Amra Pajalic

Does You-Tubing (the act of spending hours in front of your computer searching for clips of interest) count as a legitimate activity?

Does gawking at Tom Welling on You Tube count as legitimate research if I say I’m doing it to keep in touch my young adult self?

Does viewing the infamous Tom Cruise Scientology clip come under the activity of keeping up to date with current affairs?

Does spending all day looking forward to a wicked desert (small Pavlova bases, dollop of cream and blueberries and strawberries) and then eating it in a 60 second rush, only to spend the rest of the night thinking about the desert, make me a greedy guts?

Why am I spending 10 minutes trying to come up with more questions instead of doing 1000′s of other things?

Like revision?

Maybe that’s why?

While I’m undertaking revisions, which I should be doing right now, I’m also trying to get my marketing plan happening. To that end I’ve created a My Space account. The thing with all these newfangled things is I feel like a senior citizen. It takes me ages to figure out new features.

Today I had a successful day. After a week I figured out how to friend people and update my profile colour. I also updated a blog post on My Space, but now I’m trying to do another entry and I can’t figure it out.

I keep flicking between pages, pressing on buttons, feeling so bloody stupid and hoping something will happen. So far-zip.

It doesn’t help that their help pages assume you’ll be able to figure everything out and only has sections in other things. Not a good thing for the technologically-challenged like me.

I love technology and the ease with which we communicate and learn about things, but am really frustrated by all the crap we have to learn and do. While I don’t have to create a My Space account, or a Facebook account, or an Amazon review account, the fact is these are all ways of marketing ourselves.

Yes, it bloody frustrates the crap out of me, but when my novel is published I want to give it every opportunity to shine. Plus I want to feel confident in all these new skills before the eyes of the world are on me after I’m published.

Some other things I’ve been doing:

• Contacted my local paper and had an update featured about my novel being published
• Contacted my old school and will hopefully be a featured speaker at their Back to School day
• Contacted my local council so see if I can get a gander during their literary week
• Am making an effort to blog about books I read and update my reviews on Amazon-although I have to back-track through my blog posts and copy across reviews
• Insert categories on all my old blog posts and take the time to remove any x-rated posts
• Attend author talks to learn from observation
• Contacted Toastmasters, a public speaking club, and will join in February
• Submitted short stories to journals
• Learn about blooming My Space and get some darn friends so I have a network
• Make all my profile pages on different networks match in terms of colour as a way of branding

While these are some of the things that I’m trying to do every day, I still have a huge list of things to do. Still I’m happy with my progress.

I’m also undertaking revisions. Completed Chapter 2 of the novel and today moving on to Chapter 3. It’s slow going because I’m re-writing the first part. Hopefully there will be sections that won’t need as much work as I go on. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Update-I figured it out. I customised my page using white font and the commands dissapeared. Still have to do some tweaking but I’m sorted.

Somehow I always thought that by the time I turned 30 I’d outgrow that whole infatuation stage. Seems I was wrong. I still get my regular crushes on the latest hottie.

On my current hitlist:
Alex O’Loughlin

Last seen in the tv show Moonlight. I lurve Wednesdays nights. If you’re in Australia tune into channel 9 at 9.30 and make sure you have a glass of water cause you’ll be drooling.

This show has got everything I love. Vampires, a love story and a sense of humour. Loving it. Don’t believe me. Take a peek.

Good thing I have such an understanding husband. Although he has his own guilty pleasure. Sophia Myles who plays Beth. It’s all about equality baby.

By the way did I mention he’s Aussie. Yeah, baby, yeah.

I love the Victorian period. It was a time of great invention and creativity. I’ve always loved stories about the paranormal so I was sold on this book when I read the blurb.

If you’re interested in spirits and mediums this is a must read. Well written and researched Blum looks at the history of the Society of Psychical Research and its key membership. Through their personal stories and obsessions there are many questions raised.

Blum is an author who knows her subject matter and has delved deep into the Victorian period. Scientists interested in proving the possibility of life after death embarked in investigating the phenomena of mediums. The book charts the controversy and conflict caused between scientists interested in the phenomena and those that didn’t believe that this type of research was valid.

While there were many fake mediums during the Victorian period, there were some that could not disproved. The scientists researching mediums faced a quandary, at what point was there irrefutable proof as to life after death? And how could life after death be proven when the phenomena of mediums was so unreliable? Tests could not be replicated even with mediums who had proven to be accurate.

The scientists undertaking this research developed many thesis that make for fascinating reading and provide food for thought. The book focuses on the medium Leonora Piper and her work with the Society of Psychical research. There were two things that I found most fascinating about this book.

When Fred Myers, a scientist with the SPR, passed over he made contact through Leonora Piper. During a seance when he was questioned about life after death he presented answers that tied in with Christianity thought of God. SPR concluded that the medium mediates the message. That is whatever messages are sent by a spirit are interpreted by the mediums’ thought processes and experiences.

This seems to illustrate why mediums can sometimes be accurate and other times so completely wrong. If the medium does not have knowledge of a particular subject matter or their brain works in a different way to that of the spirit, it’s difficult for the message to be sent accurately.

The second was an experiment conducted by Margaret Verrall a friend of Fred Myers. Verrall decided to prove if there was life after death by communicating with Myers. She decided on automatic writing, the phenomena of holding a pen and having a spirit take over and write messages. Over three months she set aside at least an hour every day and waited. After three months of waiting she started writing about other matters.

On the other side of the world the SPR had contacted Myers through the medium Leonora Piper. On the days that there were messages from Fred, Verrall wrote messages that replicated the conversations Myers had with Piper.

This makes me wonder if anyone could contact with spirits if they put the time into it. Do we all have the ability to get in touch with the paranormal? Or is it that the spirits are so eager to make contact that they are clamouring for anyone to speak to?

While I still don’t know if I believe in life after death, I do believe that there are many mysteries in the world that we are ignorant about. That there is a world we can see and perhaps a world we cannot. Ghost Hunters is a fascinating read and one that will turn your ideas about life and death on its head.

I read 78 books in total. I’ve allocated each book to one genre so I can do an overview of my reading habits. You can see how I categorised each by my complex coding system.

I don’t think I will read this many books again. Last year I didn’t write much writing and was just seeing out the year. In 2006 I read 52 books, so I’m by 26 books this year. My resolution next year will be to blog more about my reading. I’m usually too quick to reach for the next book to take the time to blog. View my full list of books read in 2007 and some notes on my favourite reads.

Popular Fiction (PF)=8 books
Young Adult (YA)=27
Literary Fiction (LF)=9
Mystery (M)=22
Memoir (ME)=2
Romance (R)=1
Paranormal (P)=7
Short Story (SS)=1
Non-fiction (NF)=1

The Calling, The Visitor by Jane R. Goodal (M X 2)
Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard (R)

Dead Witch Walking; The Good, The Bad and the Undead; Every Which Way but Dead, A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison (P X 4)
I love vampire stories and I’m a new-found Harrison fan. Good vampire stories are hard to find. Most of them have been done, Harrison has found a way to re-energise the genre. I love the kick-arse heroine and the tongue-in-cheek book titles. I’m a fan for life.

Until It’s Over by Nicci French (M)
One of my two absolute favourite mystery writers. French does not disappoint.

The Chameleon’s Shadow by Minette Walters (M)
My second favourite mystery writer. If I can write mysteries with half the sophistication and flair Walters does I’ll be a happy chiky dee.

Entombed by Linda Fairstein (M)

Borrowed Light by Anna Fienberg (YA)
A fabulous YA novel that deals with the difficult topic of teen pregnancy with poignancy and heart. Delivers a message, but in a beautiful light-weight way.

Dead Lovely by Helen Fitzgerald (M)
Fitzgerald is another author I’ve discovered and will be avidly tracking future installments. Piss your pants funny book that packs so many great elements.

The Messenger by Marcus Zusak (YA)
My agent recommended this book to me and it was amazing. It has a true twist that will keep this book in my mind for life.

A swift pure cry by Siobhan Dowd (YA)
I was extremely sad to track Dowd’s website and find that she had passed away from cancer. Her book was beautiful and the world has lost a true talent. Her legacy in A Swift Pure Cry is one that will live on.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin (YA)
A great young adult hook with a high concept premise. Funny and heartfelt at the same time. Having said that I’m getting a bit cheesed off with the whole diary ploy. Why can’t a book just be written in first person?

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich (M)

Skinny by Ibi Kaslik (YA)
Has been compared to Sylvia Plath’s Belljar, a book I read years ago and have been meaning to re-read. Skinny is a tough book to read because of the subject matter.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult (PF)
My chant for 2007 is Jodi Picoult is the devil. I don’t always like her characters, I don’t always like her books, but I can’t put them down. It’s like rubber-necking at a car accident. You don’t want to look, but you can’t look away. This book however was surpassed only My Sister’s Keeper, while some of her other books were too sensationalist for my liking.

The Rage of Sheep by Michelle Cooper (YA)
An Aussie YA author. Liked the story as it wasn’t your typical protagonist, but think the book could have been stronger if it was in a contemporary setting. This is the book that has influenced my novel the most as it made me see how popular fiction references really date a book.

The Janna Mysteries-Rosemary for Remembrance, Rue for Repentance by Felicity Pulman (YA X 3)
Pulman pulled me in despite myself. The love triangle, my favourite plot device, sucked me in yet again.

Undine by Penni Russo (YA)

The Starfish Sisters by J.C. Burke (YA)
The Story of Tom Brennan by J.C. Burke (YA)
Love J.C. Burke and will read everything she publishes from now on. She combines stories with heart, humour and pacing.

Rommulus, My Father by Raimond Gaita (ME)
A beautiful memoir.

The Red Cardigan by J.C Burke (YA)

Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones (YA)
This is another top read for me. There are images that have lingered and I can recall them every time I think of this book.

Unpolished Gem by Alice Pung (ME)
Another memoir I loved about a Asian-Australian girl and the culture clash of living between the two.

Gravity by Scot Gardner (YA)

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (P)
Stephenie Meyer is a must read. She combines young adult paranormal in a gothic vampire romance. As you can guess I love vampires, she does them well. I’m in love with Jacob and am barracking for him to win out in the love triangle. Can’t wait for the next book to see what happens. The new vampire tv show Moonlight is apparently based on these books and is also a must watch.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (LF)
Great read. Will be reading the second novel.

Black Water by David Metzenthen (YA)
World War I in Australia. Two topics that get me excited.

Notes from the Teenage Underground by Simmone Howell (YA)
I met Simmone Howell at the Victorian Premier’s Awards. She won in her category with this book and it was a just win.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (P)

The Beckoners, Charmed by Carrie Mac (YA X 2)
The Beckones was a really dark real life peek into the world of young adults. There were scenes that were so painful and realistic I had awful flash-backs to my youth. The book deals with the way young people gang up on each other and how bullying develops.

Peepshow, Rubdown by Leigh Redhead (M X 2)
An Australian crime writer I’d wanted to read for a long time. While formulaic the novels are interesting and attention grabbing. Set in the world of exotic dancers it has just the right amount of smut and humour to make it work.

Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline (M)
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (LF)
Second Glance by Jodi Picoult (PF)
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult (PF)
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult (PF)
Touchy Subjects-stories by Emma Donoghue (SS)
The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (M)

The Secret River by Kate Grenville (LF)
Must read for all Australians. Based on Grenville’s ancestors stories this book presents how the British assimilated to Australia and their relationship with the Aborigine population already on the continent.

A sight for sore eyes by Ruth Rendell (M)
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen (M)
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edward (LF)
Vegetable Gardening (NF)
Mr Starlight by Laurie Graham (PF)

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris (P)
Another vampire book. Light, fluffy and so funny. Sookie rules.

Dark Horse by Tami Hoag (M)
Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult (PF)

Baby Shark’s Beaumont Blues by Robert Fate (M)
Baby Shark by Robert Fate (re-read) (M)
A cowboy shoot ‘em up with a female protagonist set in the 1950s. A combo to get my heart going.

Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Second Summer of the Sisterhood, and The Third Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares (YA X 3)
Enjoyed the series and the relationship between the sisterhood. Don’t understand the need for the magical pants, but that’s just me.

A day late and a dollar short by Terry McMillan (LF)
Queen Kat, Carmel and St Jude Get a Life by Maureen McCarthy (YA)
One of my favourite Australian young adult authors and this is her masterpiece.

Of Blessed Memory by Erica Jong (LF)
The Murder Exchange by Simon Kernick (M)
The Girls by Lori Lansens (LF)
A Rose by any Other name by Maureen McCarthy (YA)

The Infernal Optimist by Linda Jaivin (LF)
Tongue-in-cheek lampooning of Australia’s immigration policy. Scoring political points with humour. A fabulous read.

Suspicious Circumstances by Sandra Ruttan (M)
A great debut by Ruttan and I’m looking forward to following up her second book.

Promise me by Harlan Coben (M)
Chain of Hearts by Maureen McCarthy (YA)

A good day to die by Simon Kernick (M)
A recommendation by Ms Ruttan and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Cleaner by Brett Battles (M)
A Bosnian connection is how I found this author and it was a thrilling spy read.

On the Road to Jellico by Melina Marchetta (YA)
My second favourite young adult author. Have read everything she wrote and loved Jellico because of the shift in her writing and the complexity it deals with.

Tatiana and Alexander by Paullina Simons (PF)
Cross my Heart by Maureen McCarthy (YA)
Baby Shark by Robert Fate (M)
Dead Europe by Christos Tsolkis (LF)

Falling by Anne Provoost (YA)
A haunting read examining the effect of World War II on the following generations in Germany.

The Girl in Times Square by Paullina Simons (PF)