I wish I could report some hardcore progress on THE OAK AND THE MOON, but this book has its own pace, officially termed Taking Its Sweet Time. I hit chapter 38, which doesn’t mean much at this point because I don’t know how many more chapters it will take to get to the end of this thing. At least ten more. Twenty?
Christmas and New Year’s shamelessly gobbled most of my writing time, but with all that fun behind me I plan to buckle down and get some words on the page. I think I said this book should be in my editor’s hands in February? Well…hmm. About that…
Also to blame for stealing time from writing is our basement semi-finish we started weeks ago. We partitioned off part of our basement, stained the floor, painted the walls and ceiling, and now furniture and TV are here. Coming soon is a new chair and table for my new writing nook in the opposite corner, which should give me a better space to write. I’ll no longer be juggling my laptop, handwritten notes, Moore Family Tree (yes, book 3 is that complicated), and boat anchor Irish-English dictionary in my little bedroom armchair with no nearby table space. And the cat who’s determined to sit on top of my arm while this juggling is taking place.
End of the year leisure time didn’t allow much time for reading. I’m still working through BEL CANTO, which is excellent but a bit of a slow burn.
I did see two squeal-worthy movies:
One of my new favorite movies of all time. Fans of my books will love this one. It’s a love story with a touch of the supernatural, pulled off expertly in every way.
It’s honest and charming and so human, it’s easy to forget the supernatural aspect of it. The simplicity of the story brings out the depth of character, and by the time the climax hits you’ll be yelling at your screen, rooting for these people. I love it when a movie can be romantic and sensual without being graphic, and can find a way to show the friendship that’s entangled in the deepest love.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
You *might* need to be a preexisting fan to squeal over this one. (Although some fans might be peeved over the changes to the TMNT mythology.) But I think I said “OMG YES!” about 500 times while watching it.
I have my criticisms of it but it’s all forgiven due to the fact that it’s TMNT and twenty-five years have not faded my fangirl crush on Raphael. (Okay, maybe shouldn’t admit that.) Nonstop disbelief-suspending action and the most unbeatable-looking villain EVER. Seriously. Shredder is so over the top you just have to go with it.
Kay Camden 
I just added In Your Eyes to my Netflix queue a couple days ago. I’d never even heard of it before; I certainly didn’t realize it was written by Joss Whedon. I’ll have to watch it sooner rather than later now.
I didn’t realize it either, until the leading credits popped up on the screen. Apparently, he came up with the idea in the 90s. Cool that it was in your queue. Watch it and report back!
Bitty armchair, no table space, laptop, notes, cat? Now that’s productive passion. Your new room sounds lovely—I expect to see many more books forthcoming!
The cat is what throws it all off. As soon as he hops up, my carefully balanced steno pad falls, bringing everything else with it. As soon as it’s all balanced again, the cat decides being *on* my arm isn’t good enough, he needs to be wrapped around my face. I just sat down. Door is closed and he’s not in here. Desperate howling on the other side of the door begins in 5, 4…
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