It’s time for another edition of What’s New Wednesday, and this week I’ll be talking all about how we thrive in darkness. The “we” in this case are none other than South Africans, who’re experiencing (once again) government sanctioned blackouts (we call it Load Shedding), due to incompetence. Yup. That so happens. But to rub salt in the wound of having to prepare for a possible involuntary candlelit Christmas dinner and going into the New Year with darkness as your only friend, they (Eskom—the electricity provider in this so-called capable country of ours) are asking for a 15% price hike again. In other words, we’re paying for services we’re just not getting. Pretty awesome, right?
Ah, well … As the saying goes: “This is Africa.”
Still, darkness can be inspiring; darkness can be an obsession. I mean, take a look at horror authors and voila. They thrive in darkness (whether it’s an external or internal darkness), and basically live for the stuff. See?
So, sit back and enjoy this week’s What’s New Wednesday, where I delve into darkness.
We Thrive in Darkness
Books
I’m currently in the midst of reading House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, and it’s intriguing (imagine a film in book form—not a screenplay, an actual film—and there you have it). It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I already notice a type of genius in the writing of this book.
The Toll by Cherie Priest is another book I currently have on my reading list—I’m going in blind on this one, but I’ve heard some good things.
Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw caught my attention because of its tagline: “Be careful of the dark, dark wood …” Now, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but that’s kinda my jam. I love a story about creepy woods. So, I’m looking forward to this one.
Last, but not least, The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring is on my TBR. I hear it’s a gothic tale, which screams dark, but that’s about all I know. So, here’s to hoping it’s as good as I hope it is.
TV Shows
Truth Be Told, an Apple TV show, is all kinds of perfect. Not only do most of my favorite actors star in this show (Octavia Spencer is a gem, Lizzie Caplan is becoming one of my favorite TV actresses, and everyone loves Aaron Paul), but it’s filling my little crime-show-lovin’ heart with its twisty plot. Definitely give that a watch when you have a moment.
Then there’s The Servant, which is directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Now, this one’s a bit heavier, revolves around loss, grief, and there’s a spin on it, but, I don’t know how to explain it, really. It’s a good show, don’t get me wrong. The cinematography may not be for everyone (it’s very “in your face”, which makes it feel kind of voyeuristic), and I’m interested to see where it goes, but again … it’s a bit heavy.
Dark Bits
The Night Weaver News
So, I actually kind of forgot to mention this piece of wonderful news (I tend to put this stuff out of my mind, because if I don’t, I set myself up for heartache), but what the hell. The Night Weaver was long-listed for the OZMA Book Awards, which recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Fantasy Fiction. The OZMA Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The #CIBAs).
It’s big news and I’m incredibly grateful to be on the long list with all those amazing authors, but I’m always so worried I’m not good enough … *sigh* Still, I thought you deserved to know. 🙂
The Horror Writer News
It looks like the final edits for The Horror Writer: A Study of Craft and Identity in the Horror Genre is almost complete! I’ve seen the TOC and phew, some great authors are in that bad boy … and my essay is in there, too! AHHHH! I can’t tell you anymore than that yet, but I will as soon as I get the go-ahead from Hellbound Books. In the meantime, I’m freaking out because it’s such a cool book and I can’t say anything. Grrrr.
Soul’s Day Boxed-Set Progress
*huffs* I wanted to be done with one of the two stories for this project already, but do you think I can find the time to just sit and write? Nope. I’m halfway done with the first story, and I’m freaking in love with it, but it’s taking way too long now. As for the second story … That’s brewing, too. And it’s simmering something wonderful in the back of my mind, but I can’t get to it until story #1 is done, and *grumbles incoherently*.
I seem to be a typical writer sometimes, which is so frustrating.
Don’t worry, I’ll be done in time. Like I’ve said, I thrive in darkness, so it’ll be finished before you know it. 🙂
In the Kitchen
Okay, so technically this doesn’t really count towards the “thrive in darkness” theme I’ve got going on this week, but I thought I’d share it anyway. I’ve been doing quite a lot of canning lately, which I always seem to do this time of year. Granted, you never know when the lights will go out around here, and I’m not in the mood to worry about making dinner, so that’s one of the reasons to keep my pantry filled up with preserves.
So far, this month, I’ve made watermelon jam, watermelon rind preserves, pickled onions, and pickled cucumbers. I still plan on making strawberry jam, blueberry jam, there’s a whole lot of pineapples that needs preserving (jam? just plain ole canned pineapples? pickled pineapples? I dunno), and then I’m thinking of making mango chutney.
So, I’m a busy bee in there, these days.
If you’re looking for some recipes for your own canning adventures, I suggest checking out my Pinterest Board regarding Homemade Preserves. I usually pin the recipes I intend to make on there. 🙂
Other Dark Things
I bet you’re wondering what else you can expect from the website this year. Well, not much other than the usual What’s New Wednesday and Friday Favorites posts. That being said, my yearly wrap-up will be published near the end of the month, where I’ll be talking about how this year’s affected me (yes, the good, the bad, and the ugly will be discussed). It’s been one helluva ride, so be on the lookout for that one.
And there you have it, another What’s New Wednesday has come to an end. As you can see, I thrive in darkness, and so can you. Just keep busy, keep moving forward, try not to dwell on the negatives (I’ll get into that in the wrap-up), and maybe—if luck’s on your side—that’ll make things a little better.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to check in before long, but in case I don’t …
Happy holidays!
Monique
