Leisure Time

I've been immersed in writing the last few weeks, the story and words for my new trilogy often coming faster than I can get them handwritten or typed on the page. The current burst is a good thing, so I'm not complaining.

However, I'm allowing myself some leisure time as well. A few weeks ago I was in my local paperback exchange - my intent was to find a good copy of Pride & Prejudice - when I noticed a prominent display of the Twilight Saga books. To be honest, I was never drawn to the films or the books before, not being a big fan of vampire and/or werewolf tales (other than Dark Shadows, of course).

I'm also in the habit of steering clear of "stampede" entertainment, not the least bit interested in current vogues for the most part, but seeing the $2 price tag of Twilight in the paperback exchange convinced me to give the book a whirl.

I wasn't too thrilled with the writing style (rather choppy but that's part of the charm I think), yet I loved the unique storyline. In keeping with my all-consuming personality, I went ahead and bought the other books in the saga ($10 for New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn), and finished them within three days. I'm surprised - but happy - to report I found the novels very entertaining and well-worth the time to read.

FX Networks recently ran the Twilight movie on TV, which I watched and rather enjoyed. I'm not among "Twihard" fans by any means, but when the rest of the films come on television, I will probably watch them. Now that I know how the saga ends, the movies will likely be great fun.

That being said, please let me qualify that my novel The Twilight (named such fifteen years ago and due for release by Club Lighthouse Publishing in 2013), has absolutely nothing to do with vampires, werewolves or the like, but rather the sunset years of a long relationship.

Creative Detour

My literary intentions turn serious when I finally relent and create a spreadsheet for a book or series of books that previously stood as mere notions. Putting together details about characters and places typically indicates a specific story is progressing beyond a flickering idea and needs to be organized, at least in my case.

Several months ago I began toying with ideas for a new trilogy. The stories have no relation to the Collective Obsessions Anthology, and in fact are so far removed they will undoubtedly surprise a few people. In addition, the books will not be as lengthy.

I felt guilty at first because the new ideas took over and forced me to set aside work on Glinhaven, which I’m writing under my primary pseudonym Deborah O'Toole. However, there comes a point in the life of an author when one cannot deny creative callings, no matter which direction they happen to travel.

While I'm not prepared to reveal much about the new trilogy at present, I can say the storylines for all three books are already mapped out in my head with a dramatic ending to boot. It's kind of amazing how inspiration works and produces a complete story in the human noggin. For most writers, the flash of a "total package" is all-too infrequent. I've learned over the years to pay close attention to such happenings.

Never fear, Glinhaven is not forgotten. I also love that storyline with an ending already envisioned. It's just a matter of finding the time to write as well as modifying the "release" date.

But, as with all my other projects, it will be finished.

Book Cover Lovers

The first three titles in the Collective Obsessions Saga are being featured on Book Cover Lovers today:

• Passion Forsaken
• Quixotic Crossings
• The Twain Shall Meet

Please Note: Prior to seeing cover previews, a "Content Warning" may be displayed to advise "the blog that you are about to view may contain content only suitable for adults." Not to worry, the images are just book covers for the titles mentioned above. Simply click "I understand and wish to continue."

Book Cover Lovers is a web site which spotlights various books and their covers, with links to author information and purchase options.

Thanks to my publisher Club Lighthouse for the heads-up!