Life and Things

I had a visit with the glaucoma Dr on the 30th, and got a verdict of borderline ocular hypertension. I’ll be monitored a few months, to gather more data points, and then they’ll see if drops are warranted. I did learn that my cornea is thicker than normal, which makes pressure readings high, and that the pain is referred phantom pain from the missing right eye. Yay?

Tonight, Dec 1st, we get to go see Trans-Siberian Orchestra! I’m so excited! I love the lead violinist. She’s so awesome.

Dec is full of more fun stuff too! On the 15th, we see Star Wars. My brother in law got our whole big family tickets as soon as they went on sale, and surprised us by getting them in the D-Box seats that allow interactive involvement 😄 We’ve been wanting to try them for a while now.

And on the 20th we are going to a performance by Lindsey Stirling. She’s become a huge family favourite. I was sooo tickled to see her on Dancing with the Stars. She’s such a sweetie in person too. We’ve met her twice.

 

Lindsey Stirling/ Roundtable Rival

 

Books read, reviewed, and posted/scheduled this past week

Addicted by Krys Fenner, 4*

Hybrid by James Marshall Smith, 4*

I Should Be Writing by Mur Lafferty, 4*

Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, Nov 30, 5*

 

Favourite Read of the Week

“Sixteen-year-old Bella Kynaston has been the victim of a brutal rape, by someone she can only describe as ‘the scar-faced man.’ With little recollection of what happened, she must somehow rebuild her life. Being the person she once was proves more difficult than she imagined.

To complicate matters, Bella has just met Jeremiah Detrone, the new guy in school. He’s attractive, funny, and smart. All things she’s ever wanted in a boyfriend. Too bad she’s conflicted over so many unexpected emotions. Without realizing it, she falls down a rabbit hole and begins walking a dangerous line between addiction and self-preservation.

As Bella works together with the police to bring her attackers to justice, will she be able to see it through to the end? And even if she does, will it only bring her more pain and misery? Or will she find an anchor in Jeremiah and figure out how to move forward?”

 

Current Reads

“Nell Ingram has always known she was different. Since she was a child, she’s been able to feel and channel ancient powers from deep within the earth. When she met Jane Yellowrock, her entire life changed, and she was recruited into PsyLED—the Homeland Security division that polices paranormals. But now her newly formed unit is about to take on its toughest case yet.

A powerful senator barely survives an assassination attempt that leaves many others dead—and the house he was visiting burns to the ground. Invisible to security cameras, the assassin literally disappears, and Nell’s team is called in. As they track a killer they know is more—or less—than human, they unravel a web of dark intrigue and malevolent motives that tests them to their limits and beyond.”

 

“What do Luke Skywalker, John McClane, and a lonely dog on Ho‘okipa Beach have in common?

Simply put, we care about them.

Great storytelling is making readers care about your characters, the choices they make, and what happens to them. It’s making your audience feel the tension and emotion of a situation right alongside your protagonist. And to tell a damn fine story, you need to understand why and how that caring happens.

Using a mix of personal stories, pop fiction examples, and traditional storytelling terms, New York Times best-selling author Chuck Wendig will help you internalize the feel of powerful storytelling. In Damn Fine Story, you’ll explore:

Freytag’s Pyramid for visualizing story structure – and when to break away from traditional storytelling forms

Character relationships and interactions as the basis of every strong plot – no matter the form or genre

Rising and falling tension that pulls the audience through to the climax and conclusion of the story

Developing themes as a way to craft characters with depth

Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, video game, comic, or even if you just like to tell stories to your friends and family over dinner, this funny and informative guide is chock-full of examples about the art and craft of storytelling – and how to write a damn fine story of your own.”

 

Next Up (maybe)

Gauntlet Fall by Maddy Edwards, Oct 20, Xpresso

The Everett Exorcism by Lincoln Cole, Oct 24, Independent

Your Crossroads, Your Choice by EP Apicello. ASAP

The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor  CBR

Besieged by Kevin Hearne CBR

How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci, CBR

Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton. CBR

Hour of Mischief by Aimee Hyndman

Season of Wind by Aimee Hyndman

 

Book Haul

Got my bookswap tote! Several cool books 😍