Apologies for the long break between blog posts. I’ve been busy writing The Sweetest Burn, and if I can meet my word count goals over the next three weeks, the book will be done. I tend to get very tunnel-visioned when I’m within sniffing distance of the finish line, so while I’ve meant to blog, it hasn’t happened. On top of that, some masochistic part of me decided that this was the perfect time to also start dieting and exercising. That’s a lot healthier for me, of course, but it takes up pretty much whatever is left of my willpower, so by the end of the day, I have all of the drive and mental prowess of a vegetable. In hindsight, it’s probably been a good thing that I haven’t blogged. Who wants to read a post that mostly consists of different variations on “tired” “recumbent bikes are evil” “so excited about a scene I wrote, but I can’t tell you about it” or “I would murder someone for a cupcake right now”? 😉
It hasn’t been all work and no play, however. At night, I unwind by watching TV, and I recently finished glomming through season 1 of Gotham. I’d hesitated to watch this show because I felt like I already knew the end of Commissioner Gordon’s story from watching the Batman trilogy, so why bother with everything that came before? But, hubby really wanted to see it, so I gave in, and now, I’m glad I did.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t care for the first couple episodes because it seemed that the show tried too hard to portray the world as dark and gritty. I already expected that, so it was overkill for me. Around episode three or four, however, the show found its humor, twisted though it might be, and the characters showed other nuances that rounded them out in far more interesting ways. At the start of the series, Gordon was my least-favorite character. By the end, he was climbing high on the charts. I also loved the new take on Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s butler, who in Gotham is a snarky badass who can raze you with his fists or his wits, depending on what the circumstances call for. The other character who stole the show for me was Penguin. He’s a horrible, horrible person, but he revels in his own shiftiness with such Machiavellian glee that he’s a scene-stealer every time he appears on screen. I also loved the different take on the Riddler’s origins, and as a long-time fan of the canceled-too-early show, Firefly, I loved seeing Morena Baccarin back on the screen as Leslie, a medical examiner with grit, humor, and unrepentant curiosity. Props also to young Catwoman, whose backstory is now far more believable and sympathetic, in my opinion.
I’ve also finally started reading author Julia Quinn. I know, I know – what took me so long, right? One advantage to being late on the Quinn bandwagon is that I now have lots of novels to read. Plus, in addition to everything else, I’ve been working on a Super Secret project with four author friends, and while I can’t say anything about it now (told you, no one wants to hear that! :)) I’ll be able to spill all the details soon, and I’m so excited because I think it will be a blast!
Oh, a final reminder: if you’re attending the Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference this July in New York, I hope to see you there! I recently added it to my 2015 appearances, and I will be at the Literacy Signing on Wednesday night. More details here. If you want to make sure that you don’t miss a new book release from me or an appearance in your area, have the reminders come to you by signing up for my newsletter, hosted by CoffeeTime Romance.
That’s it from me for now. Hope all of you are enjoying your start to summer!
Tunnel vision is a good thing when the end is in sight!
I know you have been busy with Vlad, but I sure did miss you at RT. I did not get my yearly Jeaniene “fix”! Missed your sis, too. 🙁
So you’re almost finishing Stweetest burn, plus dieting, plus exercising, plus reading other authors, plus working on a supersecret project, plus your usuals…. you’re my hero.
Hi Jeaniene,
Focusing on the finish of your next book and working on a secret project, both seem like viable reasons for missing a blog or two. 🙂
Giving up some of the comfort foods can be tricky, but once you reach your goal, you can visit with them again. I’ve been experimenting with Quinoa.
Hubby and I also like “Gotham” as well. We have about four or five episodes left to watch. I have to agree with you 100% on Robin Lord Taylor completely knocking it out of the park as Penguin. Alfred is much more interesting and useful in this version. He’s not just a decoration in the scene, but actually a viable influence on the story. Should be noted the actor is the son of Jon Pertwee, one of the more popular Dr. Who actors. I would also like to note that Jada Pinkett Smith is amazing as Fish. Saw that she wasn’t going to be staying on the show past this season which means she either disappears or is killed. Hubby and I really need to finish the season. I like seeing the back story to Nygma and Kyle. It does make the future of the characters a bit more interesting. You see how they got to where they’re going.
I didn’t know you were a brown coat? Shiny! With Nathan Fillion finishing up on “Castle” I can only hope the rumors about Joss Whedon doing something with Netflix or Prime will go forward.
I’m currently reading the Night Huntress/World series again. I had made it as far as “First Drop of Crimson” and then I had run out of books. I picked up the rest and am happily reading on.
Best!
Roseann
PS: Did you check out “Constantine?” For some odd reason, the mannerisms the actor had as that character, plus how he spoke made me think of Bones.