Okay, so I think it’s rather chilly down below: I am actually looking forward to writing a synopsis.

I’ve had a writing crisis lately, which has made me question just why I persevere. This, in Megan-speak, is almost every day, but this writing crisis has been unusually strong, so it should actually be titled the Writing Crisis, with capitalization and everything.

But I tried to slog through it, and scheduled a writing date with my friend Liz Maverick, who proceeded to talk out the crisis with me. We decided it was foolish to leave work unwritten, and I have over 100 pages of a contemporary that I should finish. But to finish it, I needed to write the synopsis. So I did.

Meanwhile, in the throes of procrastination, I glanced at the first few pages of a paranormal I started. And now that I’ve finished the first synopsis (I did! I finished it!), I am going to write the synopsis for the paranormal, so I don’t just meander. And I am looking forward to it.

Hence my devil needs warming up comment above.

So my question to you today is–what awful task have you actually found yourself enjoying, or even looking forward to? What’s the longest you’ve procrastinated?

Megan

PS: (Yawn, Megan): Richard Armitage is the inspiration for the ‘hero’ in the paranormal.

Yes, I am a week late with this. Mea culpa; too much celebrating on New Year’s Eve.

As I pondered my faves from last year, I realized that there weren’t very many Regency-set historicals on the list. I have been reading a lot more paranormal, urban fantasy, mystery and straight-up fantasy than historical lately. I think that’s because historicals move more slowly than those other books, and I’ve read so many of those in my lifetime that I am in the mood for something different, and faster-paced.

Thanks to the avidbookreader, I was introduced to mystery authors Ken Bruen and Jo Nesbo. Bruen writes Irish noir–his Jack Taylor series features a frequently unlikeable private detective (of sorts) who battles many issues and solves some crimes along the way. Nesbo’s Harry Hole series is about a recovering alcoholic who serves on the police force. Both of the series’ books solve a crime particular to the book as well as continue a much larger story arc that will presumably get solved at the end of the series.

Thanks to Carolyn (yay for word-of-mouth recommendations), I started reading Brent Weeks‘ Shadow trilogy. Whoa. These books are so incredibly written and plotted it’s amazing. There are twists and turns you wouldn’t normally expect in this kind of densely-plotted world-building series. I am saving the last book in the trilogy for when I really need it, and am psyched to read his new series, coming out in 2010.

In historical, I continue to devour Elizabeth Hoyt‘s books, although I haven’t caught up to her latest release yet (I have it in the TBR pile). I like how she makes her characters so immediate and real without anachronism.

I read the first of Ilona Andrews‘ Edge series, which is urban fantasy that’s set in a rural setting. Rural fantasy? Anyway, this has got it all: Drama, humor, magic, a totally foxy hero, a kick-ass but humble heroine and real-life problems. I also continued reading her Magic series, and there are more of those coming in 2010 also.

This year, I read Tessa Dare‘s Goddess of the Hunt, which was deliciously satisfying; the story is intriguing, but it’s the characters and the zesty writing that really tickled my fancy.

I read the first in Jim Butcher’s Calderon series, which is up to about six installments thus far. I can’t wait until my son is old enough to read this, too, it’s got all kinds of swashbuckling adventure and in-depth characters who have passion.

Patricia Briggs‘ Mercy Thompson series had its best installment thus far, at least in my opinion, with Bone Crossed. Mercy is becoming a richer, more layered character with each successive book.

And speaking of rich and layered, Julia Spencer-Fleming‘s Millers Kill series continues to astound me. Yes, it’s a mystery series, but it’s also a helluva great love story.

(As I think about it, I realize I have many historicals on the TBR pile. Whew. For a minute I was worried I was losing my passion, but no, I’m just delving into new genres).

Thanks, as always, to people who mention how much they love certain books; I’m finding, more and more, that word-of-mouth is how I discover things, and it means so much more when it comes from someone you trust.

Hope your 2010 reading is awesome! If you care to share, what are you looking forward to most this year?

Happy New Year! Hope your 2010 is a good one.

I am such a sap, I always make resolutions, and usually endeavor to keep them in mind throughout the year. I won’t reveal all of mine here (really, do you need to hear about my determination to keep the dishwasher clean?), but some of my resolutions include:

1. Write more, complain less.
2. Stay positive about writing.
3. Write at least every other day.
4. Finish, or at least start, that $@*@$# synopsis.
5. Did I mention less complaining? Yeah. And whining. Less whining, too.

That’s it for now–my husband took the whole week off, so we’re all lounging around in comfy pants and watching movies today. How is your New Year so far? Any resolutions you want to share?

Megan

Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday!