phone wouldn’t work. I’ve never had that before. I finally gave up and grabbed my current read (John Gilstrap’s latest Jonathan Grave book). A day later, I still feel washed out.
Sigh.
Oh no! I hope you’ve had a restful day and are feeling better. Here’s hoping everything gets fixed and sorted, while you’re enjoying a great adventure between the pages of a book. Hugs.
Thanks for the mention. I truly hope you enjoy the book. After reading Gray Mountain and Ford County, I was glad he bounced back with this one.
Liking it so far…it has me in its hooks! 🙂