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Dina James

Chronicler of the Paranormal

What Makes A Writer Evil?

I was going to post this on Monday, but I completely forgot about the crossposting thing I was going to do.

What am I talking about?

Well, a couple weeks ago I announced the launch of the Evil League of Evil Writers website, of which I’m a member. Monday saw my first blog post. I’ll be posting there every two weeks and crossposting those entries here – in theory; we’ve already seen how well I remembered to do that!

Anyway, better late than never, so here you are. Warning: Language and no sympathy. (Hi, Mom!)

Monday’s blog post, crossposted to the ELEW. [Read more…]

Updatey Thing

It’s Friday, and I’ll once again try the “Five Things Make A Post”, thing.

1. #dietgame on Twitter – for those who don’t know what #dietgame is, see my previous post on the subject. The weeks are from Monday to Sunday, and this Monday will start the final third of the twelve week round. REPEAT – MONDAY MAY 10th STARTS WEEK 9 of this round of #dietgame. For those who are playing, when you give your reports, you’re reporting on the previous week’s results. i.e. this week’s report is over how well you did or how badly you sucked LAST week. I have a spreadsheet with the reports listed, which I had to reformat today because it was getting too big. Rest assured I have it straightened out now, and some of you are SLACKING OFF BIGTIME. Just because I’m not around to kick your ass doesn’t give you any excuse to LOLLYGAG!

We get new players every round, so if you’re reading this and want to join, you’re welcome to start playing with us during any week. Just follow the rules and you’re on your way!

As for personal progress on #dietgame…let’s just say I’m nowhere near my goal. What muffins? They were on sale! And I gave the cake away! There was no way I was going to eat more than one tiny piece of that. Costco is so wasted on me.

Muffins aside, despite still being mostly good about my food choices, I’ve been backsliding/going the opposite way, which I intend to remedy immediately. Why am I backsliding, you ask? Well, that leads us to –

2. TMI – I’ve addressed TMI in one of my vlogs, and those who are familiar with my idiosyncrasies know that I’m not a real sharer-type. This is not to say that I don’t ask for help if I’m truly in need, but I generally don’t whine or even mention anything that goes on in my life that anyone could possibly offer sympathy for. There are exceptions to this. My animals, always, are an exception. The moment anything is wrong with my babies, I broadcast it. Things though like, say, a death in the family or major medical diagnosis or injury or whatever – those things I keep to myself. This is not to say that “when Dina is quiet you should start worrying”, because it’s not like that. I just don’t want people offering me their sympathies, which is why anyone would share something like a death in the family, right? To let people know they’re hurting and need comforting? Yeah, I don’t do that. I deal with things my way, and that’s, for the most part, alone.

And I like it that way.

I know, I get in a lot of shit for doing this. People, friends and family, get angry with me for dealing/coping with issues on my own/for leaving them out of the loop. “If you’d said something/if I’d known, I would have _____!”

Yeah. Exactly. That’s WHY I didn’t say anything, because I didn’t want them to respond at all, let alone like that.

I’m weird this way and I’m trying to be better about it. I’m fiercely independent, to a fault. To my own detriment, sometimes. I have a hard time handling compassion and compliments and nice things. Criticism? No problem. Criticize away. Insults? Go for it. I’m meaner than you are, I promise, and I’m secure in my existence. Tough I can handle. Compliments? Yeah…working on that.

What does that say about my psychological make-up, I wonder? Anyway, that’s fodder for a later ponder.

Next!

3. What does my mini-rant about TMI have to do with anything? Well, I’ve been busy. That’s the explanation. The fact that I’m even attempting to acknowledge that I haven’t been as around as I usually am shows actual concern and involvement on my part, I think. Rather than waiting for someone to eventually realize that I’m not up to my usual evil (and believe me, this gets noticed – I’m not sure this is a compliment. “Sure is quiet around here…wait…where’s Dina?”), I’m just posting it here. I’ve been busy. With what? TMI/personal stuff. I’ve said before, writers have lives. I have friends and family and concerns about bills and have to go grocery shopping and do laundry like everyone else, and sometimes “real” life gets in the way of online life.

Which brings me to –

4. “Real” vs. “online” life.

I’m one of these rare people that doesn’t have an “online persona”. Who I am online is exactly who you’ll see if you ever meet me. I make no bones about the fact that I’m rude, uncouth, tactless, and evil (mostly evil). I’m also (I will reluctantly admit before someone else calls me on it – you know who you are)…gah, I can’t even say it. All right! All right! I’m…kindofniceandlookoutforpeopleanddonatetothingsandcaresortofaboutcertainissues.

There. I said it. Before Skyla can accuse me of being all nice and stuff. I’m evil! EVIL I SAY!

Mostly.

But back to the subject. Real vs. online life. I realize that, while I do play a little more on the “evil” side of me a bit for laughs (it’s funny ’cause it’s true!), most people understand my evil sense of humor, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. I’ve “met” some really, really awesome people via Twitter and Facebook, and I’m constantly amazed at the power of both things.

There are “real people” behind those usernames. While that can be annoying at times, like with pirates and trolls, most are just genuine people out to make a connection with other genuine people. I wish more douchebags would keep that in mind when they post things that make them look like the douchebags they are.

Unless they’re going for that…I don’t know…

And finally –

5. Just because I’ve been busy does not mean I haven’t been writing. On the contrary. I’m working, just not on anything that has a publication date set. And speaking of publication, I don’t have anything new to share with you all at the moment. All Wounds is still out on submission, and the submission process can take a long time. Don’t give up hope! I’ll let those patiently waiting know what’s up the moment I have anything I can share with you.

For those on the mailing list, there’s a newsletter coming out soon, I promise. I’ll be vlogging soon too…as soon as I have something to vlog about. I can barely come up with five things to BLOG about. A vlog takes a little more thought and effort.

So that’s all I have for you for now.

I’m Not Dead Yet

It’s just that I haven’t had a whole lot to say/share. I figured I’d better blog, though. I mean, I’m a writer, and so by rights I should be able to write something, right? What’s the point of having a blog if I don’t post to it?

Yeah, that’s what I thought.

I’ve never done the “5 Things Make A Post” thing, but for this entry, I’ll give it a go.

1. The Staircase of Doom – it’s coming along. They’re doing what they call “finish work” right now, and I have to say, it’s gorgeous. Just beautiful. Yes, I’ve lost more than 50% of that room/area, but it’s so worth it, not only for the ability to take laundry downstairs, but because there’s actual ROOM downstairs now to use properly. Pics later when it’s done.

2. Painting – it’s been decided by me and the husband that once the contractors are done with the Staircase of Doom that that room (and the one now revealed/exposed below it) deserves a new coat of paint. It’s…well…an ill-chosen “tomato bisque” (I take no responsibility for this color choice, I assure you), as you can see from the photos, and as the new staircase is a beautiful light oak and the room is already empty/catproofed/prepped for painting, we should just go ahead, knuckle under and paint the thing. It won’t take long. Maybe a day or so. Then we’ll have a new staircase, new painted walls, and if I can get the proper set and convince the electrician to help, maybe a couple new lights in that room. That would rock. So I’ll be busy with all this next week.

3. Writing – I know a lot of people are waiting to hear about what’s happening with All Wounds – thank you all for your wonderful notes; you’ll hear any news as soon as I do/can tell you anything, I promise! – but I really don’t have anything new to share right now. I’m writing as always; characters don’t let me rest no matter what’s going on around me. I wish I had something more to share with you here, but I really don’t. Sorry! I’ll have a newsletter coming out before the end of the month, and if you want to be on the mailing list for that, sign up here. Hint: if you’ve already been getting my semi-regular e-mail newsletter, you should be getting this new one. I’ve signed up for a new program/service because doing it myself/my way wasn’t working out the way I wanted to, so this is a new thing. I’ll post here when I’ve sent the newsletter and you can tell me if you signed up and didn’t get it. As I said, it’s a new service, so I’ve only tested it once. It worked fine then, but I haven’t tested the “sign up” part. We’ll see how that goes!

4. #dietgame – We’re in the middle of week four at the moment. (For those wondering, the weeks go from Monday to Sunday, as we started on Monday. We’ll end Sunday, June 6, then start another three-month round on Monday, June 7.) I’m down a total of four pounds at the moment, and my jeans are starting to loosen, so I’m happy there. I know I could probably do a lot better than I am, but I’m doing a lot better than I was with my habits and eating, so I’m going to call this a win. There’s still time to join us for the remaining two months of this round, so if you’re interested, check out this post for the rules and how to play. Pay attention to the warnings, as this might be a game, but it’s not for hand-holding or sympathy. There are other groups to join for that kind of thing. This is tough-love “encouragement”, and if you can’t handle that, you’ve got no business wanting or trying to play #dietgame.

5. Vlogging – one is forthcoming, I promise. I’m not sure what I’ll talk about, but I’m sure a topic will present itself. I’m open to questions/suggestions if you all want to contribute to the next vlog. You can message me on Twitter, or leave a comment here and we’ll see what comes up for the next vlog.

There you are. Five things make a post. The end.

Cheers,
DJ

Reloaded – In More Ways Than One

First, in case it has gone unnoticed, I have returned from my offline hiatus. Life has been insane lately, compounded with extended seclusion in the Revision Lair. Things are normalizing now, and it appears I am slightly worse for wear.

And by that I mean “I’ve gained a few pounds”.

Nothing major. Nothing in the double-digits or anything. But, as my jeans were already tighter than I am comfortable with, this does not bode well. (And the last round was declared invalid due to extenuating circumstances on the parts of all involved.*)

Also, I intend to attend Dragon*Con over Labor Day weekend, and at this point, the costumes I wish to take with me will not fit over my expanding bottom.

Hence, a new round of #dietgame. Start date for this round is Monday, March 15, 2010 (this should give you time to not only get used to the idea, but to clean out your fridge/pantry/go shopping for healthier choices, join the gym, etc.), ending Sunday, June 6, 2010 for a 12 week (or 3 month, if that works better in your head) round.

What is this #dietgame of which I speak, you may ask? Well, here. I’m so recycling this post from the previous ones on the subject.

Welcome to your doom.

Just kidding.

If you’re here, you probably want to know about #dietgame on Twitter. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Background: Last year, on September 3, my Wii Fit made bad jokes about how much time had passed since my last workout and made the Noise of Disappointment when it did my body test that morning. So, of course, I wrote it a nasty tweet in return, announcing my weight loss goals in an effort to ensure some kind of accountability besides that of the Evil Wii Fit. (That thing is EVIL, I tell you, and not in the good way!)

Long story short, #dietgame has been invented. It’s like #wordathon for weight loss.

In that regard, here are the “rules”.

1) You must have a weight loss goal.

2) You must start as soon as possible/as soon as you find out about this.

3) The start and end dates are posted above.

4) You must TELL ME (in addition to your mom/significant other/morale support groups as I keep track weekly on a spreadsheet so I can determine repercu- I mean – see who hasn’t given their results yet) that you’re participating.

5) You must tweet your progress (or comment here if you’re joining us via somewhere else and aren’t on Twitter) at least once a week (Monday is good, as it’s the day we’re going to end this round). Use the hashtag #dietgame so that the rest of us playing can kick your – um…”offer encouragement”.

Other things:

Your weight loss goal does not have to be pounds. It can be inches, body fat percentage, clothes size, whatever. This is a motivational/accountability exercise/encouragement/ass-kicking group, “sponsored” by yours truly and @Zombie_Joe.

This is a FRIENDLY competition, but those of you who play #wordathon know I have an alter ego in the form of #gunnyjames. This is my R. Lee Ermey-style motivation-by-degradation, and you will get screamed at and told to get your lazy ass on the treadmill if #gunnyjames is in-or-pro-voked. Mocking by other participants may also be involved, and there will be no sympathy to be found here. You want sympathy, you shouldn’t be taking on #dietgame.

Like #wordathon, there is no “winner” or “prize”. This is about reaching a goal, and that goal can be in pounds lost, percentage lost and percentage of goal reached. Suppose we reach the end date and the best among those playing #dietgame have only reached 80% of their goal? Well, that person “wins”.

Now, this is not a “diet” or “weight loss plan”. You do your own thing. Whatever works for you/however you want to lose weight. There are no suggestions, we’re not all joining Weight Watchers or going on the South Beach Diet or Atkins or whatever. This, like the way we #wordathon players write, is highly individual. You do whatever works for you. Some of us do a daily thing, some of us push hard a couple days a week, some of us wait until the last minute, whatever. However you want to do it. Up to you. This is a motivational thing/friendly competition, NOT an advice column. Play at your own risk, etc. etc., no one assumes any liability for your weight loss or lack thereof, blah blah blah, etc. etc.

So, you in?

Good. Now put down that donut and go clean out your pantry before I kick your ass.

So there you are.

Cheers,
DJ

*All right, we’re pretending it never happened. HAPPY?

Shall We Play Another Game?

I’m so recycling this post from the previous one about #dietgame.

Welcome to your doom.

Just kidding.

If you’re here, you probably want to know about #dietgame on Twitter. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Background: A few months ago, on September 3, my Wii Fit made bad jokes about how much time had passed since my last workout and made the Noise of Disappointment when it did my body test that morning. So, of course, I wrote it a nasty tweet in return, announcing my weight loss goals in an effort to ensure some kind of accountability besides that of the Evil Wii Fit. (That thing is EVIL, I tell you, and not in the good way!)

Long story short, #dietgame has been invented. It’s like #wordathon for weight loss.

In that regard, here are the “rules”.

1) You must have a weight loss goal.

2) You must start as soon as possible/as soon as you find out about this.

3) The end date for this edition of #dietgame is March 4, 2010. 90 days from today (or 3 months if that’s how you want to think of it).

4) You must tweet your progress at least once a week (Thursday is good, as it’s the day we’re going to end on March 4). Use the hashtag #dietgame so that the rest of us playing can kick your – um…”offer encouragement”.

Other things:

Your weight loss goal does not have to be pounds. It can be inches, body fat percentage, whatever. This is a motivational/accountability exercise/encouragement/ass-kicking group, “sponsored” by yours truly and @Zombie_Joe.

This is a FRIENDLY competition, but those of you who play #wordathon know I have an alter ego in the form of #gunnyjames. This is my R. Lee Ermey-style motivation-by-degradation, and you will get screamed at and told to get your lazy ass on the treadmill if #gunnyjames is in-or-pro-voked.

Like #wordathon, there is no “winner” or “prize”. This is about reaching a goal, and that goal can be in pounds lost, percentage lost and percentage of goal reached. Suppose we reach March 4 and the best among those playing #dietgame have only reached 80% of their goal? Well, that person “wins”.

Now, this is not a “diet” or “weight loss plan”. You do your own thing. Whatever works for you/however you want to lose weight. There are no suggestions, we’re not all joining Weight Watchers or going on the South Beach Diet or Atkins or whatever. This, like the way we #wordathon players write, is highly individual. You do whatever works for you. Some of us do a daily thing, some of us push hard a couple days a week, some of us wait until the last minute, whatever. However you want to do it. Up to you. This is a motivational thing/friendly competition, NOT an advice column. Play at your own risk, etc. etc., no one assumes any liability for your weight loss or lack thereof, blah blah blah, etc. etc.

So, you in?

Good. Now put down that donut and go clean out your pantry before I kick your ass.

-DJ