Such A Fan

I came acros this new series I really like a lot. It's different in one way from most of what I watch. It's a Japanese anime. Check out VAMPIRE KNIGHT on Hulu.

I'm Up To Forty

I received my 40th rejection today. It's sad but really no big deal. Not that I've gotten use to them, but I understand my book isn't everyone's cup of tea and not every agent (yes, it was an agent) is looking for one like mine. Of course, that's 40 rejections over 18 years and involving 10 books. That doesn't include the eight (editors/agents) I never heard from again. Technically, it isn't a lot.

Some people would feel funny about telling the public this information but 1) I went ten years (between 1993 and 2003) and didn't send one submission. Why? Because I came to realize my first two books stunk! Then my third and fourth was only a little better. 2) When I become published (See! I'm thinking positive), I'll have a great testimony to relate as a keynote speaker. See! I'm thinking REAL positive. 3) Sherrilyn Kenyon and Stephen King receive many rejections before becoming published and some after they were published. Funny. They have the same initials. Hmm. Maybe I should go by the name of Karla Swafford. Same initials, just switched. Nah! There's a principal in Georgia who probably wouldn't appreciate it.

Two fulls are still sitting out there waiting for a response. One has been on the editor's desk (or floor) for six months and I probably should check on it, but since I'll be pitching another book to the same editor next month, I figured it's best to wait until after the conference.

Anyway, I've learned so much in the last eight years and each day I do believe I learn something new about the writing industry. I have to say a lot of it has to do with being involved with RWA and my local chapter.

Well, I've got to get in bed. Tomorrow, after work, I'm having dinner with some of my buddies and Angela James with Carina. Cool, isn't it?

Only Three Chapters

I've decided to redo another paranormal manuscript to pitch at the National conference. An editor told me it was too slow in the beginning. The same thing my beta readers told me and I'd ignored their advice. See I should've listened to them.

Anyway, I took out the first three chapters and now in the midst of rewriting chapter four's beginning. The readers need to know who's who.

I knew it would change how the book starts. (Duh!) But I hadn't realized how it would change the dynamics of the relationship in the story. Yeah. I'm liking it.

Happy Fathers Day!

I spent the night with Dad. He's doing great and we had some wonderful conversations.

Thanks, Dad, for being my number one fan! Hugs and lots of love.

Green Thumb

I do believe my oldest daughter has gotten her grandmother's green thumb. Check out her flowers.

Humor Everywhere

The other day, I opened a bag of Skittles (rainbow candy) that said "Look under the wrapper? Over a Million Other Instant Win Prizes!" It didn't take a big guess what I would find, but what the hey! it was worth a shot.

The first words I see are, "Please Try Again." No surprise.

Then I read, "This is the hardest thing the rainbow has to do - telling you you didn't win. And if you need some time to yourself right now, the rainbow understands. We'll be on Facebook® if you want to talk."

So funny!

Same Song, Different Verse

Well, I received another rejection yesterday. Don't have much to say about it. Just time to get back to work and hopefully make the next book the one everyone (or someone) wants. I hope. Wow! It's been a long time since I got to write the words "Good News" on this blog. Who knows the next time might be around the corner.

GENERAL HOSPITAL'S HOT HUNK

Good Luck, Bad Luck

Growing up the South, you learn a lot of superstitions. From the usual bad luck from a black cat crossing your path to making a wish after a third sneeze to wearing red on Friday the 13th.

Personally, I know it's a bunch of hogwash, but I'm a firm believer in playing it safe. No walking under ladders for me. Something may fall on my head or I might trip.

Anyway, I have an out on the black cat superstition. When I was a teenager, I owned a black cat and took pretty darn good care of Smokey (I thought). My mom never liked cats (she couldn't stand touching one while it purred...something about the vibration bothered her) and we weren't savvy when it came to shots especially for feline leukemia. Hey, this was a long time ago. Sadly, he died and I always felt whenever a black cat crossed my path, he was looking over me and I wouldn't have bad luck.

What made me think of all of this was what happened this morning. I broke a small mirror I use on occasion. I can't ell you how many times I had dropped it in the past, but for some reason it hit the floor the right way and cracked into about four pieces. They didn't fall out of the frame, but it makes it hard to use. Of course, one of my first thoughts was "Now I'll have seven years bad luck!" Then I fussed at myself for thinking something like that.

I know bad luck has a lot to do with how you look at everyday occurrences. If something bad happens, it's bad luck. But if you think of it in the right light, you can see it could be worse. So in a warped way, good luck. Suppose I wrecked my car. I would then remind myself I have good insurance and the car is repairable and "luckily" no one was hurt. Yeah, a little Pollyanna, but it will keep you from taking a nose dive into depression when things go wrong. :-)

So with the mirror, I'm happy the mirror didn't fall out the frame. Plus I had wanted to buy a larger one but since there wasn't anything wrong with the smaller one, I felt it would be a waste of money. Well, now I can buy a larger one and not feel bad about it. Silly, I know. But whatever works, I'll go along with it.

Besides, this attitude helped me today. I had a good day at work AND I received a request from an agent. It was for only 20 pages, but that's a start. It made my day.

Yep. A good day despite breaking my mirror.

Animals!

Many people have been asked, are you a cat or dog person. I've always said dog. I like cats okay. They get on my nerves with their meowing.

When my daughter returned home from college, she brought a dog and a cat with her. The dog is a mix and is so cute. He doesn't jump on you and I've never heard him bark though my daughter said he does on occasion.

The cat is a pure white with yellow green slanted eyes. She's very pretty. She's friendly and that's so unusual to what I've been around. My sister had several cats over the years and they mostly all ran and hid when I showed up. But my daughter's cat from day one came up and rubbed against my leg wanting me to pet it.

Considering my husband I both agree animals are for outdoors, we gave in and allowed the cat in the house for its safety. But litter boxes...gross. I tell my daughter to clean the box out every day and does she? Heck, no. Grrr.

No matter how clean you are and well you keep house, animals wear out furniture and make a mess. I've had people say their cat/dog doesn't, but then I go to their house and I can tell you, without even smelling them, I can tell.

Anyway, until she finishes up college this last year, we'll have a dog and cat. They're good animals but we've already spent a good bit of money helping her care for them. If it was just her, I would say she could stay forever but with the animals...let's check out those townhouses for rent.