Little things that matter (and BIG teasers)
This letter was written with a dane head on my shoulder and stories in my fingers.
There was also a slow gas leak emitting from the dog -- though we probably don't want to dwell on the particular scent I'd label angry broccoli, right?
More important than the stank, the Greatest Dane wants you to know there's an extra spring in her doggy step.
Just look at that grin!
Fabes has discovered the joys of Magical Puppy Meds -- aka her first pain management shot (for senior Great Dane gals who may have a bit of arthritis). Let me tell you, the nap she had following that shot was a sleep for the ages. Truly epic. And two days later, she had a bounce on her walk that I haven't seen in a long time.
Clearly, she is feeling pretty super and my dog-mama heart is full.
(Though she's still deeply offended by that one golden retriever who's not her best buddy Charlie. How dare it look like her best bud and yet not be him? It's rude and unforgiveable, and she'll tell the whole neighborhood about it.)
Beyond my fabulous and occasionally furious hound, I am making a serious commitment to better bread.
That's right. Bread.
It's a little thing, but one that makes a big difference for my health.
And if I can't quit bread (I can't, I really can't. I love its yeasty body too much), then I need to do it right. Only the local grain sourdough for this zombie-writing gal.
It also fits nicely within the Canadian Resistance ethos of spending local, so I get to feel fierce while buying a pan loaf.
On that topic, I am delighted to report that Canada's Boomers have answered the call with a degree of sass I'd never have imagined. They're also speaking loudly with their wallets. My own mother is right in the mix, proudly informing me that she spent four times as much on strawberries. (And I know you're reading this, Mom, and saying in a horrified tone, "Dear! You make me sound like a rebel!")
Yes. Yes I do.
It warms my heart.
If battles can be won by virtue of sheer irreverence and sass, us Canucks have it on lock.
But enough of reality -- it is time to talk books!
I promised Fantastic Book Experiments and while things are taking longer than I want (ain't that the way?), I am loving how my test stories are coming together. Are they what I expected to write? Absolutely not. Are they still hitting the mark? You better believe it.
So while I don't have samples (yet), I do have teeny, tiny TEASERS.
*cackle*
Experiment #1 is a story inspired by Godzilla, Warhammer, and my love for fantastical worlds. Yup, that's right. Yes, it's wild and yes, it works. I've finished all three test chapters for this concept and it is soooo juicy. My inspiration song for this story is currently Giants by Silverburg & Ruelle. (Spotify link here).
Experiment #2 is a story my editor calls an obsession-worthy paranormal western. It's been in my brain for ages and rose from the grave to demand its time to shine -- and that metaphor is absolutely intentional. The story is inspired by strong witches, a past that won't stay buried, and very contemporary demons. My theme song for this story is I Will Never Die by Delta Rae (Spotify link here) and it's just full of those modern gothic feels.
Experiment #3 will be (unless I change my mind) a chance to dive back into a world I first wrote years ago. The story never left me and I find myself longing for its Firefly-esque rebel energy. It's solidly inspired by Firefly-- as well as Frozen and Battleship (a movie I will forever argue is falsely maligned). And its 'fight the power' theme song for this letter is Heaven Knows by the Pretty Reckless (Spotify link here).
Zombie fans, take heart. You are not forgotten! I'm working on the next books in my Pandora Strain world, too. They'll be up next, as I test out which of my two options will be the one to be shared in my newsletter this year.
I hope to have actual chapters to share with you next time. Until then, I hope you're taking care of yourself and doing what you can to avoid the odor of angry broccoli.
Luv,
Dee