Firing Old Man Winter

Emily Strange Avatar

I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’re ALL sick of winter. It’d probably be different if we were used to this much cold, this much snow, and this much ice — but we’re not. This has been a terrible season here, one of the worst in the past twenty years, and I’ve pretty much had it. ‘Course, this tolerance level translates to staying indoors a lot, blue moods, and a low tolerance for b.s. of the “social media” variety. I suppose it could be my sheer lack of patience talking, but commentary on what people are commenting on in the way that people are supposed to comment on it… Well, I’m guessing I’m not the only one who’s going through seasonal bleh-ness. Apparently my trip to San Francisco didn’t put a big enough dent in my SAD.

Anyway, I could be channeling all of this energy into writing, but partly what’s happened is that I had a mad, mad crazy rush of hundreds of thousands of words, outlines, etc. and then? Full stop. Or rather, partial stop and waiting on approvals, etc. I only have myself to blame, really. But, I’m human. Shocking, I know. I mean… Writers are human with biological bits outside of words? THAT’S CRAZY TALK.

Excuse my French but vas te faire encule vieillard hiver. Yep, I used Google Translate for that one. (Note to self… Improve my French…) The only way I know how to move forward is to change my routine, so I’m segmenting my social spheres a bit by joining Ravelry (Thanks again, Jonna!) and Fitocracy (WOO!). The first is a knitters/crocheters/bead weavers website and the second is for fitness.

I will not be defeated by a sharp-angled ice man who spews cold spit to get his point across.

    Mood: POWER UP
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Addiction not managed and nah, nah, nah I don’t care.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Phew! That controller was really heavy.
    In My Ears: Motherboard by Daft Punk
    Game Last Played: Sonic All Star Racing
    Book Last Read: Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett
    Movie Last Viewed: Can’t remember. It was some horrifically awful “but my husband t’aint really dead” movie.
    Latest Artistic Project: *Still* *still* *still* need to take pictures… It’s on the list!
    Latest Fiction/Comic Release: Last Man Zombie Standing
    Latest Game Release: Freedom Flyer
    What I’m Working On: Primarily tie-in games work and novels.




Monica Valentinelli is an author, artist, and narrative designer who writes about magic, mystery, and mayhem. Her portfolio includes stories, games, comics, essays, and pop culture books.

In addition to her own worlds, she has worked on a number of different properties including Vampire: the Masquerade, Shadowrun, Hunter: the Vigil, Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, and Robert E. Howard’s Conan.

Looking for Monica’s books and games that are still in print? Visit Monica Valentinelli on Amazon’s Author Central or a bookstore near you.

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