What I've Been Up to Lately...

I admit, I have not worked upon my novel for quite a long time. G. K. Chesterton, in his book 'Orthodoxy', talked about a fancy he often has for writing a romance, about an Englishman who 'discovers' England under the impression it was a new island in the South Seas.

So it is with my novel: I often dream about writing and revising and rewriting my novel. However, the words that come after Chesterton's statement apply to me as well; "I always find, however, that I am either too busy or too lazy to write this fine work."

For me, it is undoubtedly the former. The curse of a busy life has crowded out my writing (and, as you can see, my blogging).

However, I have had some time to read, sneakily popping open my Kindle light at night to read Chesterton, or grabbing some free books I find. (Huzzah for free Kindle books!) Here's a list of what I've been reading lately:

Imaginary Jesus, by Matt Mikalatos: A hilarious, not-quite-true story about a guy who finds out his Jesus (robe, sandals, and all) is fake. A good, lighthearted novel with some intriguing allegory. And near-death (near-Jesus?) experiences thrown in for some spice.

Worth a read.  Run to the Kindle store, folks: it's still free.  They have a Kindle app for PC and Mac, so it should be fairly easy to just read it on you computer in your spare time.

'Tis one of those laugh-out-loud books.

Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton:  Ah, yes, Chesterton. I have recently (in the last couple of days) developed a taste for him. Sarcastic, confusing, humorous, with some great philosophical insights, Orthodoxy is worth a read. 'Tis confusing at first, but if you keep looking for quotes you'll eventually get into it and enjoy it immensely. I'm about halfway through. :)

This one's also free on Kindle, since it's a classic.  Great, great book.

And very quotable. Haha.  I'm driving my friends and family crazy.  "You know, Chesterton once said..."

The Scarlet Pimpernel:  Daring escapes, the upheaval of the French Revolution, and a mysterious man known only as the Scarlet Pimpernel. While sometimes the mystery seemed painfully obvious, it was a good read, dotted with colorful descriptions (and sometimes colorful language :P), betrayal, and intrigue. And the concept of the Scarlet Pimpernel was genius.

Also free on Kindle, LOL (and then as I end the refrain...).  *blinks*  What?  You don't get it?  *facepalm*  Obscure reference to Cyrano de Bergerac.  Pay no attention to..!  *cough*  My apologies.

The Count of Monte Cristo: Another classic--I had read Alexandre Dumas before, but his use of words floored me again. He spends pages, at times, describing persons, places, or things with great color.

 The Count is a complex character, bent on revenge, gifted with a sharp mind and great knowledge, and as rich as a gold mine. Treasure, intrigue, unfair trial: I am not yet through with this massive book, but it is very good so far.

If you can get past a couple boring portions (which, seemingly, have nothing to do with the plot), this is a great book to read.

In the near future, I shall be reading Masters & Slayers, The Ale Boy's Feast (I was ecstatic when I ordered a pre-release copy of it through BloggingForBooks), Warrior, The Pendragon Cycle, and more. :) Also, I should be reviewing 'Summa Elvetica' soon, provided I have the time.

Well, I'm off again. Time is calling me...it wants me back. (Obscure reference [again] to The Dreamhouse Kings.)

Au voir! Adieu! Farewell! Do not be eaten.

*disappears into the mist*