Gabriella Hewitt

I just finished Things To Do by Nell Dixon, my very first e-book. I have to admit using Adobe PDF was a bit frustrating at first. I think I expected to be able to turn the page like a real book. Instead I had to scroll. When I increased the font size that meant scrolling left to right and up and down and my eyes were crossed pretty quickly. When I decreased the font size for two pages to fit my nose got a little too personal with the screen.

Fortunately, the book hooked me from the start. For any of you who enjoyed the tone of Bridget Jones’ Diary, you’ll really like this (it’s better). Basically, Emma has her hands full with all the crises of her family and friends, not to mention a few of her own. She’s constantly writing lists that will make you laugh even as they hit home. Like all of us, she wants to be loved and valued for who she is and it really brought a smile to my face to see her finally reach for that “gold” ring.

Set in London with a brief holiday in Spain, the story brought back memories of the four years I lived in London and the people I met who would have fit comfortably in Emma’s world. The tone is light as is the romance. The focus is on Emma as she totters from one incident to another, trying to keep it all in perspective. There’s even a dash of mystery and suspense to round the whole story out.

Nell Dixon has been shortlisted for England’s Romance Prize for her novel Marrying Max. That’s fantastic news and I’ll be rooting for her. She kept me engaged from start to finish and it doesn’t suprise me to see others recognize her talent.

I hope my next e-book is as enjoyable. I have to say that by the end I was comfortable with the small font, though I expect I’ll need a stronger eyeglass presecription next year.

So what are you reading now? What e-books do you recommend? And is there an easier way to read them?

My youngest will be six soon and starting first grade, yet when it comes to bedtime, he still wants his “blankie.” My older two never got attached to a particular stuffed animal or blanket. I’m not sure why number three did. That blanket has traveled more miles and suffered more wear and tear than any piece of cotton should have to. The edges are worn and fraying. It’s stained in places. None of that matters to son #3. He finds comfort in his blanket.

As a child I had a Snoopy stuffed animal that I always liked to have on my bed. My mom still has it saved in plastic. I couldn’t believe it. It’s ratty and sad, but oh, the memories. As an adult, I’ve definitely moved beyond Snoopy. I’d have to say that when I want to relax and forget about any stress or worries, I turn to books–favorite ones, dog-eared from repeated readings. I know the story. I know that despite the obstacles that the happy ending is there. There’s comfort and ease in meeting these old friends and knowing they overcame whatever difficulties were thrown at them. And because I’ve read the stories before, it’s a peaceful journey.

I think it’s important to find those things that bring us comfort, whether it’s a favorite sweatshirt, a ring, a CD or pint of Rocky Road. What is it that brings you comfort? Feel free to comment below.

I have a banana stand to keep my bananas bruise free and fresh. I guess they were too fresh because they were peeling off the stand. I had the brilliant idea to bake banana bread. So, after the kids finally went to bed I got started. A friend who had moved away had given me cake flour–at least I thought it was. I looked at the package and read bread flour. Flour is flour, right?

Ha ha. I start mixing the batter, only it’s not batter. It’s really doughy and not blending all that well. Does it need water or milk? No. I’m not my sharpest at 10 pm, so it took a moment to connect the dots. Maybe it’s the flour. There I was wondering if I should toss it all out. But I hate to waste food. Well, it’s bread dough. It’s got enough sugar in it that the kids will probably eat it anyway. Okay, so it doesn’t have yeast and won’t rise, but it’ll make a great focaccia. Sure it will. I flatten it out in the bottom of a glass baking pan and baked it.

Writing is kind of the same. You start out with all these ingredients and it might even seem like it’s coming together. Then disaster. Nothing mixes right. The pieces don’t fit. You’r positive that you can’t achieve anything worth serving up to your readers. But, with patience, perserverance and ingenuity, the whole becomes clear and as you near the end, you wonder why you ever doubted yourself to begin with.

I’ve got to be honest, though. That so-called focaccia may be hard as a rock and completely inedible. I won’t know until tomorrow. That’s why I’ll stick with writing rather than baking, even if some of the same principles apply.

Thirteen Things 1…. Werewolf No one would dare mess with me when I’m feeling a little B*tchy 2… Wererabbit Could hump faster than Thumper. Definitly would speed things up when I want to watch my late night movie 3… Werehyena I already laugh like one 4… Weresloth At least DH would lay off my case about why I didn’t do the dishes or make the beds. Can’t call me lazy if it is my nature;) 5…Wereshark Finally would know how to swim 6… Werelion I am woman, hear me roar! 7… Werejaguar Sleek, trim, slim, fast and sexy (how I used to look 10 years ago) 8…Weremouse Have a gestation period of a few weeks and pop all my children out at once 9… Werebear No one would dare ever call me fat, no matter how many pounds I pack on during the winter 10… Wereoctopus I’d have enough arms to juggle the twenty million tasks my kids and hubby want me to do and still be able to write 11… Werepelican I could fly down to Florida anytime I wanted and never worry about losing my luggage. I would keep it all in my beak. 12… Werelizard I could bask in the sun all I want and never worry about skin cancer 13… Weredonkey I’d give stubborn a whole new meaning

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

I can’t believe it is 2007!

Resolutions anyone?

Mine are pretty simple. Write & read a lot. Then read and write some more.

Already working on it big time. Finished up reading Danse Macarbe by Laurell K. Hamilton and Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich.

Currently at work on the second novel.

So what are your resolutions?