Reading this blog
Instead visit: http://editortera.wordpress.com/
The contest being run by my Samhain editor Tera continues now through May 10th. Stop by each morning for your chance to win!!!!
April 29, 2009
April 28, 2009
Should I Be Concerned…
I’ve developed a new obsession. One that leaves me feeling slightly disconcerted. The origin of my illness (‘cause it does seem like a sickness) can be traced directly to my husband. Not that he should shoulder all of the blame…just a healthy portion.
Say it with me now….CAR FREAK! I’ve morphed into a teenage boy – hungering for a muscle car. In my household we tend to purchase new cars as frequently as others replace their windshield wipers. Generally speaking, if a vehicle lasts two full years we consider it a success.
While my husband gravitates toward pick-up trucks, Hummers and Sport Utility vehicles, I want power. As pathetic as it sounds I’ve actually written a wish list on the off chance my husband wins the lottery or locates a long lost rich relative. With the shaky state of the auto industry I’m almost afraid that some will be extinct — if they haven’t already swallowed the pink juice.
FORD MUSTANG SHELBY
DODGE CHARGER (love this car)
FORD THUNDERBIRD (which I think is out of production – I’d settle for used)
My wish list goes on and on. Seriously I’m driving by showrooms, something I laugh at my husband for doing. When I spot a favorite at a stoplight I find myself hoping that the signal doesn’t turn to green quickly — allowing me ample time to ogle the goods. Sad but entirely true.
Do you think if someone that loves me reads this post that they might be tempted to surprise me? Yeah…not happening. But a girl can dream 
April 26, 2009
Well there’s a dark cloud rising from the …
Hmm, whenever I’m feeling a wee bit melancholy old Springsteen lyrics seem to take root in my brain. Tonight there is definitely a dark cloud rising — the end of spring break is upon us. The kids, already feeling low, nearly hit the floor when they realized their dad was heading off to the airport this afternoon. Business trips just don’t bring out smiles around here L
Yesterday, I joined a local writing group that I initially linked up with last fall. They have a really strong, broad group of members that bring a lot of cross-genre experience to the table. I’m hoping to make like a sponge and learn as much as I can from them. Since I’m a complete pantser, picking up craft pointers is enormously advantageous.
Not to gloat (because that’s simply not in my genetic makeup) but the Red Sox have been kicking some Yankee butt this weekend. Both games have been mini marathons…so I’m hoping tonight’s match up ends before midnight. I’m preparing myself mentally for a loss because a sweep seems unlikely against the boys from the Bronx!
Hey, I almost forgot some fun news. Tomorrow my Samhain editor, the ever so lovely Tera, is kicking off a spring contest on her blog. This is a really great chance to read a full first chapter of a Samhain book free (c’mon – you know you can’t resist). If you leave a comment you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a copy of that ebook.
Here’s the link: http://editortera.wordpress.com/
Be a winner!
April 24, 2009
The Heat is On…..
Weekend forecast: Sunny and Warm (High around 80)
Yesterday was one of those weird days full of tiny surprises – both good and bad. Met up with friends for an afternoon at Chuck E Cheese. Now normally I’m a big old stinker when it comes to C.E.C. Too many people. Too much noise. Too many germs. Since it’s spring break here I was envisioning a massive crowd…but it was actually more than 1/2 empty. No line at the door. No line for games. No mistaking your red shirted child for fifty other little boys sporting the same exact color. We had fun, without the headache.
Hmm…my not so happy surprise came later that night when I snuck out to my neighborhood Border’s. I’m a bookstore addict that stays home more often now because of my Kindle. Now when I slip off to the store it’s like a really special treat. Like C.E.C it was also almost empty. Unlike the former it looked like it was preparing for change —- possible closure. Every shelf was in the process of being audited (white slip taped neatly to the upper corner). Yes, I’ve known this will probably be their last year in operation but still it felt like a big old kick in the gut. Maybe I’m wrong. I hope I’m wrong. ‘Cause I’m not ready to say goodbye 
And I’m not ready to switch my business over to Barnes and Noble.
April 21, 2009
Tuesday Afternoon….chasing the clouds away!
Mood: Sunny
Weather: Sunny
What’s Playing on the Ipod: Sunny Afternoon by the Kinks
Reading: Snowbound by Larissa Ione (had to throw in something offseason)
Had a wonderful trip to Boston…three days of pure goofiness with my family! This was an extra special trip because my kids had the opportunity to spend time with my Godmother Teresa, who is an absolute pistol. Picture Estelle Getty high on corn syrup and that’s Teresa.
I’m really hoping to get the kids outside today — as soon as my air conditioning repairman wraps up his visit, I want to enjoy the beautiful weather before it disappears. Because here in W. New York, it disappears quickly. For now I’m empyting suitcases, folding laundry, and reading through a hard copy of a semi-completed manuscript. If I get through a full round of self edits this week I’ll be happy!
April 17, 2009
Road Trip….
Spring Break! Today is the last day of school until April vacation officially begins. I LOVE this time of year. We’re kicking off break with a quick road trip to Boston. Although our stay with family will be brief due to my husband’s work commitments, it will undoubtedly be fun! For the first time in ages I’m bringing a laptop in the car…usually I download a half dozen books to my Kindle to read enroute. Today I’m going to put the finishing touches (hopefully) on a manuscript I’ve been retouching for the past year. Something has always been missing and I think I finally figured out what I need to revise! Keep your fingers crossed that I nail it this time!
Have a great weekend! Be back on Monday!!!!
April 14, 2009
It Feels Like Monday all Over Again….
I think excessive consumption of chocolate is dragging me down. Today I feel a little like a stuffed trout with a gooey marshmallow middle. Instead of nibbling on more candy eggs I’m crunching chocolate flavored animal crackers. No, the effect is not quite as exhilarating. But, alas, the fat grams are not quite as grim either.
Although I’m not a huge TV addict I’ve finally latched on to a show other than NCIS. On Monday nights ABC has a new detective program called Castle. While it’s far from flawless it has some good dialogue and fun characters.
Last night as I was staring at my bedroom ceiling listening to a house full of snoring individuals (human and canine) I had a brainstorm about a previously completed manuscript. It didn’t exactly make me happy because now I’m considering revamping the first three chapters (although it may be infinitely wiser to leave the darn thing alone). Touching and re-touching doesn’t always improve the quality
May is just around the corner….bringing with it one of my FAVORITE charity auctions. Once again Brenda Novak will be conducting her month long fundraiser for Diabetes Research. The items available are amazing. Maybe this will be the year I actually wind up as the top bidder on something. For three years I’ve lost out during the last hour!!! Here’s the link if you want to scope it out early:
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/
I’ve dropped to the number two spot on my Publisher’s bestselling list. So, if you haven’t picked up a copy of my latest release now is a great time to make a purchase! (Gosh, I’m persistent).
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ready-to-take-a-chance-again-p-1201.html
Make it a great day!
Hugs!
April 11, 2009
Almost Here…
Easter Weekend…Since my children are still relatively young (5 and 6) I devote ample time preparing baskets stuffed with candy & small toys. This year I stumbled when looking for grass. For some reason the clingy, annoying fake green stuff was impossible to find. Target — had not a blade! After hitting three stores I had to settle for a sad, crushed package that had a tiny hole in it!!!! I hope there hasn’t been an underground conspiracy to rid the earth of this Easter essential…I mean it must be recyclable, right? I’m thinking about stockpiling it like bottled water, in the event of a future crisis.
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Hmm, this past week ushered in the start of another season of MLB. Now, I’m a big old baseball fan – love the game, whether I’m watching every night from home or whether I’m at the stadium shucking peanuts. My boys are off to a weak start. I know…I know….the season has just started (the Red Sox are 1-3, so far). But there’s no spark in their eyes. No spring in their step. This is the time to work out the little kinks. But if I were a betting kind of gal, I’d place them third in their division when September rolls around.
Okay, I have to shout out a HUGE — THANK YOU — to everyone that has purchased a copy (or multiple copies) of my book (Kelly & Wink you ROCK)!
I’m still sitting on top of my publisher’s best seller list as of this morning.
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Happy Easter to All! See you back here next week J
April 8, 2009
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it….
Often you will hear writers talk about head hopping in a story – switching from one POV to another, which can confuse the heck out of a reader. Lately I’ve been story hopping – switching from one WIP to another when I hit plot holes. This is not an efficient way to write. Since I’m a pantser and not a plotter, my brain gets completely clogged trying to remember all the little character and plot details.
Yesterday I picked one story and firmly set the other two aside. I made a vow not to touch the other WIP’s until I hit the end of this one. We’ll see how that works out J. Right now I’m about 10,000 words into this manuscript…so I still have miles to go before I sleep.
Last Friday my novel, Ready to Take a Chance Again released. According to my publisher’s website it is sitting on top of their bestsellers this month. Yahoo!!! Of course this is a fluid chart, so it will likely move out of that position soon.
This Month’s Bestsellers
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Unless more people decide they just have to buy a copy!!!
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ready-to-take-a-chance-again-p-1201.html
If you prefer a print copy there is a link directly to Amazon from The Wild Rose Press store.
Hugs!!!!
April 3, 2009
Are You Ready?
Turning to Barry Manilow for inspiration seemed desperate, even to Grace Winston. Nevertheless, a warbled rendition of Ready to Take a Chance Again, chased down with an overabundance of cheap chardonnay, and Grace is primed for an extreme life makeover. Now she must choose between a flame that burned her in the past and an engaging man with a past of his own.
After a decade in the military, Jake Magee is finally ready to settle down with the woman he has spent years dreaming about. Unfortunately past mistakes threaten to derail his plan to show Grace he can be the man she always wanted. To win her heart he must first find a way to win back her trust.
Purchase a copy from the following:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
This was my very first manuscript…so it holds an extra special place in my heart! Pick up a copy — it will have you dreaming of the beaches on Cape Cod!
