Jordan Summers

Somehow my sci-fi romance entry got linked to sci-fi site io9, which is cool. I dropped in to read the comments. They were interesting. Some were pretty predictable given the wide variety of what I write and the target painted on romance’s back. I am a little confused by a few of the comments since they mention cyborgs. I’m not quite sure if they’re talking about my book or something else. For the record, cyborgs aren’t in RED, but that would’ve been a cool idea…if it hadn’t already been done in Blade Runner. Yes, I am a fan and own the director’s cut HD box set to prove it.

I know I’m kind of taking the piss out of the whole thing because they thought I was a dude, but I really did enjoy their site. They have some interesting entries. If you get a chance, check it out.

I’ve heard rumors **coughSarahcough** that some of the editors at RT were saying that the next ‘big’ paranormal thing was going to be sci-fi. I suppose that makes sense given the cycle of things. It’s been a while since sci-fi has had an upsurge in popularity. Like the historical market, sci-fi has been dropping. Historicals have ended their free-fall, so maybe sci-fi’s won’t be far behind.

I admit that I haven’t read a lot of sci-fi romance, unless you consider Old Man’s War and S.L. Viehl romances. *g* I’m currently reading Grimspace. I’m a HUGE fan of sci-fi movies. LOVE THEM! But when it comes to sci-fi books, I’m picky. What do you all think? Do you think sci-fi is the next vamp? Have you read many sci-fi romances/sci-fi novels? What do you think will be the next big thing?

I got this link from Aime and loved it so much I decided to pass it on. Wise words indeed. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

I’ve realized that over the years we’ve discussed things that we need to work on (ie plotting, description, pacing, etc.). I thought it might be a nice change to talk about our strengths. Sometimes we don’t know our strengths until they’re pointed out by others. (Being too close to the subject does that. I know when I’m asked what I consider my writing strengths to be I tend to struggle with the question. When that happens, I realize I don’t really understand what the question means. I know that sounds weird, but it’s the truth. My dh pointed that out when I was struggling with plotting a couple of years ago. Since then, I’ve learned how to plot. It took a lot of definitions for me to understand what people meant when they said the word plot, but once I got it, I REALLY got it. *g* Now where was I? That’s right, I was discussing strengths. I think in this business it’s really easy to focus on weaknesses and discount strengths. Makes me wonder if we’re going at it wrong. Maybe we should be playing up what we’re good at first, then worrying about what needs strengthening later???

One of the things I’ve realized I can do fairly well is pace a book. I try to make sure that the books I write these days are fast paced. I never studied how to do this. It just seemed to be something that I picked up naturally. Now it’s your turn. What do you do well? What are your strengths? Even if you’re not a writer, I’d love to hear what you think your strengths are because I think it’s important to be reminded now and again.

As you can see, I didn’t cover as much ground as I would’ve liked yesterday. I’m comparing manuscripts side by side, so it’s slow going. I’m also trying to make sure we haven’t missed anything. Want the copy to be as perfect as possible, you know?

There’s a giveaway of OFF LIMITS going on here if you’re interested.

Other than that, no news on this end. Just work. As a reminder to those of you who care, new episodes of MOONLIGHT will air tomorrow night. Please watch the show. It’s doing well, but they’re going to decide whether to keep it based on how many viewers return for the next three episodes. Tonight SUPERNATURAL returns and it looks pretty cool in a Blair Witch kind of way.

Well the Taiko drumming last night was great. They put on a wonderful show and the crowd really got into it. At the end, they even did an audience participation dance. No, I did not participate. I preferred to join in from my seat. *ggg*

Yesterday afternoon I received my manuscript for a final read through. Going to do that for the next couple of days so that I can get it back to Tor right away. That means I’ll probably be a little quiet over the next couple of days. Work comes first.

Charli posted her horrorscope. No, that’s not what it’s called. That’s just what I like to call them. It’s from Free Will Astrology, which always has interesting entries. I know mine was pretty timely. *g* Bounce on over and check yours out. I do expect you to share the wisdom.

I’m leaving in a few minutes to meet up with a couple of flight attendant friends that I used to fly with. I’ve been busy the past few days. We’ve had people over to measure our windows so that we can get new coverings. One window in particular allows you to flash the world, so it’ll be nice to have some privacy. Not that I mind flashing the world. *wg* Also need a few things fixed while the house is still under warranty.

Tonight we’re off to see the Taiko drummers. I’m really looking forward to the show. I plan to get some work in before I leave. You didn’t really think I wouldn’t squeeze some work in, did you? Honestly, that’s about as exciting as it gets here.

I think I’m entering a reading slump. I can feel it starting and I’m trying to do everything I can think of to cut it off at the pass. (ie read different genres, re-read old favorites, etc.) Not sure it’s working, since I make it about a chapter before I get bored to tears. Any suggestions on how to stop it before it gets worse?

Boy, the blogs have been pouring in about RT and I must say that I’m kinda glad that I missed it. Seriously. Gennita Low’s pictures and descriptions alone have frightened me. And I know she’s not alone. The reports are trickling in and many are far from pretty. It’s a shame. Hopefully next year will be better.

I’m meeting up with friends for brunch the first couple days of this week. On Tuesday night we’re going to see Taiko drummers. How cool is that? I can’t wait. Doing anything cool this week?

Sorry I’ve been quiet, but the retreat knocked me on my bum. Had some interesting conversations while I was there. The talks put things into perspective for me on a few items. I also had some body work done and an hour long massage. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten a massage. They still feel wonderful. The funny thing is that I was wiped out last night and I’m not doing much better today. Relaxing obviously takes a lot out of me. LOL!

Tomorrow I’m off to a friend’s bridal shower. Haven’t been to one of those since my own bridal shower. Should be fun. Plan to get together with friends next week and do lunch. I’ve started Grimspace and I’m really liking it. Makes me want to write something in first person present tense. No, I’m not going to let myself. I have other things that I have to write. Of course when they’re done…

Dh and I got up at the butt crack of dawn (Okay, it was six thirty. Same difference.) to go hiking in the mountains nearby. The weather was nice and we quite enjoyed it, but I can tell I’m going to be sore tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, we’re heading off for a day-long retreat. Should be nice. We’ve never done anything like this before. Well, I haven’t. Dh has a long time ago. It’s held at a monastery. No, they aren’t looking for converts. It’s a chance to relax. You can even sign up for a massage. And yes, I plan to have one.

I spent today typing in the changes to the two romance projects I’d like to get out, then sent the chapters off to my agent. Now it’s onto the final book in my Dead World series, Crimson. As an aside, any time you can’t make it to a conference and are bummed out about it, it ALWAYS helps to work on something. That way you accomplish something instead of sitting around moping. *g* If you couldn’t make it to RT, what are you working on?