Robin DeJarnett

August 15, 2011 · 8:52 AM

Predicting the Future

Many a book and film has predicted the future with varying levels of success. 1984 is the first title that comes to my mind, but there’s many, many more. And with the popularity of apocalyptic and dystopian stories, I kind of hope they DON’T get it right!

Occasionally someone does get pretty close to the bull’s eye. This time, it was, of all people, the marketing department at AT&T. Maybe you saw these ads back in the 90’s?
(Thank you to Peter Kafka at All Things D for highlighting this blast from the past.)

Do you see yourself in any of those commercials? I know I was stunned by how accurate they were. Unfortunately for AT&T, the one thing that was really off was the “Who’s going to bring it to you?” line. Okay, maybe the A was a little right (Apple, Amazon…?).

Technology is changing so fast, it’s hard to predict what will be around next month, let alone the next decade (see my post on that here). We now have 3D movies, phones that do everything, and cars that just about drive themselves. I’d love for the guys at AT&T to put out a new commercial showing us how we’ll be living in the 2020’s. Just so long as it doesn’t look like this:

Image by flexgraph via Flickr

Meet an Author Monday

Check out what other authors are chatting about today. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, there’s a lot of great stories out there! Hosted today by Carol Oates.

Click here for the Author hop

3 Comments

Filed under Reading

Tagged as AT&T, Peter Kafka, predicting the future, prediction, reading, The Fifth Element, writing

August 12, 2011 · 8:57 AM

Photo Friday: The Forest for the Trees

Joshua Tree National Park

This is one of the most unusual forests I’ve ever visited. Though named “trees” the Joshua tree is more like a cactus. It’s related to the agave, but I don’t think you can get tequila from this bizarre plant.

What’s even more crazy is that this area, the Mojave Desert, is only about a hundred miles from the beaches where Baywatch was filmed (you remember Baywatch, right?). From endless water to arid desert on one short drive.

I could talk about how this picture inspires my writing, or symbolizes the “dry” times when creativity hides. But I’d rather hear from you! What does this photo stir in you? Writing ideas? Travel ideas? Thirst?

Happy Friday!

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Filed under Photo Friday

Tagged as Baywatch, Joshua Tree National Park, Photo Friday, writing inspiration

August 8, 2011 · 8:17 AM

Summer’s Over?

August in the DeJarnett household means the end of summer – at least for most of us. Band camp started, which is like a full-time job for my daughter, and runs right up to the beginning of high school. As a band mom, I’ve already finished my first project (I do flyers, tickets, and other various paper-related activities for the band), so my summer is over too. My dear husband always works full-time, so no change there. Only my son has a couple more weeks of homework freedom.

But, as a parent, I have to admit, I’m looking forward to the routine of school again. Yes, I’ll miss sleeping in. But I need routine too, and am looking forward to a regular writing schedule. With one rough draft in the works and designs on a couple more, I need to get into a rhythm of writing every day. And blogging more regularly… 🙂

So, while I’m sorry to see the freedom and adventure of summer go, I’m looking forward to the stability of fall.

Remind me I said that when I’m tearing my hair out driving to lessons and band practice, though, okay?

New Facebook Pages

With the release of Concessions as part of the Summer Lovin’ Anthology: Heat Wave, I’ve set up separate pages for my different stories. Check them out – I hope you LIKE them!

Robin DeJarnett Fan page: The place for announcements about appearances, writing, future releases and general discussion. My author page.

Whirlwind by Robin DeJarnett: Everything Whirlwind. Photos, links to sites in the book, Jason and Melissa fun. Liking this page will add Whirlwind under “Books” on your profile.

Concessions by Robin DeJarnett: Currently available in the Summer Lovin’ Anthology:Heat Wave in support of Save the Ta-tas. I’ll be posting an excerpt from this spicy, paranormal short story soon, so click LIKE and get a sneak peak.

Meet an Author Monday

Check out what other authors are chatting about today. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, there’s a lot of great stories out there! Hosted today by Killian McRae.

Click here for the Author hop

1 Comment

Filed under Writing Craft

Tagged as Anthology, Facebook, short story

August 5, 2011 · 7:34 AM

Photo Friday: Chipping Away

This is the Marjerie Glacier, located in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. The face is about 250′ high (over 75m), and is constantly crumbling away as the river of ice pushes down from the ice field above. It’s breathtaking.

And intimidating. Like writing can be.

I’ve been working on the sequel to my first book, and some days, it feels like the screen in front of me is this advancing wall – and all I have is an ice pick. I know the story I want to write, but knowing it and getting it down are two different things. And the wall pushes toward me with other distractions. Email, Twitter, Facebook, and my blog all have legitimate claims on my time, but they also try and hijack it all. As soon as I chip away one, another pushes toward me with more.

It sounds depressing, but on the other hand, I have help. My critique partner may use a whip, rather than a jack hammer, but having someone to force me to focus on writing, and specific issues in my story is invaluable. Today I’m meeting up with another writer for a writing blitz – a no-talking, no-texting, no-internet get together to just write. Oh, did I mention no kids?

Image via Wikipedia

So I continue to chip away. And if things go well today, the only ice I’ll face will be in a margarita!

Happy Friday!

Prayers for a Hero

Our soldiers face danger every day (Image via Wikipedia)

Derek McConnell comes from a family of patriots, and made plans early on to enlist in the army. He didn’t balk when he was told he was shipping out to Afghanistan, and he, like all the volunteers in the US military, made the sacrifice to leave his family and fight for his country.

Unfortunately, last week Derek stepped on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and suffered life-altering injuries. While the specifics of Derek’s injuries aren’t public, I think “life-altering” says enough. Derek’s bravery will continue to be tested as he fights to recover.

Personally, I thank God for those who are strong enough to put their lives on the line for their country. I know I’m not. But I also take those brave soldiers for granted. I know several veterans who’ve served in Afghanistan and Iraq and who came home healthy and strong. It’s easy to forget how great the danger we’re asking these young men and women to face is. And yet, people like Derek continue to sign up to fight and protect me every day.

Please send your thoughts and prayers to Derek–and his family–and all the servicemen in harm’s way. You can find out more about Derek’s new fight to get home and recover on a facebook page set up for him: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayers-for-Derek-McConnell/245091072182846

Thank you, Derek, for your patriotism and bravery. Get well soon!