THE FLOWER OF EDEN

I think I've found my writing style: Gothic romance. I think reading Nathaniel Hawthorne has changed my life. I've only just finished "The House of the Seven Gables," but now I need to read more. I think "Twice-Told Tales," which is a collection of short stories, will be next on my list. There is a Vincent Price lead here; had it not been for watching him act in the film "The House of the Seven Gables," I might never had picked up the book. I also enjoyed him in the film version of "Twice-Told Tales" (hence why it is next on my list).

Another style/inspiration for me is L.M. Montgomery, the author of the "Anne of Green Gables" series (I just noticed the gable reference!). Though a bit later than Nathaniel Hawthorne, it's the innocent, wholesome prose that I love about her books. Hawthorne has this too, but in a darker shade. Let me be clear: my stories will not necessarily be Victorian. But the style of my writing will be drawn from that classic, dusty cobweb feel.

I'm getting that passion again--that desire that I had just sworn away but a few hours ago. I don't like these constant and turbulent ups and downs. While I enjoy that I am on a small high at this moment, I dread the inevitable fall that is bound to follow. I would prefer a more constant monotone of stability, no matter how dull. I need calmness more than anything right now.

VICTORIAN PROSE & ROSES

I need to read Nathaniel Hawthorn forever.

BOOKS READ/2017

1. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever 3: The Power That Preserves - Stephen R. Donaldson

2. Regan Reilly Mystery 4: Twanged - Carol Higgins Clark

3. The Book of the New Sun 3: The Sword of the Lictor - Gene Wolfe

4. Space Odyssey 1: 2001: A Space Odyssey - Arthur C. Clarke

5. Legacy of the Drow 1: The Legacy - R.A. Salvatore

6. Star Trek: The Next Generation 1: Ghost Ship - Diane Carey

7. Rome 2: Empire - Steven Saylor

8. Ghost Story - Peter Straub

9. Lavinia - Ursula K. Le Guin

10. Wild Cards 1: Wild Cards - Edited by George R.R. Martin

11. The Saddle Club 6: Dude Ranch - Bonnie Bryant

12. Road to Avonlea 14: Of Corsets and Secrets and True, True Love - Fiona McHugh

13. Dune Chronicles 3: Children of Dune - Frank Herbert

14. Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs

15. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - Patrick Süskind

TODAY'S PLANS ARE SIMPLE

Today is going to be a relax in bed and read day. My TMJ is feeling better than it has in weeks (maybe because I've been taking my medication and/or because I stopped using my new nightguard?). I'm so close to my goal of reading 15 books for the year (3 away)! And then Kevin comes home early today and so begins the long holiday festivities. Yay. And Festivus! 🎅🎄

THREED

I'm reading a crazy book about junk ("Naked Lunch"). I'll let you guess which kind. 🌝🌚