...Is a bad idea to be sure.
Argh.
I'm on the last 1/3 of the race, and my energy is flagging. My Themistoc/kles novel is soooo close to being finished and yet I haven't felt the urge to write. That might be because my work and social calender have gotten a lot more full, and life in general has gotten a lot more stressful. Still, it's not fair to Thems or myself to make him just sit there in Attica, waiting for a final showdown with Xerxes (the battle of Salamis is done, but there's still a wall to build, an Assembly to manipulate and a Spartan army to prod along!)
Has anyone had this happen? How does one gather inner energy to make it through the final lap in the race?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Because I have nothing better to blog about...
This was going around the office blogs where I work, so I thought I'd post it here, too! I never get tired of these stupid things...I tag Scott, Jason, Gabriele, Carla and Wynn!
1. What is your occupation right now?
Database Editor at IGN.
2. What color are your socks right now?
White.
3. What are you listening to right now?
Mantra-Away (Todd Edwards remix).
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Chicken strips from Hitachi.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
No.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Can't remember.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Nobody sent it; I STOLE it!!
8. How old are you today?
29.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football.
10. What is your favorite drink?
Tie: Coca-cola/Calistoga mineral water.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes. I dyed it blonde for a year then changed it back to brown with red highlights.
12. Favorite food?
Pizza.
13. What is the last movie you watched?
Uh...I watched part of Bride of Chucky in Spanish the other day. Does that count?
14. Favorite day of the year?
August 9th.
15. How do you vent anger?
By hitting and kicking my poor Playstation 2 console.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
My collection of Barbie dolls (which I still have, btw).
17. What is your favorite season?
Summer.
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Blackberries, please.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Friends? The hell are those?
20. Who is the most likely to respond?
Nobody.
21. Who is least likely to respond?
Somebody.
22. Living arrangements?
Rent-free!
23. When was the last time you cried?
A week ago but I can't remember exactly why. (^_^);
24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Clothes and shoes.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
There's that "friend" word again! What IS that!?
26. What did you DO last night?
Went out to dinner with the parents.
27. What are you most afraid of?
Something bad happening to me or someone I care about.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Karai, onegai!
29. Favorite dog breed?
Pekingese.
30. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday.
31. How many states have you lived in?
I've always been a California girl!
32. Diamonds or pearls?
Both, please.
33. What is your favorite flower?
Roses. Roses draped in diamonds are best, though...what?
1. What is your occupation right now?
Database Editor at IGN.
2. What color are your socks right now?
White.
3. What are you listening to right now?
Mantra-Away (Todd Edwards remix).
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Chicken strips from Hitachi.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
No.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Can't remember.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Nobody sent it; I STOLE it!!
8. How old are you today?
29.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football.
10. What is your favorite drink?
Tie: Coca-cola/Calistoga mineral water.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes. I dyed it blonde for a year then changed it back to brown with red highlights.
12. Favorite food?
Pizza.
13. What is the last movie you watched?
Uh...I watched part of Bride of Chucky in Spanish the other day. Does that count?
14. Favorite day of the year?
August 9th.
15. How do you vent anger?
By hitting and kicking my poor Playstation 2 console.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
My collection of Barbie dolls (which I still have, btw).
17. What is your favorite season?
Summer.
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Blackberries, please.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Friends? The hell are those?
20. Who is the most likely to respond?
Nobody.
21. Who is least likely to respond?
Somebody.
22. Living arrangements?
Rent-free!
23. When was the last time you cried?
A week ago but I can't remember exactly why. (^_^);
24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Clothes and shoes.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
There's that "friend" word again! What IS that!?
26. What did you DO last night?
Went out to dinner with the parents.
27. What are you most afraid of?
Something bad happening to me or someone I care about.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Karai, onegai!
29. Favorite dog breed?
Pekingese.
30. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday.
31. How many states have you lived in?
I've always been a California girl!
32. Diamonds or pearls?
Both, please.
33. What is your favorite flower?
Roses. Roses draped in diamonds are best, though...what?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pick Me! Pick Me!
Yesterday I entered one of Jason Evan's awesome writing contests, and I have to see it was a great experience. There's a lot of talent that participated in this competition, but I hope you'll vote my story as one of the winners. Even if I don't win however, I'm honored to be in such great company.
Here's my story. Enjoy!
The Long Ride Up
Meghan Sullivan
I hoped the escalator ride would never end.
When you’re on an escalator, it’s like being in limbo. Up you go, the world falling away, your destination hazy and distant. As long as you stay on it, nothing is expected of you. Maybe that’s why I wanted the escalator to just keep going, to rise endlessly so that I didn’t have to do anything.
As we ascended I looked down at the stair in front of me, its metal lines of destiny glowing like pale moonlight. How could something as mundane as an escalator stair be so otherworldly? I tried to ponder that mystery, but my eyes drifted to Kanji’s heels instead. I watched as he shifted his weight from right to left, the metal creaking underneath his leather boots. Was he uneasy? Was he bored? Did he not want to be there? With me?
What if I did take his hand? But suddenly I could hear his voice, harsh and full of alarm. “The hell are you doing!?” And like that our friendship would end. I loved him too much to risk that. Which is strange. I mean, there is something ironic about losing someone you love just because you make the mistake of saying “I love you.” So I kept my hands to myself and stayed silent, and prayed our journey would never end.<
Here's my story. Enjoy!
The Long Ride Up
Meghan Sullivan
I hoped the escalator ride would never end.
When you’re on an escalator, it’s like being in limbo. Up you go, the world falling away, your destination hazy and distant. As long as you stay on it, nothing is expected of you. Maybe that’s why I wanted the escalator to just keep going, to rise endlessly so that I didn’t have to do anything.
As we ascended I looked down at the stair in front of me, its metal lines of destiny glowing like pale moonlight. How could something as mundane as an escalator stair be so otherworldly? I tried to ponder that mystery, but my eyes drifted to Kanji’s heels instead. I watched as he shifted his weight from right to left, the metal creaking underneath his leather boots. Was he uneasy? Was he bored? Did he not want to be there? With me?
What if I did take his hand? But suddenly I could hear his voice, harsh and full of alarm. “The hell are you doing!?” And like that our friendship would end. I loved him too much to risk that. Which is strange. I mean, there is something ironic about losing someone you love just because you make the mistake of saying “I love you.” So I kept my hands to myself and stayed silent, and prayed our journey would never end.<
Friday, January 02, 2009
Happy 2009!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I feel very positive about 2009. I know everything will be OK if we just do our best!
Speaking of which, I'm now 2/3 of the way through the first draft of my Themistokles novel. It will be so rewarding when I finish. Just getting to the end of a story has proven to be a long, difficult but rewarding experience. I'm proud of myself for sticking with it. It might take me time to re-draft, re-write, edit and add, but I'm so happy I've gotten as far as I have and I won't give up!
So with that said, I'm making two resolutions: to exercise on a more regular basis (yeah everyone says that, I know) and to finish my novel. Wish me luck!
I feel very positive about 2009. I know everything will be OK if we just do our best!
Speaking of which, I'm now 2/3 of the way through the first draft of my Themistokles novel. It will be so rewarding when I finish. Just getting to the end of a story has proven to be a long, difficult but rewarding experience. I'm proud of myself for sticking with it. It might take me time to re-draft, re-write, edit and add, but I'm so happy I've gotten as far as I have and I won't give up!
So with that said, I'm making two resolutions: to exercise on a more regular basis (yeah everyone says that, I know) and to finish my novel. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Role of the Physical Environment in Ancient Greek Seafaring...
...Is actually the name of a book I just finished by Jamie Morton. I'm not sure it was worth $80 (!) but I'm still happy I got it, as I know nothing about the workings of the Mediterranean and need to better understand the very LARGE role ships played in the lives of Ancient Greeks (I'm currently trying to write the Battle of Salamis). Despite being annoyingly repetitive and hard to follow at times (I'm not familiar with oceanography and meteorology ) I got some great information out of the book and hope to use it in my novel.
Here's a brief synopsis for anyone who's interested.
"In this study of the world of ancient Greek mariners, the relationship between the natural environment and the techniques and technology of seafaring is focused upon.
An initial description of the geology, oceanography and meteorology of Greece and the Mediterranean, is followed by discussion of the resulting sailing conditions, such as physical hazards, sea conditions, winds and availability of shelter, and environmental factors in sailing routes, sailing directions, and navigational techniques. Appendices discuss winter and night sailing, ship design, weather prediction, and related areas of socio-maritime life, such as settlement, religion, and warfare.
Wide-ranging sources and illustrations are used to demonstrate both how the environment shaped many of the problems and constraints of seafaring, and also that Greek mariners' understanding of the environment was instrumental in their development of a highly successful seafaring tradition."
Here's a brief synopsis for anyone who's interested.
"In this study of the world of ancient Greek mariners, the relationship between the natural environment and the techniques and technology of seafaring is focused upon.
An initial description of the geology, oceanography and meteorology of Greece and the Mediterranean, is followed by discussion of the resulting sailing conditions, such as physical hazards, sea conditions, winds and availability of shelter, and environmental factors in sailing routes, sailing directions, and navigational techniques. Appendices discuss winter and night sailing, ship design, weather prediction, and related areas of socio-maritime life, such as settlement, religion, and warfare.
Wide-ranging sources and illustrations are used to demonstrate both how the environment shaped many of the problems and constraints of seafaring, and also that Greek mariners' understanding of the environment was instrumental in their development of a highly successful seafaring tradition."
Monday, November 17, 2008
Almost finished!?
I think I'm actually past the halfway point in my Themistocles novel. O.o;
Sure, I'll still need to go back and add more details for battles, major events in Themistocles' life (his wedding, etc.) and so forth, but I still feel like I've accomplished something!
Making progress!
Still, I have a question: when is "The End" really the END? Is it really when I write the end? Or is it after I revise my story until it's just right?
Sure, I'll still need to go back and add more details for battles, major events in Themistocles' life (his wedding, etc.) and so forth, but I still feel like I've accomplished something!
Making progress!Still, I have a question: when is "The End" really the END? Is it really when I write the end? Or is it after I revise my story until it's just right?
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What Should I Do?
Recently my fictional autobiography for Themistocles is going really well. I still get stuck sometimes but it's about halfway done already. That's amazing progress for me. But I still really love my original multi-character PoV of The Owl & The Eagle. Still, I really need to get my work out there (notice I haven't put up anything from my Themistocles story because I'm afraid of criticism--I really want to COMPLETE something, even if it's awful).
Yet The Owl & The Eagle tells things from different perspectives, including the Persian side which is rarely looked at.
Writing both would be covering the same exact time period so it would see odd, yet different.
Should I finish Themistocles' story? Try to do both? Don't...know...what..to..do...!
Yet The Owl & The Eagle tells things from different perspectives, including the Persian side which is rarely looked at.
Writing both would be covering the same exact time period so it would see odd, yet different.
Should I finish Themistocles' story? Try to do both? Don't...know...what..to..do...!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Good Idea?
Last post I asked about sites or publications that feature short stories for historical fiction writers. The short of it is, there's not much out there. Then a reader (Gabriel, I believe) had the idea someone should start one.
I'm kind of intrigued by the idea. I have NO idea how to go about it or who to turn to. Any ideas?
Personally I think this might just be an untapped resource in the world of historical fiction. I can't believe there's not more. There are many "small" figures in history who have made a big impact. Or one poignant moment in history that changed everything and someone wants to write about it.
What do you think? Would you be interested in contributing to such a site?
I'm kind of intrigued by the idea. I have NO idea how to go about it or who to turn to. Any ideas?
Personally I think this might just be an untapped resource in the world of historical fiction. I can't believe there's not more. There are many "small" figures in history who have made a big impact. Or one poignant moment in history that changed everything and someone wants to write about it.
What do you think? Would you be interested in contributing to such a site?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Historical Fiction Short Story Q
While writing my novel(s), I've been toying with the idea of doing a short story idea about Queen Artemisia (one of the few female naval commanders in history) or Pheidippides (the original Marathon runner). But short story historical fiction doesn't seem that popular. Does anyone have any suggestions about where to submit such a story online or offline? I know about Paradox Magazine, but a quick Google search didn't help much beyond that...
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Themistocles es el mejor!
Hey everybody!
I'm still here and still writing. Currently all my energy is going into an fictional autobiography of Themistocles, which at the very least will force me to confront events in O&E from a different vantage point. It's pretty exciting actually. It's all hand-written right now and as soon as I finish I'll move it to Word Document form. At least that's my goal: to finish a complete manuscript and have it both in electronic and written form. How exciting would it be to say I finished a literary work, even if it reads like a Bablefish translation?
Wish me luck!
I'm still here and still writing. Currently all my energy is going into an fictional autobiography of Themistocles, which at the very least will force me to confront events in O&E from a different vantage point. It's pretty exciting actually. It's all hand-written right now and as soon as I finish I'll move it to Word Document form. At least that's my goal: to finish a complete manuscript and have it both in electronic and written form. How exciting would it be to say I finished a literary work, even if it reads like a Bablefish translation?
Wish me luck!
Monday, August 25, 2008
I WON!
Yes! I got a sparkle award of some sort! A big giant thank you Carla to for this. :D
Here are some people I feel deserve this award if they haven't received it already (and they should):
Jason Evans
Helena Schrader
David Anthony Durham
Scott Oden
Wynn Bexton
Jason Pinter
Excalibor
George RR Martin
Sarah Johnson
Constance
Basically, anyone you see on my Links list deserves this award. All are fantastic writers with great imagination. If you got left off the list I apologize, although it seems like most people have a tone of awards already. :p
Friday, August 15, 2008
Hey. I thought you were writing a book?
Yes, I'm still writing.
But it's not The Owl & The Eagle (which I've put aside until I can solve some timeline/plot issues). Instead I'm tinkering with a fictional autobiography of Themistocles.
In case you need a quick brush-up on Ancient Greek history, Themistocles was the wily Athenian politician who outwitted his political opponents, convinced the Athenians to spend their newly acquired silver on warships instead of themselves, tricked the Persian king into action(twice), and convinced a very skeptical group of leaders from around Greece to make a heroic stand at the battle of Salamis.
Themistocles was NOT a hero. He was shrewd, deceitful, shameless, and self-interested (in short a true politician). But he was also a natural genius, able to take action while others were paralyzed with indecision. He's such a fascinating person; I'm shocked there aren't a lot of books on him. But I'm also glad because I wouldn't have to fight for shelf space the way authors of books on Alexander and Queen Elizabeth have to.
Currently I'm about two or three chapters into my book, and it's a lot of fun (I make Themistocles out to be a real rascal as a child). Since books like I, Elizabeth, I Claudius or anything else that starts with "I" are a success, I've chosen the very unoriginal title "I, Themistocles" for my book. I'm not sure it will be anywhere NEAR the brilliance of the above novels, but hey a girl can dream, right?
At any rate, that's what I'm working on right now. But worry not! I haven't given up on The Owl & The Eagle. It's still patiently waiting for me to figure some things out before I dive back into it. But since I'm stuck right now, I'm re-directing my energy towards a slightly (slightly!) easier project.
What do you think? Would you be interested in a "tell-all" book by Ancient Greece's premier politician?
But it's not The Owl & The Eagle (which I've put aside until I can solve some timeline/plot issues). Instead I'm tinkering with a fictional autobiography of Themistocles.
In case you need a quick brush-up on Ancient Greek history, Themistocles was the wily Athenian politician who outwitted his political opponents, convinced the Athenians to spend their newly acquired silver on warships instead of themselves, tricked the Persian king into action(twice), and convinced a very skeptical group of leaders from around Greece to make a heroic stand at the battle of Salamis.
Themistocles was NOT a hero. He was shrewd, deceitful, shameless, and self-interested (in short a true politician). But he was also a natural genius, able to take action while others were paralyzed with indecision. He's such a fascinating person; I'm shocked there aren't a lot of books on him. But I'm also glad because I wouldn't have to fight for shelf space the way authors of books on Alexander and Queen Elizabeth have to.
Currently I'm about two or three chapters into my book, and it's a lot of fun (I make Themistocles out to be a real rascal as a child). Since books like I, Elizabeth, I Claudius or anything else that starts with "I" are a success, I've chosen the very unoriginal title "I, Themistocles" for my book. I'm not sure it will be anywhere NEAR the brilliance of the above novels, but hey a girl can dream, right?
At any rate, that's what I'm working on right now. But worry not! I haven't given up on The Owl & The Eagle. It's still patiently waiting for me to figure some things out before I dive back into it. But since I'm stuck right now, I'm re-directing my energy towards a slightly (slightly!) easier project.
What do you think? Would you be interested in a "tell-all" book by Ancient Greece's premier politician?
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Viva Las Vegas
I'd like to take a quick break from my Greece pictures to bring you some pictures I took in Las Vegas over these past couple of days. Vegas was...well, interesting. I got to see the strip at night, have a cheap drink while playing Black Jack (I won $60!)and got to say I'd been to Vegas. Unfortunately it was hot, JAMMED with people, and the thin air made me tired and thirsty all the time.
At any rate, here are some pics!
New York...in Las Vegas.
Excalibur.
Ceaser's Palace.
The water show at the Bellagio.
Me in front of Ceaser's Palace.
The Arc de Triomph...sort of.
Me holding up the might of Rome.
The Bellagio at night.
Paris...in Last Vegas.
At any rate, here are some pics!
New York...in Las Vegas.
Excalibur.
Ceaser's Palace.
The water show at the Bellagio.
Me in front of Ceaser's Palace.
The Arc de Triomph...sort of.
Me holding up the might of Rome.
The Bellagio at night.
Paris...in Last Vegas.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Greece Highlight Reel Part 3
As promised, here are some more pictures from Greece. As soon as I finish typing out all the notes I took on my trip I'll post some of them here, with more detailed information about locations like Delphi and Olympia. Enjoy!
Another picture of the awesome Parthenon!
A statue of Aphrodite!
Me in the town of Delphi (with beautiful mountains in the background)!
A picture-perfect town!
Hadrian's Arch!
Another picture of the awesome Parthenon!
A statue of Aphrodite!
Me in the town of Delphi (with beautiful mountains in the background)!
A picture-perfect town!
Hadrian's Arch!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
More Pics of Greece
I'm sorry my pictures and stories about Greece are coming along so slowly. I'm still recovering from my trip and playing catch-up with friends, family and work. I'm also still organizing all the notes I took.
I do know that I plan to write extensive blogs on Delphi, Olympia, the Acropolis, and Meteora in the future. For now though, here are some more pictures I took. Enjoy!
The Temple of Zeus (with me in front of it)!
Themistocles' Wall (the hotel I stayed in was built on top of it)!
Information about the wall!
The Lion Gate at Mycenae (with me in front of it)!
The theater at Epidauros!
A real Spartan shield!
Ostraka all featuring the name of Themistocles!
MORE pottery with the name of Themistocles!
Me in front of the Parthenon at night!
A side view of the Parthenon!
A picture of the Aereopagus with an awesome view of the Parthenon!
Stay tuned for Pt. 3!
I do know that I plan to write extensive blogs on Delphi, Olympia, the Acropolis, and Meteora in the future. For now though, here are some more pictures I took. Enjoy!
The Temple of Zeus (with me in front of it)!
Themistocles' Wall (the hotel I stayed in was built on top of it)!
Information about the wall!
The Lion Gate at Mycenae (with me in front of it)!
The theater at Epidauros!
A real Spartan shield!
Ostraka all featuring the name of Themistocles!
MORE pottery with the name of Themistocles!
Me in front of the Parthenon at night!
A side view of the Parthenon!
A picture of the Aereopagus with an awesome view of the Parthenon!
Stay tuned for Pt. 3!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Greece Highlight Reel Part 1
After a few days of trying to catch up on work (this week was E3 so there was--and still is--a lot of it), I finally managed to upload all my pictures from Greece onto my computer. I thought I'd share some of them with you, with more detailed commentary to come in the future. Enjoy!
The Parthenon!
Delphi!
Space rocks!
Agemmemnon's Tomb!
The old "new" Olympic Stadium!
The old "old" Olympic Stadium!
The Corinth Canal!
A cool bridge!
Gorgeous statues!
A Greek biker gang!
An apologetic toilet!
Greek food!
Shoes!
..and much more. Stay tuned for part 2!
The Parthenon!
Delphi!
Space rocks!
Agemmemnon's Tomb!
The old "new" Olympic Stadium!
The old "old" Olympic Stadium!
The Corinth Canal!
A cool bridge!
Gorgeous statues!
A Greek biker gang!
An apologetic toilet!
Greek food!
Shoes!
..and much more. Stay tuned for part 2!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
I'm Back
Well I'm back from Greece!
I just flew in from Athens last night, and boy are my arms tired! ;)
Seriously though, Greece is has some really beautiful land and interesting historical places to see. I loved Delphi, was mezmorized by the Parthenon lit up at night, and got to run on the Olympic race track. Unfortunately, the people in mainland Greece were not very nice. In fact, with a few notable exceptions (like the wonderful staff at the Divani Acropolis Hotel Rooftop Garden), the people were the most dissapointing part of the trip. Perhaps all that "Greek Hospitality" is only on the islands, because getting people to help me was like pulling teeth at times. Was it because of the language barrier? Or perhaps the summer heat and crowds? Or maybe becausae I rarely travelled off the beaten path? In any case, it really put a damper on my trip.
That being said, I still got some really cool pictures I plan to post here in the future. Some highlights include the Tomb of Agemmemnon, Delphi, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and Olympia.
Stay tuned!
I just flew in from Athens last night, and boy are my arms tired! ;)
Seriously though, Greece is has some really beautiful land and interesting historical places to see. I loved Delphi, was mezmorized by the Parthenon lit up at night, and got to run on the Olympic race track. Unfortunately, the people in mainland Greece were not very nice. In fact, with a few notable exceptions (like the wonderful staff at the Divani Acropolis Hotel Rooftop Garden), the people were the most dissapointing part of the trip. Perhaps all that "Greek Hospitality" is only on the islands, because getting people to help me was like pulling teeth at times. Was it because of the language barrier? Or perhaps the summer heat and crowds? Or maybe becausae I rarely travelled off the beaten path? In any case, it really put a damper on my trip.
That being said, I still got some really cool pictures I plan to post here in the future. Some highlights include the Tomb of Agemmemnon, Delphi, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and Olympia.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Update from Greece!
Hey everyone--
Just a quick update from Greece. I'm in Meteora right now and have already seen Athens, Olympia and Delphi. Wow. Amazing places to visit! We'll be going up the rock structures tommorow and then it's back to Athens for a few more days of playing tourist and taking notes for The Owl & The Eagle. I hope to show you lots of pics when I get back!
Just a quick update from Greece. I'm in Meteora right now and have already seen Athens, Olympia and Delphi. Wow. Amazing places to visit! We'll be going up the rock structures tommorow and then it's back to Athens for a few more days of playing tourist and taking notes for The Owl & The Eagle. I hope to show you lots of pics when I get back!
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