Happy Holidays!!

Here's to a Happy Holiday season from me to you and yours!!!

Am I Interesting?

(I'm busy, recovering from being sickly and now have a sick child. Tis the season!!)

Am I interesting?

Highlight everything that you have done:

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children -- in progress
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery -- I consider any surgery major
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states (LOL, only because I haven't visited any U.S. states)
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

Monday Meme

I agree I'm feeling very sloth-like right now. And that this meme makes me want to read Robin Wasserman's YA books (even moreso than I already do).

Your Deadly Sins

Sloth: 60%

Envy: 20%

Greed: 20%

Gluttony: 0%

Lust: 0%

Pride: 0%

Wrath: 0%

Chance You'll Go to Hell: 14%

You will die with your hand down your underwear, watching Star Trek.

How Sinful Are You?

Monday Meme

Aw..I'm glue!

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Oridnary, comforting, and more than a little predictable You're the glue that holds everyone together.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Monday Meme

Too many hats...head exploding...brrr

I'm busy, y'all! But I wanted to toss out this little quiz to start your week off with a laugh.

Who's Your Ideal Disney Guy?

The Beast
Take this quiz!








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Thursday Thrill

Since I was apparently high on paint fumes last Thursday (from painting my house -- remind me to hire someone next time), I'm going to post my Thursday Thrill. Truth be told, Wentworth Miller is pretty enough to be the Thursday Thrill for a whole month of Thursdays but I'm focusing my attention this season on Dom Purcell, who plays Lincoln Burrows to Wentworth's Michael Scofield in Prison Break.



I first notice Dom when he was the star of "John Doe," the Fox tv show about a man who wakes up naked and doesn't remember who he is but knows crazy facts. I like him better as Linc the Sink. I also like that he can't be bothered to button his shirt up all the way.

Over at Out of the Blogosphere....

...there's a PAR-TAY going on!!!

Check it out - Out of the Blogosphere!!!

Thursday Thrill

He ain't called "Pretty" for nothing --




I wasn't too obsessed with Prison Break when the first season initially premiered. It was that darn FX marathon that drove me over the edge!! Spending an entire Sunday afternoon watching Michael, Linc, Dr. Sara, Veronica, Sucre, T-Bag...well, I had to keep watching.

The second season hasn't disappointed me but it's been quite the change since the guys aren't in prison any longer. The whole dynamic of the show is different, in my opinion, and Michael's flaws, which were only seen in glimpses while behind bars, are now being shown in bright, vivid color. It's an interesting mix, and I love the twists and turns.

And looking at Wentworth Miller isn't too shabby of a way to spend an hour....

Shell Shocked

Let me just preface this by saying moving is a terrible, awful thing. Seriously.

We last moved 6 years ago. We were newlyweds, fresh out of college, with little to no real, substantial furniture. We've acquired several more things since then. Like a toddler and a mother-in-law with lots of books.

Slowly but surely, the new house is coming together. It's the little things that remain out of sync. Like the drawer full of pictures I dumped onto the floor last week because they really don't need to be in the nightstand any longer. They've been in this drawer for at least 4 years, if anyone cares. Or the closet shelf that fell last night, causing both the cat and I to almost jump off the bed.

There are some little things I itching to complete (and by "complete" I mean buy and make someone else install): draperies for the dining room, blinds for the master bath and living room, foo-foo wallpaper for the tee-tiny powder room downstairs.

I suppose this can translate to writing life as well. Like the limbo you feel when you've completed one project and want to start another. Or the overwhelming rush of relief to have made a deadline.

Through this move, I've made one thing clear. No matter what, I ain't moving again.

Thursday Thrill

Because I think I need a place to showcase my television obsession pop culture appreciation, I'm going to give you all a Thursday Thrill.

I happened to be home yesterday afternoon at 3 pm. You may not know this about me but I love soap operas, particularly General Hospital. I'm a GH watcher from way back (1993!). Thanks to the internet I've read the entire history of the show. One of the characters I love is Jason Morgan, played by Steve Burton.





I've actually liked Steve since he played the boyfriend on a little sci-fi sitcom I watched on Saturday afternoons called "Out of this World" and Eve's boyfriend Harris on Days of Our Lives. The thing I love about his character on GH is his storyline. Jason Morgan is a bit of a thug. He's involved with the mob and is a man who sees life in either black or white with no shades of gray. Before he was Jason Morgan, however, he was Jason Quartermaine, medical student and the shining light of the Quartermaine family. Jason suffered a critical brain injury while a passenger in a car driven by his alcoholic brother, AJ. Forsaking his birth family because he had no recollection of them, he turned to the only life a man with no conscience can have -- contracted killer.

Along the way, Jason has been involved in some serious mob activities, as well as with some very attractive women. I'm not sure who I want to see Jason end up with. For now, I'm just enjoying looking at him.

Reviews -- To Read or Not To Read?

Over at the Romance Divas forums, we're discussing book reviews. Initially, it started out as a bit of a rant by a book reviewer questioning honesty in book reviews.

Personally, I don't read reviews. Romantic Times TopPick! reviews make me take a bit of notice about such-and-such book but I have my favorite, must-buy authors that I'm going to buy until they write something I just can't stand. Even then, I'll probably give them one more chance to redeem themselves because everyone can have an 'off' book.

I suppose I should mention that at Romance Divas, we're primarily talking about e-published books (I think). Having said that, I'd like to throw out my opinions about reviews. Feel free to agree or disagree!

I believe reviews should be about the story. When I read reviews (again, it's rare), I want to know what the reviewer thought about the story and the plot. I don't care if you were rejected by the author's publisher or the author's agent or if your grandmother is the author's editor. I want to know what you -- the reviewer -- thought about the book.

Should personal feelings enter into a review? Should typos and comma usage and other gramatical problems dictate your thoughts on the story? How honest is too honest? Can reviewers cross boundaries and lines that shouldn't be crossed?

A bit of a disclaimer: At The Book Geek, I'm trying to keep up with the books I've read this year so I'm writing a bit about them. (I'm in the upper 30s with my progress even though The Book Geek has 15 or so actual entries about books.) There are at least 3 books I didn't finish and a couple of books that I asked myself "What just happened in that book?" after I hit 'The End.' Even if I don't like a book, I certainly try not to bash it. Then again, I bought it (or checked it out from the library) and am getting nothing in return or in exchange for my opinion. No one is waiting in breathless anticipation of my little thoughts.

Back to packing now....

From The Book Geek

I know I'm coming up on the final moments of this, but Banned Books Week is something I find interesting, to say the least. In my life, I don't recall ever having a book banned that I was assigned to read. I know there are controversial books out there (Harry Potter immediately comes to mind) but now that I'm a parent, I can say with quite a bit of certainty that if I don't want my child to read something, he won't be reading it. Now, I know kids sneak (my mother encouraged me to read John Jakes' North and South trilogy but she wouldn't let me watch the miniseries on tv -- I think I snuck in a couple of views on the old black and white I had in my room). And if there's ever a time my child wants to read a book I'm not too keen on, I hope I'm open-minded enough to at least discuss it with him. Right now, his reading world consists of the Sesame Street books I buy from my favorite used bookstore and his Imagination Library books (thank you, Dolly Parton!)

I'd love to bold the books I've read from the ALA list but that's a long post. Check out The Book Geek. I'll post it over there.....

Moving On Up

I'm going to share a bit of good news -- we bought a house. The bad news in this scenerio is that we have to move.

We've lived in our current home for 6 years. It has been a great first house. We bought it right after we married and I graduated from college. Needless to say, we didn't have a lot of furniture. We had college furniture. You know what I mean -- a futon, a recliner, a flea market table. These weren't real items of furniture. These were pieces we'd picked up along our 3 previous moves.

Since we've been living in our current house, we've acquired a lot of furniture. We've made the transition over these 6 years from college students to newlyweds, from newlyweds to old marrieds, from singletons to parents. And do you know how much stuff a toddler needs? Man, we've got toys coming out of every corner, and he would still rather play with pots and pans, boxes, or toothbrushes (don't ask).

I think he'll survive the transition well because there's a swingset in the backyard. If there's one thing our boy loves to do, it's swing (aka 'wing'). As for me, my mother-in-law and I will be spending this Friday painting and the weekend packing/moving what we can before the movers arrive next Thursday. Wish me luck!!

Fall is Here!

I'm not certain about the rest of the country, but in East Tennessee, fall is definitely here. Last week, we were experiencing temperatures in the 80s. Today, I think we'll be lucky if we hit 70.

It's hard for me to say if Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors of fall, and wearing scarves and gloves and my cute little black hat. And corduroy -- how could I forget my love of corduroy! What I don't love is raking the leaves, or freezing in the mornings and sweltering in the afternoons.

I'll give you an example of what I mean. Many of my fondest memories of fall happened the first year I was a member of the University of Tennesse "Pride of the Southland" Marching Band. (I spun a flag, thank you very much, and wore my sequins well!) We had practices in the mornings and afternoons on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The guard was usually there before everyone (well, except maybe the majorettes), and we'd all be in gloves and fleece and scarves and leggings (6 am came e-a-r-l-y). By the end of practice, you'd be down to your t-shirt and leggings. In the afternoon, however, it was all sports bras and shorts. I learned to dress in specific layers. I also became pretty good at shedding those layers while still marching and spinning my flag.

So it's time to dig out my clunky boots and corduroy (!!!) in preparation for another beautiful fall!

Finally Friday!

Wahoo!!! I love Fridays.

I'm having some family in town this weekend, as well as some editing projects I absolutely must finish. Plus house cleaning, laundry, watching Sesame Street and Playhouse Disney with my toddler....it makes the weekend practically disappear!!

I hope everyone has a good weekend, whatever you might be doing!

Authors Behaving Badly.....

It's a subject that crops up around the blogs I read every now and then, most notably after a conference or an event (i. e. selling ARCs on eBay) which slams into the publishing world head-on. Usually, authors who "behave badly" are labeled as such for speaking their mind(s), defending their opinions, or the like.

But what about authors who behave badly...during the editing phase?

I've been fortunate enough to be e-published 3 times. Wait, let me back up. When I write something, I struggle with it. When I submit it, I want whatever I wrote to be the best it can possible be. That's probably why I don't write drafts upon drafts upon drafts. I would also like to think that I'm open-minded enough to take constructive criticism. I always listen to what my editors have suggested; whether I take that suggestion is another post for another time.

As an editor, I like to think of my edits as suggestions or guidelines (insert Geoffrey Rush Pirates of the Caribbean quote now). I'm always willing to talk or discuss anything that I've commented on or taken away. I didn't write it; it's not my baby. But, I'm trying to do my dead-level best to make sure everything is as near perfect as it can be.

I put myself into the writer's shoes (which might be bad) and ask myself how I would feel reading these edits. Is that too nice? I'm not sure yet....

If you're an editor or publisher, how do you deal with authors behaving badly, even before their book is available? Is there a limit to your patience? Is there a point when you become fightin' mad?

And finally, is it okay to down a bottle of merlot before you start this author's edits?

Call Me Crazy

Seriously. Does anyone want to know why?

Because I've been thinking about entering the Ellora's Cave Caveman anthology contest.

I *know*! What is wrong with me?!?!?

First off, Jana doesn't write sex scenes. One of the criteria of the EC Caveman anthology is...you guessed it -- sex scenes. Wait, I take that back. Jana does write sex, just not under her own name.

I'm not embarrased. I like to think of it as a little experiment. I choose a pen name because my real life name has connotations and limitations. I am such-and-such's wife, so-and-so's mother, girly-girl's friend. These are connections I consider sacred, connections I would be really, really ticked about if someone said I had misused them for my own personal gain.

But I wasn't really talking about my pen names. Yes, I have more than 1. I was talking about how ridiculous it is for me to even consider the Caveman anthology. Unfortunately, that's where my brain is tilting. The deadline is the end of the month. Let's see how much trouble I can create for myself!!

Holy Sh!t Damn!

I just finished Lover Awakened by J. R. Ward. I'm cereal y'all -- Buy. This. Book. Buy the entire series. Holy Sh!t Damn is how I feel. I even thought that to myself once I finished Lover Awakened.

I know Book #4 (Lover Revealed) will be available in March but that's too long to wait!!!! This series makes me feel like I'm on crack (some really really good crack, like Whitney Houston good)!!

I mean, I love books, and I love series books even more. But when the release date for one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books nears, I start twitchin' and itchin'. Then I buy it, inhale it, and begin twitchin' and itchin' for the next book.

I'm addicted...and I love it!!!

[By the way: Lover Awakened is Book #38 on my "50 Books Read in 2006" quest. I've got to do a mass update at The Book Geek. This total doesn't count books I've edited or written!]

Get Thee...

...to Romance Divas for a Q&A with THIS IS CHICK LIT authors. Joining the RD forum is F-R-E-E! Plus, these ladies are a hoot!

And So It Goes...

While blog-hopping this morning, I stumbled across Colleen Gleason's blog. I've visited before (and left comments, I think) but Colleen's blog is not a usual haunt of mine. Her post about 1980s mini-series heartthrobs got me thinking, especially when she mentioned John Jakes.

If you don't know, John Jakes is a writer. An awesomely Southern historical writer. He wrote one of my favorite trilogies of all time:

I spent the last summer vacation we ever went on as an entire family reading Love and War (Book 2). It was the summer before my freshman year of high school. I remember lounging in the hotel room in Myrtle Beach while my parents and younger brother were out by the pool or the beach. Obviously, I loved the Mains and the Hazards more than I loved swimming!

When the mini-series aired, my mother wouldn't allow me to watch it. Under no circumstances could I turn on the black and white portable television in my room. Cruel and unusual punishment would follow -- like I'd be grounded from the telephone or I couldn't attend a football game. Oh, the horror!

When I turned 19, I bought the TimeLife North and South Collection with my very first credit card. 24 VCR tapes in a nifty cardboard box that still doesn't hold the tapes very well. I spent the entire two weeks of Christmas break of my freshman year of college staying up until 3 am watching the mini-series and writing a horrid novella. Over the next ten years, I plotted and planned, adding characters and situations, going backwards in time to visit the past, allowing my characters to grow up, marry, and die within the span of...8 books. That's right. Eight.

I never actually wrote those 8 books; I did write 2. (I pulled them out last summer to revise and man, did they suck!) Every now and then I think about those characters, the first characters I created, modeled after characters I loved so dearly, even today. Maybe theirs is a story I'll get back to soon.

Because Rene Asked...

I've found a fellow Prison Break obsessie in Rene Lyons. Seriously, people! If you're not watching this show, get thee to Blockbuster and watch the first season so you can keep up with the second season.

And because Rene told me to read a book in a week (she's under a deadline, I think, though I am trying to finish a novella this week too!) -- I did!!



I shouldn't admit this -- being a Southern Lit freak -- but I was disappointed in Joshilyn (Miz) Jackson's debut gods in Alabama. I loved the tv commercials for the book, loved the reviews, LOVED the first line (There are gods in Alabama -- Jack Daniels, high school quarterbacks...) but once I inhaled it, I was left with this little piece of empty when I knew I should have been shouting its praises to all my friends. From the moment I first discovered Ms. Jackson's blog, (it's to right over there, y'all <-- data-blogger-escaped-and="" data-blogger-escaped-description="" data-blogger-escaped-for="" data-blogger-escaped-her="" data-blogger-escaped-hooked="" data-blogger-escaped-i="" data-blogger-escaped-read="" data-blogger-escaped-was="" data-blogger-escaped-website="" data-blogger-escaped-when="">Between, Georgia, well, I was in Southern Lit Heaven.

I started Between, Georgia over the weekend and I wasn't getting it. I wasn't happy or completely immersed in the characters so I knew (I just knew) I was in for disappointment when I reached 'The End.' Not so, ladies and germs. The very next chapter flipped-flopped, and I could NOT put this book down. (I think it was about Chapter 13 or 14.) I mean, it was like someone shot me and despite the fact I was bleedin' to death, I didn't stop reading. When I finished last night around...I cannot remember what time...I was so sad to see the book end. I wanted to stay in Between (ha!), to see what the future held for Nonny and the Fretts and Crabtrees. That's what I consider the hallmark of a great book -- when you hate to see it end. And Between, Georgia certainly did not disappoint this little Southern gal!

In A Fog

It's been a week since I've blogged? Wow!

I'm not doing much of anything except the usual things so if you're looking for a 'Woot!' news from me, you're outta luck. I'm writing, editing other people's manuscripts, spending time with my family, the day job. I have a stack of library books to read, so many in fact, I'm going to go ahead and renew them all before the week is up!

One thing I will be attempting next week is Book in a Week. I've seen little BIAWs popping up all over the place. My goal is to finish a couple of novellas I have running around in circles. The pen names will certainly appreciate that!

Finally!

Here's a picture of the lurvely Julie Ramsey and I (I'm the blonde) from the TKA party (which I snagged from Nephele Tempest). I've got a story about Julie that involves bras (natch) but I'll save that for another time.

And Mel Francis -- I'll be your fangirl anytime. I have a loud squeal; I once walked away from Mardi Gras with hundreds of strands of beads (and my boobs stayed firmly in my shirt). That too is a story for another time.

Back in Black

I'm back from my sojurn to Atlanta. The Knight Agency par-tay was a blast (although I didn't get to talk to everyone I had wanted to introduce myself to such as Diana P., Marley, Mel Francis, Liz Allison, Gena Showalter, Sylvia Day...the list goes on...) Then again, I suppose I should be glad I didn't meet everyone I wanted to meet for fear of turning into a fangirl! I didn't embarrass myself too badly when I met Jennifer Echols and Shannon McKelden. (I don't think I did anyway.)

What to Wear?

HOTLanta isn't too far from me and I've been invited to this fabulous party on Tuesday night so I'm going. Now, however, I'm freaking out about what to wear.

Before I was married, I was a decent shopper. Then again, I never looked at the prices or 'shopped;' if I saw something I liked, I bought it. That's probably why I amassed a HUGE credit card debt between the ages of 19-21 but I digress. Now, I see clothes (and purses and shoes) that I like but I'm always able to talk myself out of them. Always. I'm not sure if that's because of willpower or because I think clothes are expendable, like I don't need them. (It's funny how I don't do this with books; of course, I have a list of books I want to purchase and I save money in order to purchase them.)

That's the thing about books vs clothes: books are relatively inexpensive. We have a great used bookstore in town and I love my Borders Rewards coupons, so for me to buy a book equals the amount of money I might spend on lunch one day. Not so much with clothes. For a decent outfit (be it a dress, shirt/pants, shirt/skirt, whatever), I could spend what I might spend on 3 hardcovers (or 8 mass markets)! That's a lot of books! In exchange for 1 ensemble!!

So I'm looking for something to wear. Something that's practical, inexpensive, will look good on me, and that I won't feel too guilty for purchasing. Target.com is my friend!

When Good Ideas Strike

You may or may not know, but I'm attempting to be e-published. When I made the decision last May to boldly pursue writing as a career, I was gung-ho about finding an agent. It didn't matter that I about a million ideas (okay, it was more like 5) with no 'The End' in sight to my current WIP; I wanted an agent, damn it! After receiving a rejection on a writing sample for a packaged YA deal, I took a step back and went on a break. Then somewhere along the way, I started writing again.

In that time I've taken on 2 pen names and have contracted something for each other them. But oh no, that ain't good enough. Now I want to write sweet and sassy Southern stories under a third pen name (J. J. Hanson). This month, I'm bustin' my hump to (1) edit and re-write a sci-fi romance novella, (2) finish a paranormal vampire novella, and (3) a couple of paranormal short stories. What hits me upside the head today like a bolt of lightening? That's right, friends. A new idea.

And not just any new idea -- this is a pretty good idea, if I do say so myself. I'm itching (itching) to share it but I won't. When written, this idea won't land me an agent but it might get me in with my dream e-publisher. The bad thing about this lightening bolt from my muse: I'm freaking busy! So to satisfy Her Royal Hiney-ness, I wrote the plot and character names down on a scrap of paper and shoved it into my ideas file folder. Maybe I can get to it by the end of the year.

OOTB Spotlight: Angel with Attitude

When you're hot for a demon, you might as well kiss your halo good-bye...

Falling naked into the killer whale tank at MarineLand is always bad news, but it's a real bummer when you've just been kicked out of Heaven. Former angel Valerie Grace is determined to reverse her banishment-Earth's just no fun.

Her best friend is a slightly perverted human-turned-rat, and she's being tailed by a sexy Tempter Demon named Nathaniel, who's trying to lure her to hell with kisses that are almost worth the trip. With the talking rodent sneaking peeks down her shirt and Nathaniel getting more irresistible every minute, this ex-angel has only one hope: find the stolen Key to Heaven and go home.

Then the oddest thing happens-Nathaniel starts to show signs of loyalty and love. And soon Val is asking herself if it is such a bad thing to have the hots for a demon.


I finished this book over the weekend, and read the majority of it on Saturday (I bought it with my preciousssss Borders Rewards coupon). LOVED IT! A laugh a minute, people! Michelle has some very cool Behind the Scenes things for AwA on her website. Now my only question is when will there be a sequel???

I'm Out There.....

...on MySpace anyway. It could seriously take all day to add friends!

Snark-ified

I've been reading about the use of snark in the writer/reader blogging world on several blogs (okay, just at AngieW's blog - though she links to several other blogs which I don't read -- not enough hours in the day, y'all!)

Being a person that holds grudges well, I used to have a mental tally of those persons who had wronged me. I also used to joke I had grudges from kindergarten (only I wasn't joking).

No longer being that much of an evil bitch (I've mellowed in my old age), I try very, very hard to think before I speak (or type). My daddy used to tell me I "showed [my] ass" alot. A eloquent man of cuss words, my daddy. So, as a spin-off of AngieW's blog discussion, I have to wonder:

In this day and age of instant information, is there just too much snark in the book world?

I like to poke fun as much as the next person. When I was an evil bitch, I used to quote Clarie from Steel Magnolias: "If you don't have something nice to say, come sit by me." Maybe now I just don't care as much to gossip (overlook the fact that I am addicted to celebrity gossip blogs, m'kay). I also don't care to trash talk or get involved in flame wars.

Am I entitled to my opinion? Yes. Am I entitled to type it on this blog? Yes. But I would certainly like to think I'm going to say whatever my opinion is in the nicest way possible. And, if I'm bitching about something, I hope it doesn't sound like a bitch.

What do y'all think? Is there just too much snark blogging around?

I Only Have How Many Words?

Before I became "serious" about this writing thing, I wrote for fun. I wrote for me, just whatever I felt like writing about. I've got 3 spiral ring binders with 1 1/2 historicals (and notes for 7 more in the series) under my bed.

And now that I'm "more serious?"

I'm obsessed with word count!

When I write in my notebook, I have to go back and count the words I've written, even though I know I'm just jotting down bits and pieces of conversations with little to no actual prose or descriptions.

When I write on my laptop, every time I take a break, I'm checking the word count with the handy dandy word counter.

I'm trying to be better about obsessively checking because, honestly, at this stage in my writing career, I'm not trying to find an agent. I'm not trying to pitch to a NY publisher (okay, there is that Nocturne proposal on my laptop but I haven't sent it anywhere). I'm just writing -- still for me --though in a different, more public arena.

Edited to Add: Thank you for everyone who made me feel like I'm not the only writer who obsesses with word count! You see, I'm not the only one....

Lordy, She's a Talker!

Some of my best ideas hit me while I'm driving. Maybe that's because my mind isn't focused on one clear thing when I'm in the car. Yes, I realize how wrong that sounds because, duh, I should be focused on driving. Driving is automatic to me. I've been doing it (legally) for 15 years. And since my listening choices have dwindled to Bert and Ernie, Sesame Street or The Wiggles, I tend to enjoy the quiet and serenity of...the voices in my head.

Right now, I'm thinking about my own little Yokapatawpha County. (I'm working on 2.5 projects for my pen names I'm trying to complete by the end of the month so those are more serious and immediate in my mind. But, if you haven't noticed, my mind tends to wander.) The character I'm fleshing out is the local Mary Kay representative. She's the reason for the title of this blog entry because she's talking my ear off! She hasn't stopped talking since I named her. Now if she'd only tell me something more than local gossip....

They Law.....

I've been reading and editing, people! Reading and editing.

I'm still tan-less, still reading gossip blogs (did you know that Katie Holmes is trying to enlist the help of Victoria Beckham in shedding her remaining post-Suri weight? I *know*!! I don't believe someone that gained 10 pounds during her second pregnancy is qualified to dispense 'how to lose post-pregnancy weight' but maybe that's just me....), still with a fidigity set of boobs and/or ill-fitting bra.....

My writing goals in June are to finish 2 pieces for my pen name (and you know what, I almost typed it!) One is a sci-fi romance I wrote almost 6 years ago. I'm editing the heck out of it but I think it still sucks. The second is a paranormal suspense/romance featuring vampires. I wrote the plot summary 2 months ago; I looked at it last night to kick-start my brain and I'm completely off track. So glad I'm not a plotter by nature!!

I'm also toying with some ideas for Southern-ish manuscripts -- Southern heroines doing and saying Southern things, getting into trouble as only we ladies of the South can. We'll see what happens with that...

Thursday Potpourri

This might border along the lines of TMI (Too Much Information) but, eh....

-I didn't meet any of my May writing goals. Really -- it's okay. There's always June...

-The underwire in my bra is killing me! I bought 3 new bras in February at the Maidenform outlet. Buying bras is a really big deal because, well, I just don't buy them that often. I can't decide if these bras are just cheaply made (and therefore the reason they were at an outlet store) or if my boobs really are this high maintenance.

-I am too pale. Almighty whitey, y'all! (That sounded so Britney Spears -- whom I think I feel sorry for. I mean, I liked "Oops..." the summer it was released. Now, she's flailing in the wind with no one to help her keep her white-trashy self out of the spotlight. Where's her momma? Or her publicist? Or her stylist? -- I know they make cute maternity clothes!)

-Gossip blogs are addictive. Which is why I probably haven't done much writing. Like Brad and Angelina really care what I think about their baby....

-The weather is crazy! In mid-May, it was raining almost every day; this week, the humidity has been off the charts. Summer is here to stay in the South!!


and

Dayna Hart's YOU AGAIN is now available from Freya's Bower. Blogger won't let me post a cover picture so you'll just have to trust me when I say it's gorgeous! Congrats, Dayna!!!

*Toot, toot*

It's official! Read more here.

Holy Crap!

What have I been doing??

Oh, that's right -- mothering, wife-ing, daughter-in-law-ing, editing, sleeping, newsletter-ing, reading (I finished Savannah Breeze on Tuesday), e-mailing...

You'll notice writing isn't on the list. That's okay -- I'm in a bit of a writing funk right now. I plan to get back into the swing of things after Memorial Day. Hopefully, my muse can stock pile some plots and/or plot advancements over the next week. Useful plots, I mean, not potential fanfiction for Prison Break. (I love me some Prison Break! And the cliffhanger is torture to my wee little brain! It's almost like Farscape, Season 3...or X-Men 2 when Jean Gray was swallowed by the lake. I had nightmares of Logan screaming her name for at least a month! It's hard to ignore Hugh Jackman, people!!)

Anyway, I have several authors with upcoming releases who now have blogs: Dayna Hart (YOU AGAIN with Freya's Bower), Cassandra Kane (SAY MY NAME), Wylie Kinson BELLA FIORE), and Anna Parrish (SINS OF THE DREAMER) -- all with Chippewa Publishing. Chippewa also has a new author blog: Rebeling In Romance!

I am so glad it's Friday -- my bosses are out of town, the sun is shining, it's actually spring-like here, and I'm leaving work early! Wahoo!! Have a great weekend, y'all!!

Happy Anniversary to Me!

On the first Monday of May, I began my writer-ly journey - my official journey, as in "Hey! I wanna be published!" Someone turned on the lightbulb, my friends!

Last year, I was working on a project I had originally written as a play during my undergrad days. Needless to say, I'm not finished with it. I will be but it ain't done yet. I've discovered that re-writing is my least favorite part of writing. Which is why I put it away. It's still there...brewing...

Also last year, I started writing a chick lit-ish contest entry. Sadly, this potential manuscript died on the vine last month. At least I know enough now to not try to edit and rewrite the damn thing to death, but it's still sad when you can't continue on a project.

If I remember correctly, my goal was to finish something. I did! And guess what? I freaking sold it!! Then I did it again!!!

My goals remain pretty much the same as the last year: write, revise, submit

Maybe next year, I can work on landing that dream agent.....

OOTB Spotlight: Once Upon Stilettos

When we left Katie Chandler at the end of Enchanted, Inc., she had helped her new employers, Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc. defeat Phelan Idris, a rogue wizard intent on stealing spells. By her side, and leading the battle, was hunky wizard Owen. Katie and Owen are still fighting their attraction to each other in Shanna Swendson’s hilarious and charming sequel Once Upon Stilettos, but first they have to track down a corporate spy before the company dissolves into paranoia. Then at the worst possible time, Katie's immunity to magic goes on the blink. At least she's having better luck in her social life, with men falling at her feet everywhere she goes. Has she really become that irresistible, or is it the new red shoes she felt compelled to buy? Polish your fairy wings, put on your magic shoes, click your heels three times, and join Shanna Swendson for a romantic romp amidst fairies, goblins, wizards and gargoyles.

I bought Once Upon Stilettos on Wednesday (as Tuesday was rainy and yucky, and I try not to drive in rain and yuck any more than necessary, i. e., work). I also picked up Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Cherie Priest and Animal Instincts by Gena Showalter.

Thank goodness I get paid on Monday because there are 2 more books on my To Buy list: I Did (But I Wouldn't Now) by Cara Lockwood and Midnight Secrets by Jennifer St. Giles. (I want Liz Allison's A Girls Guide to NASCAR but I'm holding out a slim hope that I'll win a free copy. I never win anything so I should just go ahead and put it on my To Buy list.) Thank goodness for that Borders 30% off coupon too!!

Wenworth Miller is My T. V. Boyfriend

I swear, I love Prison Break. I really liked the show before its hiatus but now, I am thoroughly hooked. Not convinced? I offer 3 words: Michael, Linc, T-Bag. (I love to hate T-Bag.) Still not convinced?

Well, my pictures aren't showing up (thanks Blogger!) but trust me when I say you have gotta watch this show!! Monday nights at 8 pm on Fox.

Cut That Hair Right Outta Your Face

There is nothing like the feeling of a new haircut. Okay, I take that back, but new haircuts feel damn good (at least until the 'growing out' phase which is a whole 'nother blog topic).

My last haircut was in December. I normally ask the stylist to part it down the middle and give me a blunt cut. I wasn't too impressed with my last haircut which I should technically call a trim although my previous haircut before that had been a year earlier (clear as mud??). Anyway, I decided to do something different with my hair this time around. What did I go for? Reese Witherspoon from Sweet Home Alabama.

Now, I'm in no way as cute as Reese, nor is my hair as thick as hers. Then again, I don't have professional stylists lounging around my house just waiting (waiting) to make me look good. (I'd settle for a maid waiting to make my house look good; life with a toddler just doesn't leave time for actual pretty, girly-ness, (or house cleaning) but again, other blog topics.)

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the cut despite the hair products the stylist gooped on me. I haven't used hair spray regularly since 1993!

Let's hope I can maintain it, or at least give maintaining the old college try!!

Fangirl Squeal

Every now and then, my inner fangirl comes out and squeals. Right now, I'm squealing over Liz Alison.

You may not know this about me but I love NASCAR. Actually, I'll amend that statement - I used to be obsessed with NASCAR. I blame the stupid boy I dated in high school (not that he was stupid because he loved NASCAR; he was stupid in general). While my dad and brother were Dale Earnhardt fans, Ex-Boyfriend was a Davey Allison fan. Since I didn't like Earnhardt, I cheered for Davey Allison.

Those years were what I consider the golden years of NASCAR; were my father alive, he'd argue with me, I'm sure. That's okay -- he, my brother, Earnhardt, Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison are probably discussing racing right now, and lovin' every minute of it. I won't blather on about my theories here since, well, I know a lot about NASCAR and racing. My brother and I even plotted a NASCAR book which I will one day actually write instead of dreaming about.

{Back to the squealing and away from the depressing thoughts}

So imagine my squeals when I remember Liz's book The Girls' Guide to NASCAR is to be released May 1st! And that Liz will be co-authoring 3 Harlequin NASCAR series books to be released in 2007!! And that Liz has a blog!!!

Arm Twisting Works!!

Since Mel Francis and Jaci Burton (and Diana P) are twisting my arm (and 'cause I can't keep it from sequealing it all over the place) -- I sold!

Both of my super secret pen names to Forbidden Publications. One is a futuristic, one is erotic. (I know, the girl who can't write sex scenes suddenly can!)

I am beyond excited!!! Now I've just got to keep on writing...and sell something else!!!

Trends

Literary agent Kristin Nelson gives a 'heads up' from her NYC editor meetings as to what's hot right now. If you guessed erotica and urban fantasy, you're right!

Watching trends in the writing world is interesting. When I first because serious with writing last May, paranormals were all the rage. Not to say they're dying out, but apprently publishers aren't snatching them up as they once were (so says blog gossip). The same goes for chick lit. Writing trends, like fashion trends, come in cycles. While erotica is hot right now, will it be in 5 years? *shrugs* Who's to say. Right now, I'm going to write what my Muse feels like writing (which could be obsessed vampires, brooding aliens, regretful Southern co-eds, band geeks, dirt track hotties, nooners, crazy Southern grannies, or any other idea floating around in my wee little brain).

Does that mean something I'm writing may never sell? Of course. Would I be crushed if that happened? Can I get a 'hell yeah?' But that's the business part of this world. While rejection is a hard pill to swallow, it's a necessary evil. I have a dream agency (doesn't everyone?) -- if the dream agency rejects me, well, I'll be devestated for a few days. I may even cry about it. But in the bottom of my heart (the part that's not breaking from rejection), I know I've got to get back on the horse and continue to write. I'm determined to succeed, and that determination (though sometimes rattled by Writer ADD) will be with me for the long haul.

You Take The Good, You Take The Bad....

The Good:
* sent partial of sci-fi romance/suspense to e-publisher
* sent novella to e-publishers

The Bad:
* gotta finish sci-fi romance/suspense 'cause I re-read it, and it's crap
* fingernail biting and chocolate munching begins

Other than that, I'm peachy!!

OOTB Spotlight: Parallel Attraction

This, my friends, is one book you absolutely must get. If you don't believe me on any other book I recommend, I'll forgive you if you buy Parallel Attraction.

It has been years since exiled alien king Jared Bennett thought of anything other than his people's fight for freedom. Now his rebel force has the one weapon that can turn the tide against their enemy: the key to the secrets of time. Victory has never been closer-but one woman has the power to change everything.

Kelsey Wells can't deny that there is something unearthly about her fierce attraction to Jared Bennett. His revelations about alien wars and time travel can't possibly be fact-yet with every seductive touch, every searing kiss, Kelsey circles closer to the truth: that although Jared is exactly what he says, he hasn't told her everything. And when the future crashes into the present, Kelsey must decide if his deception will cost them the love that should have been their destiny.

I have been waiting (w-a-i-t-i-n-g, I say) for this book since Deidre announced the sale. I'm squealing right now just thinking about it! (On the inside, natch, since I'm at work.) And Parallel Heat....oh, it's just too good!!

Last Chance Available

What happens when a Tarot readers meets a skeptical cowboy? A wild ride.

Susan Pell escaped from a nasty relationship and found peace living alone (if you don't count the two match-making ghosts who are the original owners). Just when she decides to enter the dating pool again, in walks Max Lancaster, a sexy cowboy who happens to be her neighbor. Max has been given a free reading in the hopes that Susan will be able to predict his future. The attraction between them is instant, but his obvious disgust with her profession makes Susan want to have her way with him then strangle him for being such a close-minded fool. No matter that the ghosts say he's the one, Susan's not buying it. Avoiding him doesn't help, nor does dating someone else. When Susan vows to forget him, fate (with a little help from the ghosts) take matters into their own hands.

A wonderful novella I had the pleasure of editing for Kit Wylde. Available now at Freya's Bower.

Boys That Bite

Because I'm always jonesin' for books to read, I signed up for the Summer Bites YA Book 'tour' featuring Marianne Mancusi and Serena Robar. Their YA Vamp books release in April (Boys that Bite by Marianne) and May (Braced2Bite by Serena), respectively.

And let me tell you that Boys to Bite was a hoot! Full of pop culture and teen angst, I couldn't put it down!!! Too funny and now I can't wait for the sequel Stake That!. (Here's a heads up, I think Marianne's recently been contracted to write the third book in the series! Congrats, Mar!!!)

This is not your typical boy-bites-girl love story.

Technically Sunshine can't get killed-because she's immortal. Well, not quite yet. Due to the worst case of mistaken identity with her dark-side-loving twin sister at a Goth club called Club Fang, Magnus, a vampire hottie, went for Sunshine's innocent neck. Now if she doesn't reverse it in time, Magnus will be her blood mate forever and she's doomed to be a blood-gulping, pasty, daylight-hating vampire. That would seriously bite.

And now, after the unfortunate slaying of the vampire leader, Sunshine, her sister Rayne, and Magnus must find the one thing that can solve her problem: the Holy Grail. They wish it were a joke but it's not. It's absolutely necessary that Sunshine gets out of this in time, because somehow she scored the hottest prom date in her school, the mouth-watering Jake Wilder. So she just can't be a vampire for the prom-let alone the rest of eternity.

OOTB Spotlight: Crimson Rogue

From the four strata of Crimson City come rogues: vampire, werewolf, human, demon. These rebels, rakes and unsung heroes have turned their backs on the extravagant vampire skyway, the gritty werewolf underground, the iron-fisted human stronghold and the fiery power of the demon underworld. Walking a thin line between heaven and hell, they make their own rules and follow their own destinies. Ironically, they will be the ones to determine if the City flourishes or fails.

Cydney Brighton knows them well, for she too is now rogue. Having escaped hell, she’s discovered that the City is not what it once was—and neither is she. Only one man understands her, understands what it means to be someone or something beyond control. He’s ready to come out of the darkness; and part-man, part-machine, he’s willing to sacrifice almost anything to make himself whole.


Sounds like a great way to wrap up a series, doncha think?? Liz Maverick is on fire! Did y'all see her on Geraldo?

This Makes Me Happy!

From Astrology for Writers, Editors and Filmmakers (thanks to Silma for the link):

Libra: The perfect year to polish that manuscript or screenplay and get it out there. Two significant planets are perfectly positioned for writers..lucky you! Smart you, actually. You have the BEST chart of anyone to make this writing thing pay off well.



Hot diggity!!

2 New Links

2 of the authors I'm editing have blogs:


Toni LoTempio and Kit Wylde.

Well...

Today is Wednesday, right? I hope so. Then again, tomorrow and Friday my toddler's day care will be closed so I'll be bringing him to work with me. No actual work or internet surfing to be done the rest of the week, at least until nap time.

What am I working on today? Well, I have a list - 4 lists actually: my editor list, my writer list, my other list and my actual day job list.

The day job list isn't exhaustive; it can't be or otherwise I wouldn't be blogging!

The editor list is something I make each week, to make sure I'm on task with my own schedule, etc. My toddler has been sick so my To Dos and well-orchestrated plans have been shot all to hell (he's doing better now - thank goodness).

The other list...that's a little more complicated. I'm thinking of starting a business so I'm working on designing a website and other business-related ; I'm working on my new blog The Book Geek, trying to get it organized and updated; Out of the Blogosphere too (upcoming releases and guest bloggers).

The writing list is an entirely new can of worms. I want to write in a specific genre, to have my actual real legal name attached to this genre. But I also want to write in another genre and in a moment of sleep deprevation two days ago, discovered yet another genre. The third genre is more of a writing stretch since it is completely out of my comfort zone. I'm not deluding myself that I'll be successful in this third genre (okay, maybe a little) but I'm going to at least try it. Shouldn't writers push their own boundaries? Shouldn't we try to grow in our writing abilities? I and my 2 pen names certainly hope so!

Feed The Muse...

...and she'll give right back!!

After completing the blurb for the YA idea, I came home and wrote almost the entire middle section of my futuristic novella! Wahoo!!

Ideas

As I was waiting in the McDonald's drive-thru line this afternoon, I was struck by an idea for a YA novel.

Aren't I working on several things already? Like 3 novellas and a paranormal suspense?

No matter, sayeth the Idea Fairy. This is a good idea, an idea which only you can write.

Shut up, I reply. I have enough ideas in progress. I'm having problems finishing any of them, you ADD-ish brain.

This is the 3rd such conversation I've had with my ADD-ish brain since Friday night. It just so happens the best ideas (well, I think they're good ideas) come to me at that moment when my conscious brain meets my unconscious brain. Ideas meld. Thoughts flicker. "Genius" takes over.

Friday night, I had 3 ideas hit me at once, all during this brain fade, all for YA novels. So I scramble for something to write with and on, hoping I can reproduce them in a few short words and that when I woke up, I'd remember them. Yesterday, I re-read my scribbles. I can only make out 1 of 3 and honestly, I have no idea what it means.

What did I just finish? A blurb for the YA novel I thought of in the McDonald's drive-thru. What am I itching to write? You guessed it....

My muse is a bitch!

Grrr...

This blogger template is driving me c-r-a-z-y!!! Grrrr

Ten Minutes Later...
Don't ask me what I did because I have no clue! But it's fixed and I'm not messing with it ever again!!!

New E-Publisher

A new e-publisher is hitting the 'net on March 5th, and I'm fortunate enough to be an editor!


Freya's Bower

The site is currently under construction but it does list submission guidelines.

Good luck (and maybe I'll be your editor!)!!

A Passionate Love Affair

Between whom? Me and books.

I love books. Seriously. This love affair goes way, way back, to before I could technically read. I used to "read" my favorite A-B-C book to my mother; I'd sit in her lap, she'd hold the book and I'd recite what was on the pages. This love affair is so long-standing, it surpasses how long I've known my oldest friend.

Why mention my affair with books? I went into a bookstore on my lunch break. Huge mistake.

I only purchased 3 books (the 3 I actually went to buy!) -- Lover Eternal by J. R. Ward (an upcoming OOTB guest blogger); The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenigger; and The Cotton Queen by Patricia Morasi -- but I came away with new additions to my To Be Read list. At the rate at which I accumulate these additions, I'll likely never finish.

A book geek's dream.....

I Swear....

I'm here, y'all, really I am!! Here's a brief overview of what I've been doing:

-- Editing
-- Applying for freelance positions (I think I was offered one a few minutes ago. I think I accepted it too!)
-- Writing
-- Reading (On my goal for 50 Book Pledge -- #12 How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo and #13 Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong. I highly recommend both.)
-- Dating my husband (Okay, making out with him. A. Lot.)
-- Talking books with my mother-in-law (She's reading Widow of the South.)
-- Raising my boy (who gives great toddler hugs)
-- Thinking about a vacation

What have y'all been into???

Busy Little Bee

Not too busy to update my blog though. *grin*

I've been writing, reading and editing. All 3 are exciting and all 3 are good for me.

I recently finished Stolen by Kelley Armstrong. With that, I'm up to 11 on books read for the year. Up next is Kim Harrison's Dead Witch Walking. I've edited a novella and am beginning a longer manuscript for Chippewa Publishing. Not much writing on my paranormal suspense WIP though I did begin a piece for the Phaze HeatSurge contest. Major editing will follow.

OOTB Spotlight: Goddess of the Rose

GODDESS OF THE ROSE is a magical, sensuous retelling of Beauty and the Beast – with a modern slant. Our Beauty, Micki (named after the Mikado Rose), and all the women in her family have a special affinity for roses – their blood, diluted in water and applied during the night of a new moon, makes roses grow spectacularly. What the women don’t know is that they have this ability because they are descendants of a High Priestess of the Goddess Hecate. Hecate is Goddess of Night, Magick, the Crossroads of Man, and of Beasts. She is also the proctrectess of The Realm of the Rose – the place wherein all dreams and magick originate. This realm is guarded diligently by The Guardian, a creature on which the myth of the Minotaur was based. The Guardian swore himself into Hecate’s service for eternity, and in return the Goddess gifted him with the heart and soul of a man, even though he has the body of a beast. But all is not well in The Realm of the Rose. The Guardian made a terrible mistake, arousing the Goddess’s wrath to such an extent that she bespelled him and the realm, and Hecate swore that they would sleep eternally unless the Beast was awakened by a woman who carried the magickal blood of Hecate’s priestess, and was wise enough to see the truth, and compassionate enough to act upon it.

Micki does awaken the Guardian and he abducts her to The Realm of the Rose, thinking that she would automatically break the curse placed on the realm and set things to right, but modern woman Micki is a very unexpected kind of High Priestess, and there are forces at work within the realm, both of love and of hatred that might change the shape of dreams and magick for all of eternity unless Micki is brave enough to make the ultimate sacrifice…

OOTB Spotlight: Jewel of Atlantis

Run, don't walk, and buy Jewel of Atlantis by Gena Showalter. I bought and devoured this book in a day! And I'll give you a scoop: The Nymph King (also set in Atlantis) is scheduled to be released next year; Gena says The Nymph King is her hottest book. And (if that's not enough) I asked Gena about Layel, Atlantis' vampire king who, in my opinion, left me wanting more in Jewel of Atlantis. Gena says his story may be forthcoming. She never disappoints, people!!

Now, if only Enslave Me Sweetly would be released soon (July 2006, in case you're chomping at the bit for it like I am).

I Forgot to Mention....

...but I've accepted a position as an editor with Chippewa Publishing. I'm very excited and somewhat nervous. I guess that happens with any new job or new responsibility you take on. Wish me luck!! I'm sure I'll be promo-ing some of the books I edit here.

In other writing news, I've hit a brick wall with my current paranormal WIP (#1). It's not something I can't get out of but it's frustrating nonetheless because I wrote it. To take my mind off of the wall, I've pulled out another paranormal (#2) and a futuristic (#3) I began years ago. #2 is complete as 2 separate novellas. I've put them together, hoping to continue the story and extend it for publication. #3 is a definite work in progress. I'm hoping one (or both) of them will give me some distance so I can rewrite around the brick wall currently holding me back in #1.

OOTB Spotlight -- Sorceress of Faith

With the world of Llandrana threatened by encroaching evil, the Sorcerers must do the unthinkable - Summon an outsider to stop the insidious Darkness slowly taking control of their land and poisoning the Sorcerers themselves.

Arriving in Lladrana, grad student Marian Harasta is stunned to find herself the center of a dispute among Sorcerers who want to augment their Power with her own. She must quickly learn her new magical Powers - and decide who she can trust in this strange land. She has prayed for a miracle to save her brother - could Lladrana offer that knowledge, and can she somehow return to Earth with it?

She knows she must offer the Sorcerers something in exchange, and ridding them of the Evil Sorcerer is what they want, but how will she fare in her first magical duel?

To learn more, visit Robin's blog or website.

Southern Chick Lit

Is there such a portion of the 'chick lit' genre?

Now, there are tons (well, maybe not tons) of "Southern girl goes North" books either on the shelves or in progress: one that comes to mind immediately is Belle in the Big Apple (releasing in 2007); another is Cara Lockwood's Dixieland Sushi.

Which leads to my question of any Southern chick lit books. Comment in the comments.

Rainy Days and Mondays

I know it's Wednesday but, darn it, it feels like Monday! And it's not raining either.

It's felt like Monday since last night at 10:00 pm: whiney child who became a sick child who became a hungry child who became a playful child who became a sleepy child who woke up in a decent mood, and a car accident on the way to work this morning. (I'm okay; a now-quiet child is okay; car, eh, the car is driveable and will live)

Today is one of those days where I'd like to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over my head.

Moving Right Along

{I've been watching The Muppet Movie -- the first movie I ever saw in a theater -- with my toddler because he loves the Muppets and we've exhausted our public library's collection of Sesame Street videos. Needless to say, I'll be singing the soundtrack for weeks.}

I am moving right along in my paranormal. Almost 4,500 words; and my characters are suprising me which always makes the journey a little more exciting.

And Gena, I did enjoy Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris. Harper Connelly, the main character, is quite different from Sookie Stackhouse, but if you keep that in mind, I'm sure you'll like it too. I don't want to spoil the book, but Grave Sight is more of a straight-up mystery (in my opinion) whereas Sookie's books have that tinge of romance and the question of who is better for Sookie: Eric or Bill or any of the other not-completely-human males Sookie encounters (I'm leaning toward Eric myself).

By the way, Ms. Harris will be a guest blogger at Out of the Blogosphere in March so I'm trying to contain my fangirl squeals.

50 Book Pledge

Some of my friends at Live Journal are attempting to read 50 books in 2006. Of the blogs I read, I know Diana Peterfreund and Shannon McKelden have been keeping track of the books they have read thus far so I'm going to play along too.

In 2006, I've read:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
Heart of the Dragon by Gena Showalter
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vadar by James Lucerno
Labyrinth of Evil by James Lucreno
Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson

Tonight, I'll begin Bitten by Kelley Armstrong (thank you, public library!!)

Get To Work!

Seriously, I've got to get my arse in gear!

Romance Divas Mentor Program has begun, and I've been paired with Silma and Jodie. I'm very excited and nervous at the same time! Wish me (us) luck!!

Rolling Right Along

One of my goals this year is to finish a manuscript. In hopes of doing that, last week I started writing 100 words a day.

As it turns out, I don't get diddly-squat written over the weekends so I'm amending my projected word count to 1500 per week. So far, I'm doing pretty good although I didn't write last night as I was absorbed in Rebel Angels by Libba Bray. (Great YA paranormal, by the way; I strongly recommend it!) Here's hoping I'll spend my lunch break writing instead of reading!!