THE HUNGER GAMES

     I fed a dolphin...and I liked it. I can't remember his name, but he was the 'alpha' male in charge of a pod of freshwater dolphins that have lived in the area for three generations. He weighed about 200 kilograms, was beautiful and ate a right royal tonne of fish. A wonderful experience not to be missed.

     The family and I were up in Tin Can Bay, which is in Queensland, Australia, for those who don't know. It's a secluded little hamlet that hasn't succumbed to the decadence of over tourism. Yet. We were staying in the area because my daredevil wife was doing her first skydive, in nearby Rainbow Bay. (So named for it's wonderful rainbow coloured sands. A true natural wonder of the world.). All completed. No splat. No limbs broken. And probably one of the greatest experiences of her life thus far. Lucky her. 
     But the natural beauty of the area was astounding. We journeyed by foot to an area near the township of Rainbow Beach called THE CARLO SAND BLOW. This area is reached by walking on a bush track for some fifteen minutes until you reach a natural corridor of sand that stretches from the sea right back into the forest. It's long and wide, almost desert like in its configuration. A wind corridor that has been depositing sand for thousands of years, most likely. Look at this sunset photo and tell me it doesn't remind you of Egypt.

This is me and my children sitting on the edge of the forest, contemplating the majesty of it all.

I highly recommend visiting the area, which is still relatively unspoiled. Jumping out of a plane is optional.

While it was nice to get away, if only for a weekend, I'm starting to feel the pressure for the release of THE MONSTER IN THE BASEMENT. So much editing and prep work to do before September the first and the time is fleeting, like sands blowing in the wind.

Reading at the moment: Half way through SCALPED: DEAD MOTHERS by Jason Aaron. This is my comic book crack. It really is.

THE BRADBURY CHRONICLES by Sam Weller. Bradbury was the man.

And...for research purposes, for a new short children's book that will tie into the Sovereign Creek saga and hopefully come out before the third book in the series, THE PENGUIN BOOK OF NORSE MYTHS: GODS OF THE VIKINGS translated by Kevin Crossley-Holland. 

Haven't seen any movies, but still plowing through the second series of Justified.

What are you all reading/watching.

It's going to be a busy two months.

Cheers,

John 

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

     Editing a book is a funny thing. On my first novel, THE SPIRIT OF THE MOON, I went straight into the editing process when the story was completed. I was burnt and tired after six weeks writing but I persevered   and began what was the systematic cutting of my first literary baby. Was it the right decision to do this, so soon after finishing? I remember reading in ON WRITING by Stephen King (every aspiring writer, READ THIS BOOK!) and he states that he waits at least six weeks after the completion of a novel before he edits. Locks it in a draw, forgets it and moves onto the next writing assignment. I thought at the time that 'sure you can wait Mr King. You have millions of dollars to afford that luxury. I don't. I need to get the damn thing done, in between work and family and get it out of the house as soon as possible. Get them readers while you can...'
     But you know what? He was right. And you know why? Not looking at your book gives you distance. It gives you a perspective that you wouldn't have had before. My second novel, THE MONSTER IN THE BASEMENT, turned into an actual monster in size and commitment. I was shot when it was done, the birth was painful and I couldn't look at it any more. But now reading it two months later, I can see the story for what it is...what kind of child I gave birth too. And in having spent that time away, I can see with fresh eyes all those little imperfections that are stopping a good story become a great story. Sometimes you have to let your babies go, live there own lives and like any good parent, come back and give the best advice you can. 


What I'm reading and watching at the moment:


Raylan by Elmore Leonard (Huge fan of Justified, haven't read Fire in the Hole yet, but want to see Leonard's take on Marshal Givens)


Scalped by Jason Aaron (I'm up to the third trade Dead Mothers. I know, I know, I'm behind but this is consistently so good. This is my comic equivalent of Breaking Bad). Speaking of which...


Finally got around to season 4 of Breaking Bad last week and  God damn if this isn't the best show on television. "I'm the guy that does the knocking!" say Walt to Skylar who looks on in sheer terror at what her husband may have become. So, so, good, edge of your seat stuff. Season five debuts in the US mid July and I can't wait to see how it all ends.


Nothing at the movies I'm afraid. The Amazing Spider-man opens in Australia today and I have no desire to see it at all. They better do some more convincing if they want my money. I'll wait for the Avengers Blu Ray thanks...with a dose of Dark Knight around the corner.




Cheers,


John