First, the props…

Suite Magazine, the magazine for intelligent women, :razz: , has done a great review of INCUBUS for their December issue. They did a fab layout, I was thoroughly impressed, they have photos of a few very hot men–and for you writers out there–they’re looking for books to review!

HOWL, the anthology featuring Jeigh Lyn, Jet Mykles, and yours truly, was just named a five-angel Recommended Read by Fallen Angel Reviews.
YAAYYY!! I am honored. :grin:

Today I caught a glimpse of the Dark Side of the Force—or, rather, of the writer’s imagination. Feeling really, really sick, I didn’t go to work, which gave me the chance to watch the news. :neutral:

The story was about the Tacoma Mall shooter, the sniper who injured six people. Apparently, he made calls to announce his intention beforehand to 911. When the dispatcher asked his location, the reply was:
“Follow the screams.”

I’m going to be brutally honest. My very first thought was, “Damn, that’s a great line!”

A second later, I was IMMEDIATELY horrified!! And yes, my thoughts shifted to sympathy for the victims, their families–even trying to understand the anger that would make a person do such a thing.

But I couldn’t forget that first thought. Probably because–honesty again–it’s not the first time I’ve done that (though it may be the worst). I’ve half-listened to people’s sad stories while my mind wandered off into possible plots and sub-plots. I’ve listened to romantic confessions while great ways to wrench such a perfect relationship apart danced like sugarplums in my head. :razz:

That little ‘what if’ voice in my mind that I’ve always depended on to come up with story ideas definitely has a Dark Side. There dwelleth vampires and werewolves and demons and psychopaths. And they’re not always just looking for a little fun, the Eternal Love they lost centuries before, or a romp in the hay, y’know? :twisted:

And I suppose it’s a necessary part of the creative process—but geez, it’s hard to accept sometimes! :shock: