A Valentine Tribute to Heathcliff, er, Wuthering Heights

In general I'm not a huge fan of love stories, at least not in terms of fiction.   There are a lot of books in this world and there are other genres I find more worthy of my time.  But when I was introduced to Wuthering Heights, it was one of the first classic love stories to really sink its teeth into me.  I say "sink its teeth" intentionally, because I believe the supernatural elements of it are a great part of its allure.  I'm more of a Halloween girl than a Valentine girl. Now don't get me wrong - I don't enjoy just any old novel with vampires, werewolves, ghosts or other beasties.  It's got to be an engaging, thought-provoking story with characters that are fascinating, complex, and in whom I can see reflections of myself. Wuthering Heights takes that to, er, new heights. 

I've never been too keen on Catherine/Cathy though.  Heathcliff could definitely do better.  Heathcliff...sigh...I suspect that many Wuthering Heights fans are more attracted to the story than to Heathcliff himself as a love interest.  After all, he's an unlikely hero (if he can even be called that).  But on a personal note, I have to admit that I'm head over heels for him.  He's the quintessential bad boy, and whereas that hasn't worked for me in other romances, it definitely hits the mark in Wuthering Heights. 

So on this Valentine's Day, I pay tribute to the rather angry and despondent Heathcliff, and humbly suggest that when I reach the afterlife we should have a couple of beers and get to know each other. Catherine, I'm sorry but you're just not the right ghost for him.

Why Write a Novel—Your Reason is the Right One

Going to cheat today and link to someone else's blog. :) This is a good one though - lots of really great reasons to write a novel...I can identify with at least 4 of them...

Why Write a Novel—Your Reason is the Right One

Writers ROCK!

How amazing is this? In my mad research into "how to begin", I found this Luminary Writer's Database:  http://www.writersdb.com/  which is a free, web-based submission tracking tool.  Not only was this writer clever enough and ambitious enough to develop this, but he/she is now enabling other writers (ie the competition!) to use it with no strings attached!  I'm shaking my head at how wonderful and supportive this new world is that I'm stepping into.  (I know, I know...it should be "into which I'm stepping"...does one have to use perfect grammar at all time to still be considered a writer?)  :)

Split Brain

Research is something I'm very good at, almost to the point of obsession.  Right now I'm scouring writer's blogs for precious insights on how they got their start.  What I surmised pretty quickly is that writing is only a part of this business.  You have to spend a fair amount of time doing self-promotion.  After all, if no one actually sees your writing they're certainly not likely to be paying you for it, are they?  Here's my thinking....I have limited time available until I leave my "day job" (end of June), so with the precious little time I have, it's a chicken and egg situation.  Do I focus on writing, amassing a library of quality drafts, or do I work on my "platform" (blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, etc)?  I find doing both simultaneously is disruptive to both creative processes.  Something I'm pondering on a Thursday morning as I ease into my workday....

Leap and the net will magically appear...

...that has been my mantra ever since entering the workforce.  Or at least, ever since being in a career that makes we want to strive for personal and professional growth instead of wasting away behind all-day web surfing.   "Leap and the net will magically appear" helped me immensely with both a crippling lack of self confidence and intense anxiety related to talking on the phone.  But I'm now taking it to a new level:  I'm now taking one giant leap for mankind as I abandon my day job and give myself the biggest test of my life since having my twins:  it is time for me (and others) to find out whether I really have any talent at writing, and (cringe) whether I can market and sell my wares.  Of course I have all kinds of aspirations to be the next J.K Rowling, Judy Blume, and Robert Munsch all rolled up in one.  However!  The slightly more realistic side of me is hoping that I'll be able to convince just one person to read my stuff, maybe even inspire them to pay me $1 for the pleasure.  So, thanks for hanging out with me as I find my way to the net now that I've really leapt for the first time!