Life of Pol

http://intheparlor.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/what-you-believe-about-homosexuality-doesnt-matter/

"The state’s current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason," wrote U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby. "Accordingly, the court finds that these laws are unconstitutional."

Yes! It's finally here!

It's gotten cold in Austin, yet again this year! It's only December, and we've had two really cold blasts!  But don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, not by a long shot.  I absolutely love it!  Perhaps it's because I've been in Austin for so long, and the cold weather usually doesn't hit us until January or February, I cherish every moment the temps are below 60. As most of you know, Steve and I will be moving to Colorado after I retire from my day job (just over 13 months, and counting).  People ask us why we would want to move to a place that gets so cold and where it snows so much.  We tell them that we WANT the cold. And it's supposed to snow in the winter. We are tired of having it be 70 or 80 degrees on Christmas Day.  When it gets cold here, the way it had the past few weeks, I consider it training. And I won't (WE won't) be fully happy until we can look outside and watch the snow fall on Christmas Day, with a roaring fire in the fi...

Not since Heath Ledger have I felt like this: heartbroken over a celebrity's death. I woke up this morning and discovered that Paul Walker had been killed in a car accident yesterday. What a loss. I've loved Paul Walker for a long time.  Set aside the ridiculously good looks, his movies are fun.   Joy Ride , Into the Blue, Eight Below , and of course, The Fast and The Furious .  We even watched him catch great white sharks on the National Geographic Channel. It seems we don't have many "legendary" movie stars of our time.  Not like there used to be.  Too many are leaving us too soon. Paul Walker 1973-2013

I guess I try to always be thankful.  But this year, I feel especially so. On the eve of Thanksgiving, my mind is racing with so many things I'm thankful for. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. I'm thankful for the last twenty-two years he shared with me. I'm thankful we have such a great dog in Buster. I'm thankful for the fact that I have just over a year left at my day job until I retire, we move to Colorado, and I will be a full-time writer. But while we're still here in Austin . . . I'm so thankful for our house.  On some level we wish we didn't love this house as much as we do, since we won't be here long, it would make it easier when we have to leave. And I'm thankful that Steve and I have great neighbors around our house. I'm thankful for my health and Steve's and Buster's and so many others.  That may sound cliche' but, I've registered death records for the city of Austin for the past twenty-f...

Pol's Life: Luthor Review : Luthor never seems to disappoint.  Another great review: Five stars!-Sinister, yet touching story- "Characters so vile, it'...

Luthor never seems to disappoint.  Another great review: Five stars!-Sinister, yet touching story- "Characters so vile, it's hard to describe . . . abuse so tragic, it's heartbreaking.  The story draws you in with a yo-yo of hope with every turn of the page, and McShane delivers!  A few characters are both victim and villain in this story.  It's dark, taboo, and extremely well written.  Read this book!" Buy here

I've always had a thing for sunrises and sunsets. The colors and the displays are incredible. It's amazing what nature can do, and it's always different.  But I think, if I had to choose between them which I liked better, it would have to be sunrises.  Sunrises are symbolic to me as the start of something new. A new day, new adventures, new challenges. It's a new beginning.  Perhaps that's the way life is, there are sunsets and sunrises, the endings and beginnings of happy and sad events.  I strive everyday to make my life full of sunrises. 

It's been 41 years today since I lost my mother. I was young, yes, but I remember that night like it was only hours ago.  It's difficult losing your parents.  It's a crappy club to be a part of, but one many join.  I hope my mother watches over me, and looks upon me with pride.  31 years. I still miss you like yesterday. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love Serpenteens!  While the second installment, "The Nests of Good and Evil," is being edited, I've already completed the outline and most of the research for the third installment.  Two days ago, I began writing.  I had decided to go from the completion of book two right into book three instead of working on any other projects, and I'm so glad I did.   I couldn't wait to get to work and rejoin the demigods I've fallen in love with. While the title of book three won't be revealed for a while, I can say that it will be the darkest and most trying of the series thus far.   It seems that January 6th can't come soon enough for the release of book two, and I'm anxious to see and hear what people have to say about it.  I'm also so hopeful that the series will grow with each new release.  So if you haven't yet had a chance to read the first installment of the Serpenteens saga, "Nature'...

I know, and knew going in, that part of the struggle I would have with the success of the Serpenteens series, is the large number of people who have an aversion to snakes.  That's okay, I understand.  I have the same fear of spiders (If I see one in my house, my respect for all living creatures flies out the window). But, aside from the snakes in the Serpenteens series being demigod teenagers who are trying to save humanity and are not in the same class, snakes shouldn't really be feared.  In fact, they get an undeserved bad rap. Most people who fear snakes, fear them because of the fact that they have no legs, and need to maneuver around by slinking and sliding along the ground or other surfaces.  That serpentine motion immediately sets some people off. But, have you ever taken time to think about the fact that snakes are very beneficial to the environment? Without them, we would be overrun by rodents and insects.  One rodent-eating snake can decimate ...

I've been working furiously on the second installment of the Serpenteens series, The Nests of Good and Evil , and I have to say, I'm so happy with it! Of course the follow-up book is always a bit stressful because there's that expectation to live up to.  But I think fans will be very pleased.   It's way too early to say much more about the book now, but in the coming months, I'll start giving away little hints here and there of what our favorite demigods have been up to. Until then, keep taking care of our planet, and keep reading!  And if you haven't read the 1st installment, Nature's Forces , there's still time!  Click here for Book One And don't forget to Like the Serpenteens Facebook page for cool nature pictures, environmental tips, and all the latest book info! Serpenteens FB

As the ups and downs of writing go, I'll have to try exceptionally hard to remember the times when I feel as if I'm riding on a high because things are going so well. This is most definitely one of those times.  "Squish-Squash" has been doing very well since its release, and I only expect it to continue as word gets out. That alone makes me as giddy as a school girl.  I've also just spent a fantastic weekend working on the second Serpenteens installment, and I have to say that I love it! I'm so excited for its release in January. I want to thank each and every one of you who have been making my dreams come true. I will not forget it.

Here's an interview I did for Horror Novel Review Magazine: http://horrornovelreviews.com/2013/09/10/interview-john-wisniewski-and-author-pol-mcshane-discuss-luthor-critics-and-early-publishing/

Every year, when this day comes along, there's that little bit of heart ache I feel throughout the day. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that the horrific events that occurred on 9/11 left a black mark on many hearts that will never go away. 

As most of you know, or should know since you love me, my new book Squish-Squash came out a few days ago. We've been very excited to have Squish released to the world.  We've had a tender spot for that hairy beast for years. Yes,  Squish-Squash is another of my books, like Luthor , and Inanimate Objects , that I wrote many years ago.  But as was the way of the writing/publishing world years ago, nothing happened with the book.  The great story would sit untold. In an effort to get someone interested, I tried another avenue:  I taught myself how to write screenplays and turned the book into a screenplay.  I almost got it made, too, but in the end, nope. But there's a time for everything. The story's lead characters are two males.  Two males in a relationship. Yikes!  But they're great guys.  And the story of those great guys was written more than fifteen years ago.  Even in that brief time, the acceptance level of that kind of...

It's finally here! Squish-Squash!  This is another favorite of mine that I actually wrote many years ago.  It's been reworked and finally is now being published and shared with the world. Steve and I have always had a soft spot for this hairy beast.  Here's hoping you do, too. Listen to the swamp . . . http://www.amazon.com/Squish-Squash-ebook/dp/B00EXBWCXA/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378131374&sr=1-5&keywords=pol+mcshane

Tonight there will be a blue moon. Obviously, my mind becomes full of my own book, 'Blue Moon' and the fun it was to write. I remember when I came up with the idea; I was sitting around thinking about nothing in particular, when the thought of werewolves popped into my head. I've always been drawn to werewolves.  I think they are, by far, the coolest and sexiest of the big monsters.  But as I was thinking of them back then, I began to wonder what someone who was cursed would say if they had the chance to apologize to the families of his victims. As I pondered that, I tried to imagine when someone would have the opportunity to do that, and clearly it would have been before he died.  Thinking of how that would work, I came up with the suicide note that Adam Keel writes and the opportunity of escape the blue moon gave him. I had spent years satisfied with  the fact that 'Blue Moon' would be a stand alone book, but years later realized it didn't have to be. I wrote ...

I need to remember this during the tough times. 

There is no way I will view any of the Olympics, since they're being held in Russia where LGBT people are being harmed!

I'm getting excited about the upcoming release of Squish-Squash. It's another one of my favorites that was initially written years ago, and now the world will finally get to experience.  I remember when Steve brought the subject/idea of the creature up.  He was talking about a childhood nightmare he once had that he could never shake.  He couldn't recall exact details, but remembered there was a creature in it that was covered in hair.  With the seed planted, I came up with the backstory and creation of Squish-Squash, and as weird as it is, the wobbly mass of hair has become dear to us.  The book is due out late August! 

For all of those who use iBooks, Luthor is now available on Smashwords, providing a few more formats of the eBook. Have you met Luthor? http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/341210

As a writer, self doubt comes with the territory. I try to fight it as much as I can, but there are times when it seems so much stronger than me.  I am currently in such a battle.  This blog was created to show the ups and downs of being a writer. And if anyone has followed it for the past few years, you have seen the downs get pretty down. I'll admit, the past year has been the best yet, but still, I feel that I struggle harder than others have to. Each new book that comes out I think is going to be the one that will really put me on the map, but later on I feel only slightly further on my journey to success.  When Serpenteens-Nature's Forces came out, I thought it would take off because it was something that no one had ever seen before.  But the word isn't spreading as quickly as I had hoped.  Obviously, I need to understand that I am but one in a sea of thousands, and I simply can't wave my arms to be noticed, I need a flare.  But at times like these I f...

As a writer, there are times when this message is hard to remember, but it is very true. 

I'm so excited about the cover for Squish-Squash.  It turned out great!  And it's only a month until the book comes out!

Five stars! Thrills and Chills "The time has come and the Devil has arrived in Thunder, Texas.  Inanimate Objects is an amazing and exhilarating dark fiction novel written by Pol McShane.  This haunting tale will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to end and will even haunt you while you sleep.  So, if you're looking for a thrilling ride and a new chilling erotic way to be scared, Inanimate Objects will be the gripping novel you are looking for." Buy here!

This has to stop!

I finished Squish-Squash today! It just has to go through three readers and edits rounds, but the big job is done!  Can't wait for the cover to be revealed!

44 years ago today marked a turning point in GLBT history.  We will keep fighting until we are treated equally!

Today will be a historic day in US history. I'm just praying it will be historic in a positive way and not another reason to feel shame for the county in which we live. 

As a writer, I find that there are times why I struggle with self-doubt. I'm sure that this is true of most writers, and there is no real cure on the market for it. It is simply something that happens from time to time. For me, the time usually occurs when I am struggling to finish a book and I feel "stuck." It also happens when I read a really good book and question my talent in comparison to the talent of the author I'm reading. It also happens when I really tired.  But I know that these moments of doubt will be short-lived, and my mind will straighten itself out again eventually.  It's all a part of the profession that I have chosen. No, correction, the profession that chose me.  So I will muddle on, and try my hardest to be patient. I will continue writing, and when the current project is complete, I will look back on these troubled times and realize I was just being over critical.

It's Saturday morning and I sit here on my front porch drinking coffee, preparing to go up and start writing.  But as I sit here, I can't help but send a quick thank you to the Man upstairs for my life. I'm at one of those points where everything is great and the worries of daily living are a million miles away. 

This term is offensive, since its used to describe something when it's bad. Please help spread the word to get people to stop using this phrase. 

  Saving the planet ,  May 23, 2013 By  mike33903 Amazon Verified Purchase ( What's this? ) This review is from:  Serpenteens-Nature's Forces (Kindle Edition) "My review on Serpenteens by Pol Mcshane, I need to say that this book was absolutely essential reading. The characters were vivid and well documented. Information was accurate and stunningly correct. The story of our planet on how related every thing was with the snakes in ancient times how they relate to weather and earth. How strong willed demigodsnakes save the planet from destruction, by over coming evil. It told of a story on how are global warming rested to Carbon and what needs to be done. Pol McShane slams this out of the ball park. Can't wait until part two."

I've been hard at work on a book that is close to my heart (as are all of them, I suppose).  My current work, Squish-Squash, was written a long time ago, and was born from the idea of a nightmare my husband had as a child, and developed into something I had never imagined. I originally wrote it in book form, but never really pushed for publication, for one reason or another.  Then I turned it into a screenplay, then shopped it around in attempts to get it made into a movie. I actually came very close, getting the script through several people at Regent only to be stopped dead at the main man, who decided to pass.   But now, with the revamping of all of my books, in this wonderful new time in my life, where opportunities are presenting themselves around every corner, I am preparing to bring out another of my favorites.  Squish-Squash is a swamp creature, but as you will soon discover, it is so much more than that.           "Muddy waters,...

Saw Star Trek-Into Darkness yesterday. It was great! They have done such a fantastic job with both these movies! The casting, acting, everything! Go see it!

It's just after 4:30 in the morning on Monday. I'm sitting here posting a blog entry as I wait for my coffee to take affect. Steve had to be AT work by five, so he had to get up at four, and, as it goes, I had to get up, too. Most would say, "We'll, you didn't HAVE to get up," but anyone who really knows me knows that, yes, I did.  Aside from being the type of person that, once I'm awake, I'm awake, I feel sympathetic for Steve having to get up so early, so I do, too.  Plus, I get his coffee ready and help him start his day (he is NOT a morning person, he needs the help). But now that I'm up, I have a lot of time before I actually have to leave for my day job (21 months and counting until retirement!), so I'm washing the sheets, updating Facebook and Twitter, and obviously posting here.  One thing I can say for starting the day this early, you sure do get a lot of crap done.

The day seemed bright today, until I heard the news that our beloved Jeanne Cooper has passed away.  She has been a part of our lives as Mrs. Chancellor on The Young & the Restless for many, many years.  I feel as if we've love a member of the family.  RIP you amazing woman. 

You have good days, you have bad ones. Today was one of the bad ones. It started out this morning about 5:45 when I pulled a back muscle working out. Then, once at work, the day just went from bad to worse. It was nothing life altering, just those little annoyances and problems that complicate your day. And there were many today. I received a text from Steve and he said his day was pretty much the same. So, no writing tonight, just going home and Steve and I are gonna have wine until we feel all better!