Ending On A Positive Note

Last year I did this and it helped to make me feel a little better about my writing.

OUT OF THE SHADOWS
I don’t usually like stories that are strongly erotic, but this story is very powerful.
2010 Golden Palm

THE ONES: BLOOD WARS
The level of detail and comparisons (of pixy/sprites to Canadian/American) and the way characters’ appearances came to life showed a real gift. Love your world and your people.
2010 Golden Gateway

Happy New Year!

Come On Over!

I posted on the Romance Magician's blog today about the love-hate relationship with WIPS. And I'm giving away some books.

Oh, Yeah. I'll Be There.

New movie coming out. THOR. You need to check it out. Go to http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi26843161/

Love This Funny and Talented Woman!

Check Your Email

We're notifying Linda Howard Award of Excellence finalists today.

Merry Christmas

We had a merry Christmas in Alabama. See. Our first white Christmas here.

Busy, Busy

Like all of you, yesterday was a crazy day of cooking and cleaning. I baked two pecan pies, using a new recipe. They turned out nicely but I don't like the recipe. Oh, well, live and learn. Others liked it but I like the old fashioned pecan pie recipe and have a craving for one. I'll probably try again this coming week. I'll let you know how it turns out.

My New Bathroom

Still have pictures, rugs, towel racks, etc. to add.

What To Do, What To Do...

Okay, you volunteered to be a judge in a writing contest. Then your child is placed in the hospital, you broke your big toe (ouch!), and someone stole your car. Do you still judge? Most likely NOT!

You're wondering why not? Your mind will be on many things, but judging an entry isn't one of them. You feel obligated and you've always followed through on what you promised. But what do you do? You answer the questions in one to three words and it comes across as rude and uncaring. But, heh! you're not letting the coordinator down.

Oh, yes, you are. I promise. I don't know a coordinator out there who wouldn't prefer you email her and say, "I'm so sorry but I had a lot to go wrong and need to pass on judging."

I've had a couple judges tell me that and I always say, "Don't worry. You just take care of yourself/daughter/son/husband/mother/dog and we'll find a judge." And I mean it. I rather a judge tell me "Sorry, no can do," the day before deadline (though I prefer as soon as they receive the entries), than answer the score sheet with resentment or their mind on other things.

So next time you judge a contest, believe me when I say you don't have to do it. We coordinators don't keep a "red" list of bad judges (kind of wish we did, but that would be another can of worms) and you can change your mind.

More Pics of My Study with Books and Shelves

Favorite Christmas Song

I love the Little Drummer Boy. Maybe because when I was in elementary school we did a play where I pounded the drum and sang the song with my classmates. And then sang it in choir in church and high school. Whatever, I love it. Here you go...

Writing and Watching Vampires

My newest book is with my beta readers and one of my critique partners has given it a look-see. There's still more to do with it before it's ready to send to an agent or editor.

In the meanwhile, I've been getting a weekly dose of the Vampire Knight's second season, Guilty. For an anime, there are layers to the story and I've enjoyed it a lot. I mentioned it to Anne Stuart and she said the last anime recommended to her was too bloody.

This one has a little bit in it, it is a vampire series, but overall not much. I think this series, since it is written by a woman (I think), leans more to the love story and the push-pull of a love triangle too.

Strange Mood

I've been in a strange mood the last few days. Determined to be happy and into the Christmas spirit, but frustrated at so much I cannot control. Things will get better after tomorrow. Sixteen days of vacation ahead!

Oh, yes. I predict I will be feeling mighty good.

Forget Failure

I read recently that when we fail at something, our brain continues to revisit the failure in an attempt to find a way to suceed. Thus the reason we don't often remember our successes. That is so true.

Rain

Oh, so young, but gorgeous.

The Music Of The Time

I love music of all types. Some more than others like most people. Jazz, rarely. Blues, a lot. Rock, pop and alternative, like them most of the time. Classical, show tunes, helps me chill.

One thing I noticed about music used in movies set in the 60s or 70s, they usually play the tunes from the end of the decade. The movie can be set in 1964, but they'll play Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride from the late 60s. Early 60s was more Beatles and Peter, Paul & Mary.

Whenever I hear people talk about the disco age being in the 70s, I point out disco didn't really show up until the later part. There was a lot of great music then from the Jackson 5, Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, and Roberta Flack.

So much great music no matter the type or decade.

Ho-Hum

I received a form rejection today from an agent who had asked for a partial last summer. It will be most interesting to see how she reacts when she receives the same book to judge in a contest this month.

Puss N' Boots

I'm so tickled. When I was a little kid, I had wanted cowgirl boots to go with my cowgirl outfit. Oh, yes, it was a skirt and top, but no boots.

Fast forward around fifteen years later. Mom buys a pair of boots she doesn't like and gives them to me. They were a little tight, but I was so thrill to have a pair. I couldn't afford to buy myself any.

Well, a local shoe store had a sale going on and I bought TWO pair. Yes. I'm greedy. But they were so pretty and reasonable. They're actually the half boot type, but a boot is a boot.

This is what they look like (right).

Ho, Ho, Ho

People who believe men and women are treated equally in the work place are delusional. Yes. Virginia. There is a Santa Claus and he pays Mrs. Santa as much as 25 to 40% less than he does the male elves.

And for a little more information, click here.

Inspiring

I read an article about this wonderful lady in a magazine and tried to find the article on-line to share. No such luck. But I did find an interview with her and I promise it's inspiring to say the least. Check it out here.

Purrrr!

If you're interested in dating a younger man. Check out this article. Interesting....

All Right!

My book is a finalist in the Emily! I'm on a roll and hope it continues! Then I might go to New York next summer for the award ceremony for that certain other contest. I can dream. Thus why I'm a writer.

Strange Things To Know

A buddy of mine at work was telling me about an episode of the Dirty Jobs TV show. The guy was doing a really grossing job and was about to throw up and someone told him to smile. Oddly, smiling will keep a person from throwing up. Well, it didn't quite work. But the fellow started dancing around. That kept him from getting sick. LOL!

I thought the bit about smiling was interesting and the dancing around too funny. Plus I wanted to share.

What Do You Want?

Geez, just like thinking of a good blog and forgetting, I thought of something this morning I would love to have (and inexpensive) and completely forgot. Sure wish I could remember so I could tell one of my girls. I try to always give them ideas.

Isn't that part of the reason (along with lack of funds) why we dread Christmas coming around so quickly? We want to give people we care about something they want and can use.

Maybe it'll come back to mind.

Hurray!

I "finished" my latest book. It was a long haul on it. I even began to hate it as I wanted to make sure it was action pack and on the original side.

Actually I had finished it once before but didn't like the ending (really the last half of the book) and cut that part out and started over from there. Now it has a new ending.

Next step is editing and getting others to read it through. A few people have read the first few chapters but as you guessed, not the whole thing.

I'm so happy.

So what should I write or work on next? I have several projects I could work on including a historical. Hmmm.

Hmmm, Pies

I don't know what it is about pies, but I love them. I can pass up cake, cookies, brownies and fudge. Yet pie I cannot say no to, unless it's something strange like Rutabaga. Uh-uh.

For yesterday, I'd baked two pumpkin pies. They were delicious. We had so many desserts, I had one left over. Of course, now I think I have permission to eat as much as I want. My hubby doesn't care for pumpkin and my youngest is staying with friends. I hate to throw out food but I might have to to keep from gaining what little I've lost.

Truth be known, I've probably already gained it back. ::sigh::

Movie Season

This time of year (Thanksgiving to Christmas) is the best time to see a movie or two. I want to see several.

MEGAMIND - Will Ferrell. Enough said.

TANGLED - Yeah. It appears I'm jonesing for animation.

MORNING GLORY - Cute.

THE WARRIOR'S WAY - Martial arts along with a romance. Oh, yes.

The last one I'm really excited about. Check out the hero. Yum.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

The other day I was thinking about the first time I heard a Beatles song. I was sitting in the front seat of my mom’s car with my sister, waiting for mom to pick up something at our neighborhood drug store. Why that stuck in my mind, I have no idea.

I remember asking my sister, “Who’s singing that?”

“The Beatles,” she said all grown up for a twelve year old. I was eight.

I remembered thinking that was a funny name.

You’re probably wondering, what was the song’s name?

“I Wanna Hold Your Hand.”

Love, Love Vacation

Starting Friday, I’m on vacation and I can’t wait! We’re really don’t have big plans. Just the usual visit to my mom’s on Thanksgiving (yes, we have an alarm on the house so I can mention being away on my blog).

Oh, I do plan to spend the night with a friend of mine. (Hi, Diane!) That will be fun. We’ll talk about writing and family all evening.

Then on Monday night I plan to spend the night with my dad. That’s always enjoyable as we talk all evening and watch whatever he likes on the TV. I try to talk him into letting me buy dinner, but you know how dad’s are.

Did You Hear...

I’m amaze how much a person can gossip. People who work with me can be on a personal phone call for hours. Or stand around and chat for thirty minutes or longer. And it’s not just women. My husband has told me they’ve had problems with some of the men talking on their cell phones with friends and relatives for hours. They are the same guys who operate heavy equipment. Eekk!

Where Is That Plane?

Today at work, I was thinking of how many women around my age I know who do not have children. Easily ten come to mind. Half made the decision not to have children (usually because they were single until their thirties or their husbands had children from a previous relationship) and the balance because of health reasons. Adoption is so expensive especially to receive a healthy infant, that wasn’t an option for some.

One thing about working with women who never had children, they’re not very understanding when it comes to being absent because of a sick child. Thankfully my two girls are grown, but I remember every time I turned around one of them was sick and I had to take off. It was rough. A lot of vacation used taking my children to the doctor or staying home with them.

What really amazes me is when they start giving advice on raising children. I’m sure part of it stems from hearing their friends talk about raising their own and they’re passing on information, but really think about. If you never owned a plane, what kind of advice can you give on taking care of one? Even if all your friends own one.

Ain't You Funny

Today, I received several emails from people who are kind enough to judge the Linda Howard Award of Excellence. Some were apologizing for being a little late. Some of them were so funny. We writers are inventive in our explanations. I would repeat them here, but I don't want to embarrass anyone.

Sorry to tease.

Judging Is So Subjective

Scoring an entry very low is like kneading bread twice as long as needed believing it will make the bread lighter. When in actuality it does the opposite.

What I’ve seen is when the entrant receives a pretty low score and lots of comments on how so much is wrong, they ignore all the hard work of the judge and toss it away. I know if she makes around 70 and the judge concentrates on the major errors, she’ll be more apt to take the comments to heart. It would be unlikely that her manuscript would final anyway. If the unlikely did happen, that would mean the other two judges loved it and gave it a 90 or higher and didn’t see what you did. As we all know, judging is so subjective.

Just my opinion.

Can You Be Too Honest?

Yes.

Now, I don’t mean as in money or someone else’s possessions. I’m referring to telling people how you feel about a situation or even about them. Unless someone asks for your opinion about something they did or said, keep it to yourself. People don’t want to hear how to improve on themselves unless they ask and sometimes not even then. Because really think about it. The person “being honest” is only expressing their opinion and it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right.

It’s like having lunch with your very best friend who walks into the restaurant wearing a bright red polka-dot dress and it makes her look forty pounds heavier. As a friend, you’re tempted to tell her the dress does nothing for her. You know, in the sake of just being honest.

While you’re eating, you continue the internal debate and then it finally registers what she’s telling you. It turns out the dress is the last gift her dearly beloved mother ever gave her before she died. The mother had it fashioned just for her by a famous Paris designer. And moments before, her husband had told her how red polka-dots just turn him on and he can’t wait for her to return home so they can make wild, passionate love.

Now aren’t you glad you kept your mouth shut and hadn’t been “honest?”

Quote For The Day

The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby.
Natalie Wood

Blurting (Better than Burping) Out Blurbs in the Burbs

Couldn’t resist that title. Gets your attention doesn’t it. LOL!

Blurbs are a funny thing. The free book I’m reading right now had a pretty good blurb, but so far I’ve had to push myself to keep reading after the first chapter. The author has several books with the same publisher. So we know the editor likes them, but there’s no pizzazz. The sexual tension gets lost in the plot. They’re running around trying to figure out who killed a woman but so far they have five candidates. Considering this book is a small one, that’s way too many. It actually drags down the story.

Some time ago, I read the blurbs on a few of my favorite books and realized, if I hadn’t liked the author so much, I wouldn’t have bought the book. So subjective.

Sucker Born Every Minute

P.T. Barnum (as in circus) said that and it's so true. I'm one of those women who has a hard time passing up buy one and get one free sales. Yes. I try to keep it to things I like or want to try, but even then that's not always good.

Why am I saying that?

Well, the grocery store had a sell on their Halloween candy the day before and, yes, I bought two huge bags. I really need to take the candy to work and give it away. But there's a lot around the office.

I've been playing like it's not sitting in the cabinet. Not calling my name. Carrrllla, come and eat this delicious creamy chocolate.

Good thing my cold has my ears stopped up.

The Walking Dead

I mentioned in yesterday's post about the show THE WALKING DEAD. It's like driving by an accident. You swear you won't look, but you catch yourself doing it. The show is action-packed and makes you wonder what will happen next. Gruesome picture, heh? That gives you an idea how grossing it is. I still can't believe I actually like watching it. Weird. It isn't my usual type of movie. I like scary movies without blood. You can't say that about this one.

Whee!

Whee! Time flies as the saying goes. I had dinner Friday night with Peggy Webb and a few of my writer buddies. Good time indeed.

Then on Saturday was the Romance Readers Luncheon our chapter puts on. It was the smallest attendance we've ever had but so much fun. Peggy is a natural storyteller like my dad.

The bad thing about the whole weekend is my sinus became infected. When I left the luncheon I went straight to bed. So I've been doping myself up with over-the-counter medicine. I'm a little better, but boy, oh, boy, I'm sore all over from coughing.

First sinus infection since my surgery a couple years ago. Tomorrow, I should be better.

It's now time to go and watch THE WALKING DEAD.

The Two Sided Story

Everyone has heard the expression “there are two sides to every story.” I’m a firm believer in that. Remember my post over at the Romance Magicians about historical events being gray (as everyone sees history in different ways and facts can become muddled when more than one person gives their views).

Let me give you an example. When my youngest daughter was just a few months old, she was having a problem going to sleep one evening. It was around nine o’clock and I was exhausted. My husband was working the night shift and my oldest was already in bed. She had just drifted off to sleep in my arms when the phone rang. She jumped and started crying. Actually screaming. I answered the phone.

“Hello.”
“Is (insert a strange name here) there?”
“You have the wrong number.” I hung up. Yes. That may have been rude but surely the guy heard the child crying. She was in my lap.
After a couple minutes, I was able to get her quiet and close her eyes.
The phone rang again. Yes. I should’ve placed the phone off the hook, but 1) my husband may have needed us and 2) I rarely get phone calls that time of night.
“Hello”
“You’re the rudest bitch and you can f**k off.” Click.

Didn’t he hear the child crying (again)? I would’ve happily explained to him that due to his ignorance he’d woken my child twice.

Yes. I’m glad I no longer have a “house” phone where anyone and his brother can act like a turkey. And I’m especially glad for caller ID on my cell phone where I can return the call and explain why they’re wrong. And if the number doesn’t show up on my dial…I don’t answer. Anyone who is above board won’t mind me seeing their number.

Of course, the guy probably had a bad day. The person he was calling might have owed him a bunch of money and if he didn’t get that money, he wouldn’t be able to have that operation or he’d lose his house, etc. But he had to have heard the child crying. Anyway, next time someone is rude to you. Think. Did you make an error? And don’t go out of your way to be rude back. Be the better person.

Bossy versus Suggestions

From what I’ve heard recently, I’m bossy. Strange. I never thought of myself as bossy. Now maybe when my girls were 18 and younger, they could say that about me. That’s only right. I’m their mother and should tell them what to do. But when it comes to others outside my home, no. I firmly believe in allowing others to find their own way. If I’m familiar with something, I won’t hesitate in giving suggestions but I don’t expect anyone to follow those suggestion unless they believe they’re good ones.

And funny thing is I always (at least I think I do) say “I suggest…” or “In my opinion….” I really don’t understand why people get offended by someone’s suggestions/opinions. They don’t have to follow them. And I can tell you I’ll be the last person to say, “I told you so” if they don’t listen to them. I’ve had it done to me many times. There’s no way one person can take everyone opinions and suggestions to heart. We would go crazy doing so. But if you ask for people’s opinions, you have to at least respect that they offer. I can’t stand how some people will not offer suggestions or opinions when asked and then later tell you where you went wrong. Now that’s just not right.

I have to keep reminding myself I can’t make everyone happy or get them to like me. I guess I could go around “sulled up” (southern for sulking) and feeling sorry for myself. But what good would that do? I will continue to give suggestions when asked to do so. The rest of the time, I’ll bite my lip.

I’m sure before you know it, I’ll have full lips like people for some strange reason think are sexy.

[Add: Maybe the reason some people think I'm bossy is because at work I have to sound sure of myself when I talk with my customers. Since I work with mainly men and deal with mainly male customers, if I didn't sound like I know what I'm talking about, they would chew me up and spit me out daily. I'm sure some of that spills over to by "personal" life, but like I said, I try then to add "I suggest" or "my opinion."]

Movie Quote of the Day

I love movie and TV quotes that are funny or poignant. Here's both.

"With all due respect, M, I think you don't have the balls for this job."
"Perhaps. But the advanage is, I don't have to think with them all the time."
An admiral to M (James Bond's boss) in Tomorrow Never Dies.

Highborn Women in the Middle Ages

You are rich, your father is the Earl of Flanders, and you have highborn French, English and German ancestors. If that isn’t enough, you’re beautiful and well-educated for a sixteen-year-old woman. Your world is perfect, right? Wrong!

You have an ambitious cousin trying to court you without your father’s permission. Why should he care about consanguineous laws? When you finally tell him to get lost, that you’re in love with a nice young Englishman, what does he do? He attacks you as you come out of church one morning, rips your best gown, throws you on the ground and leans over to slap you several times for emphasis. Instead of kidnaping you, so you two could marry, what does he do? He just rides off, the bastard (figuratively and literally)!

Who are the young lovers?

Matilda and her soon-to-be-husband, William the Conqueror.

*****
Few noble marriages lasted longer than fifteen years. When a wife dies in childbirth, the husband would take a second wife or third, and so on, each much younger. When the elder husband dies, the last wife would often take a younger husband to take care of the estate.

Queen Eleanor, wife of Henry II, introduced silk worms into her province of Aquitaine.

Berengaria of Navarre, wife of Richard I never set a foot in England.

Once when King John suspected his second wife, Isabella of Angorilme, of having a lover, he had the man hanged and the body suspended over her bed. Why is it possible for us to believe he died of poisoning?

In a list of household goods owned by Eleanora of Castile, queen to Edward I, were two forks, one of silver and one of crystal.

During Richard II’s reign, his wife, Anne of Bohemia, introduced the side-saddle. The belief was riding astride caused miscarriages.

Before the 16th century, forks were mainly used for sweet meats and carving meat.

When sharing a meal, a person must not touch the food with his right hand, only his left.

It was permissible to drink direct from the jug or pitcher as long as you wiped the vessel afterwards.

Crusaders brought back several new fabrics, such as, cotton, diaphanous muslin, patterned damask and gauze.

Very Interesting...

I love coming across interesting web pages. Here are a few I've found over the last couple years. You can imagine what I used them for.

Latitidue and Longitude
Port of New York Passenger Lists
Blood Types of The World

In My Opinion - Judging Contests

A word of advice on judging an unpublished writer’s contest. If you receive an entry with so many mistakes you know the person is a newbie, point out the top five-ten areas of improvements. If you were to try to correct everything, the writer will shut down about halfway through reading it and ignore the whole critique, believing the judge was being over critical. So by concentrating on the most important aspects, you get your helpful advice across to the entrant and you don’t waste your time.

Oh, another thing. My writers' group contest has the maximum score at 100 points. I can tell you, anyone with a 90 or less on more than one entry, rarely finals, and never in the big three categories (Romantic Suspense, Single Title and Unique Genres). So personally I seldom give anyone a score below a 70. To me, no matter how bad the entry is, giving a small score is senseless and demoralizing to the entrant. The person is going to ignore your critique (see paragraph above). So critique kindly and be generous within reason on your scoring. Like I said, they won’t final anyway. Just my personal opinion.

You Are Family!

My sister looked up our family tree and she found that our maternal great and great-great grandfather had the same first name of Valentine. So old world. Love it. They came over in the 1800’s from Germany.

There are two parts of our family tree we can’t search. One you can probably guess is because my father’s mother’s father was an orphan and he didn’t remember anything about his family. Or at least claimed he didn’t. My cynical side showing here. Then my mother’s mother’s family was from the Netherlands and their last name was Smith. You can imagine in the U.S. that’s a very popular name. Unless you have specifics, which most of us don’t, it’s near to impossible to locate that branch of the family. And if you have specifics, why are you looking? Duh.

My sis has done big time research on my dad’s family. They’re mainly Welsh, but with a mix of English, Irish, and Scottish. Can we say United Kingdom?

Quote of the Day

Never give up. And never, under any circumstances, face the facts.
Ruth Gordon

Sugar And Spice

Is it easier to be mean or nice? I think it depends on the person and their outlook on life. I know some days I have no problem giving people the benefit of the doubt. Those days I feel good and love how it feels being kind and making someone smile. I feel good about myself and firmly believe I can accomplish anything.

Then those other days come along, the ones I could pinch babies and kick dogs. I don’t like myself and I make others suffer along with me. No kindness or consideration of others cross my mind. I feel that dark cloud suffocating me with its negativity. I hate those days and thankfully they are few and far in-between.

So, the question was, is it easier to be mean or nice? How much work does it take to be either? The answer is no work at all. But it is the aftermath that gets you. The clean up of hurt feelings and damaged relationships. So I strive to remain positive and when I do get in those terrible funks, I keep my mouth shut and away from people.

Yummmy Covers

I love how the romance book industry has finally gotten the right idea about book covers. No, I’m not talking about the generic covers of landscapes or flowers. I’m talking about the covers with only gorgeous men. They can be fully clothed, shirts wide open or stark naked. I just loved them.

Use to most romance novels had couples on them, with the woman showing her overflowing lovelies for all to gander and the guy fully clothed, staring off in the distance, like the woman didn’t even exist. Then someone at Johanna Lindsey’s publishing house got smart. They would show the woman half dressed as usual but the man would be naked, staring down the woman at his feet. Now they were getting the idea. I didn’t read the novels for the beautiful women, it was the MEN!

Then the last few years, I noticed it first on Sherrilyn’s books, the publishers realized women do indeed loved looking at men. The covers of half clothed men appeared. I didn’t even care that some books didn’t have the men’s faces on them. For that part I always stuck my husband’s face on them anyway. My husband has a nice body, but he doesn’t have ten hours a day to workout and sculpt abs like on the cover models…though most are airbrushed in. Sorry, ladies.

But I’m very happy the publishers finally got the idea. Oh, yeah, I’m so very happy.

Old Standbys

I have a few books I love to read over and over again. Rainbow Season by Candice Camp (w/a Lisa Gregory) is one. Some basic stories, no matter who writes it (as long as it's good), never gets old.

Today, I was watching a movie with a classic tale of a fat boy who did good and became slim and handsome and returns to his hometown determined to show the girl he loved what she missed out on. The fat boy you can sub in bad boy and it would be like so many of the romance books I love to read.

In fact, it gave me a great idea of a new book. So instead of starting on it (like I use to in the old days), I jotted down the concept in my file called "Miscellaneous." This is actually the second file I started with miscellaneous thoughts. The other one I have saved on a flash drive and some of the ideas I've already used separately or combined in a few of my stories. It sure comes in handy and keeps you from forgetting that next great story.

Girls vs Boys

Being a mother of two girls, I never worried about bringing up a boy. I can’t tell you how many times I would have female friends and acquaintances with only boys who would say ignorant things like “I wouldn’t know what to do with a girl.” Goodness, ladies. You were a girl once. What did you like to do? Well, girls still like those things.

Girls are easy to deal with. Yes, they’re hormonal but you are too. So you know to either hug them or leave them alone. Yes, some slimy boy can get them pregnant and walk away. But that’s where you educate them in the ways of boys and men and sex. Yes. You do have to talk with them and teach them to be ladies. I’ve never understood the world’s belief that raising girls were any harder than boys. At least with a girl, I don’t have to worry about her growing up to be a serial killer. Think. White men are more likely to be one than a woman. I don’t have to worry about her being an alcoholic (men are the greater percentage), walking away from their kids (men continue in the larger share) or beat their husbands (what do you think?).

Sure the parents of girls normally have to buy more clothes (boys are known to wear the same outfit for days), purchase cars (most boys have to work for theirs, but they are also notorious for making more money even at part-time jobs), or pay for weddings (the boys’ pay for rehearsal and rent a tux…whoopee-do). But then for boys, they crash their cars and the insurance goes up and they get tickets and insurance goes up. We can go on and on, but you get the idea.

It’s all in the way you look at it. Right?

I will say no matter girl or boy, children are wonderful. Well, my children are. Don’t know about yours. LOL!

Good Day

Yesterday, I had a good day. It started off with me waking up and feeling good. Not sleepy, not aching somewhere and not late. Then I did my daily weighing. Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment. And I finally hit my goal. That last pound was a bitch to get rid of. Don't get excited. I have a whole lot more to go, but I'm taking it ten pounds at a time. So now to start working on another ten.

Then I got to work and was told by three different customers, one co-worker and a sales engineer (another co-worker) that they enjoyed working with me. WOW! That's nice to hear. And though they're always nice to me, they rarely say anything like that.

I went to my hair appointment and my hair dresser and her assistant both told me how much they love seeing me come in and not just for the business. Her assistant who's a teenager said I was cool. That's high praise.

Wow! I needed all of that. Yes. I feel good. And my hair is so pretty.

Thank you, Lord.

Oh, Yeah, A Beautiful New Commerical

Drool, hun, drool.

Grease II

I probably mentioned here before, but I'm one of the few who loves Grease II. Maxwell Caulfield was so sexy in his black leather.

Pictures of My New Study

Disappeared

You thought I disappeared, didn't you? I was busy this weekend, trying to be everything for everyone. You know, that usual womanly thing we all do.

For now, I'm trying to finish up my first person paranormal, encourage people to judge my writers' group's contest and send the entries out to the volunteers.

Busy, busy.

Don't Open It!

At where I work, they have a great virus scan that stores away the spam mail and deletes it after a period of time. They do it that way just in case an email I actually need gets thrown into the folder. Anyway, for the heck of it, I decided to check out what was sitting out there and I was amazed how many, easily two hundred, were sent in a 24 hr period.

I guess people somewhere open those emails and purchased the things they’re selling. Surely, the quantities would be less if they didn’t.

What struck me so funny was the subject lines. Of course, you have the usual, “Be a stallion in bed,” “Great sex for free,” and “Last longer for free.” Then there are the ones you can tell they’re translating and doing it poorly, “Professional Man Snake hardeners,” or “Maximize Your Man Snake.” Eeek! Keep that snake away from me! LOL!

And where do they get off with telling me, “Erectile issues are not your fault”? I know that. I don’t own one. Unless you count…nah, we ain’t going there. They obviously think only men are interested in sex and are the only ones on the internet.

I do wonder if I clicked on all of those spam emails, would I have a great sex life and clear skin? I do know if that was true I certainly wouldn’t need the anxiety pills they offer.

BREATHLESS

Anne Stuart did it again. The third in her House of Rohan series (BREATHLESS) was even better than the first (RUTHLESS) and I loved the first one. The second (RECKLESS) was very good, but the other two were awesome.

I love have she writes the bad guys who are the heroes. Their sexy and so redeemable. Of course, in real life I would stay miles and miles away from them.

Have A Nice Day

Slipping Away

Wow! Yesterday was crazy. It was the deadline for my chapter's unpublished author contest. It's amazing how many people will wait until the last minute to enter.

To be truthful, I've done it a time or two myself.

My New Study

My new study is almost completed. It's working out beautifully. Though I haven't sweated this much since July in Orlando. Next I have to move my books from upstairs and get rid of many of them. Yes. You read that correctly. I've decided if I haven't read at least one of the authors books again, then off they go.

Quote For The Day

A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
George Bernard Shaw

Anger Management

When you have a friend angry about something…let’s say a situation at her job, do you try to calm her down and make her see the other side or do you nod your head and say “I understand what you mean?”

If the friend just appears to be letting off steam, I’ll agree and nod my head, listening intently, adding words like, “I can’t believe he/she did that,” “Oh, my goodness, that’s awful,” or “Some people don’t have a lick of sense.”

After she gets it all off her chest, she’ll realize what a good friend you are and how you’re a great listener. Too often when you try to calm a person down, they’ll turn that anger on you. So you have to tread carefully, and usually listening is best.

Unless they have a gun. Then try to calm them down and see the other side. Be sure to duck behind cover first.

Blah, Blah, Blah

When I was growing up, I was a talker. Even now around some people I can still talk a person’s ear off. But I find myself being quiet and listening. Maybe it’s the writer in me. In a conversation, you can’t stop, delete what you said and start over in a different direction. Yes. Writing has spoiled me.

Guess What!

My book, OUT OF THE SHADOWS, finaled in the Florida Romance Writers' 2010 Golden Palm! In the Single Title category. Adam Wilson with Mira is the final judge. I'm so happy!

Personal Library

Whenever I loan a book out, I try to write it down somewhere. Otherwise, times passes and I forget it’s mine. So do the person who borrowed it. I’ve lost several good books that way. At least, I think I did.

Thank you, God, For Computers

I was reading a beautifully written historical romance the other day and couldn’t help wondering if the reason we have so many new authors to choose from is because it’s so easy to “write” on computers. I remember how long it took to type a manuscript out on a typewriter. My goodness! It took forever and don’t get me started on Wite-Out™…

Big Sigh

Have you ever been around someone who can take a simple sentence like “I’m broke” and make it into a discussion of the world’s problems? Geez! Lighten up!

Smooth Music

I love the blues. We have a new blues café that opened up in my little town. Somehow I have to convince my husband we need to go and check it out.

In Memory Of

When my sister and I were growing up, we enjoyed watching all kinds of movies on television during Saturday and Sunday afternoons. In each movie we would pick our favorite characters. She usually went for the serious male lead. While I would set my eyes on the funny male character. So she would love Dean Martin and I was crazy for Jerry Lewis. Hers was Paul Newman. Mine was Tony Curtis.

Mr. Curtis died yesterday at the age of 85. He was one of those fellows who looked so good but had a sense of humor. I remember seeing a biography on him once. He and his first wife, Janet Leigh, would have friends over and make home movies with everyone playing parts. I always wished I was one of their kids. It looked like so much fun.

On an ironic note, today is the Flintstones’s 50th Anniversary. Tony lent his voice for Stoney Curtis, a character based on him.


(And as kids, my sister’s favorite musician was Paul McCartney and mine was Ringo Starr.)

Quote Of The Day

Perhaps they were right in putting love into books... Perhaps it could not live anywhere else.

William Faulkner



(Just like a man - talk about cynical.)

Surprise!

I watched a new show tonight that surprised me in being so funny. RAISING HOPE. It has what I like to call heart. Shows people in crazy situations who can laugh at themselves.

Guess What I'm Watching?

Rejections

I've noticed a new trend in the rejections I've been getting lately. The agent or editor will say things like "You are a talented writer..." "Your writing is very good..." "I did enjoy your writing..." "I admired your writing...".

Of course, this could be a new thing all of them started doing. BUT, I have to think it means I've improved and about to take flight and grab that star I've been reaching for for so long.

Quote For The Day

One of the things being in politics has taught me is that men are not a reasoned or reasonable sex.

Margaret Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1979 to 1990.

Heroes - Part 2

It appears someone ratted me out. Candi? LOL! Panama's hero sent me pictures so everyone could see how much his dog has improved. They start with him being a starved little puppy to a happy, loved doggy. Look at that face!

Fell Off The Wagon

No. I'm not drinking. Though a margarita would be good about now. The last few months, I've been goofing off more than doing any writing. Well, it's time to get in the driver's seat and head this team out. Sounds like I'm writing a western. But no.

I've been editing my first person vampire book. It's a lot better than I thought. I feel good about it. Wish me luck.

Makeup

No. I'm not talking about arguing and then making up with someone. I'm not talking about foundation that you put on your face. That is if you're a woman...well, nowadays, I guess it could be anyone.

A few months ago, I purchased a bottle of expensive makeup that would help keep wrinkles away. Yes. I've been thinking about that especially after I had surgery a few years ago and dark circles/bags showed up beneath my eyes. Those are gone (almost) now with the help of some wonderful creams. Anyway, I bought the makeup and used it some months ago and didn't use it again until yesterday.

Oh, my, I remembered why I hadn't continued to use it. The stuff made my eyes sting and burn yesterday. By the time I got home I was sick. I quickly washed it off and put it up. I just can't make myself throw it away. Remember, I said "EXPENSIVE." I'll see if someone else might want to try it. It has a pump on it, so it shouldn't have any of my germs in it. And it probably won't bother other people.

Thankfully, I have another jar of makeup waiting. The stuff I usually use. No one would ever want me to go out and about without makeup on. Too scary.

Oh, My - Part 2

Several of the new TV shows came on tonight and one I've been waiting for is on now. So talk with you tomorrow. For now I'm watching Alex. Yum!

Writing Cave

You've heard of a Man Cave, right? You know, where a guy can go and watch sports on a big screen TV and drink beer and fart without worry of offending the women in the household.

Well, today I read an advertisement about a Mom Cave. If I remember correctly, it was for decorating supplies. Anyway, I thought it was a great thought. My hubby has given his Man Cave to me. Isn't that sweet? I didn't nag or bother him. It was his idea.

Hmmm. What does he want? What has he done wrong? No. No. No. :sigh: Whatever it was, I'm benefiting and I won't look a horse in the mouth.

I don't think I'll call it a Mom Cave as I no longer have any little ones at home. So let's call it a Writing Cave. It's where I will get inspired and maybe even write or revise my first published book. Hey, I have nine completed books I can work with. Or is that ten? I can't remember anymore.

I'm so excited and ready to move in. He's painted the walls a light golden yellow (like honey). It has French doors on both ends with white trim. So plenty of light to energize me. He's putting in loads of shelves for books. When it's done, I'll post a picture of it.

After he finishes that room, we're (I'll supply money and a few opinions, but he keeps me away as he likes to be in control) redoing the main bath. Can't wait for that too!

Yes, That Time Again

Come over to Romance Magicians' blog and read about being polite. As you know, I'm no Miss Manners.

Traveling At Night

Wow! Last night, for some reason, there were so many big trucks out on the road. On one stretch of the interstate I could see for over a mile on the opposite side. There had to be at less fifteen, one after another. My dad said truck drivers liked to run at night because there weren't as many crazy car drivers or strict officers. They usually made better timing too.

Anyway, it was cool. It's also a sign that someone is buying and selling something. Maybe a good sign for the economy. I hope so.

Book Quote

"Any woman in this house is a whore, my child. So, for that matter, are the men. Let me get you a glass of wine and we can discuss this." The King of Hell, Viscount Rohan to Elinor Harriman

Anne Stuart's RUTHLESS

Delightful book and the next one RECKLESS was wonderful too. Anne writes some of the most spine-tingling, sexy anti-heroes I love to read.

[Note: I'm late posting because my internet keeps going out at my house. So frustrating!]

Linda Howard Award of Excellence

Southern Magic’s 2011 Linda Howard Award of Excellence for unpublished writers

No synopsis needed for first round judging.
Discounts for entering early and/or for judging other categories.
Early bird deadline October 1, 2010
Entry deadline October 11, 2010
Finalists can revised their entry before going to final judge.
We are now taking entries!
For rules and entry form, check it out at
http://www.southernmagic.org/lindahowardcontest.html

FINAL JUDGES

Series/Short & Long Contemporary
Susan Litman, Editor, Harlequin

Single Title
Latoya Smith, Editor, Grand Central Publishers

Romantic Suspense
Kate Collins, Senior Editor, Ballantine

Historical
Margo Lipschultz, Associate Editor

Unique Genres (Paranormal, Futuristic, Fantasy, Time Travel)
Melissa Frain, Editor, Tor

Young Adult
Alicia Condon, Editorial Director, Kensington

The Write Magic
For Southern Magic members only
Sara Megibow, Associate Agent, Nelson Literary Agency

Be sure to tell everyone about it. Go the website (link above) and check out the details.

Well, Isn't This Something?

Yesterday, my post was about a changing of the tides, sort of. That something good would happen. LOL! Maybe nothing real big but I do love winning stuff. I use to win door prizes all the time and this is kind of like that.

Ellora's Cave's blog was having a little contest and I was one of the winners. Like I said, it's nothing big, but it was fun and made my day. I've learned to appreciate the small wins in life. So now I own my buddy's, Naima Simone, first e-book.

If you're interested in reading a short story of hers, you can get a free copy of that one by clicking on the word download.

Dreams

You know me and my dreams. I love trying to deciper them. Last night I dreamed two different ones but both had something where I turned and look out a window or at a picture and it changed from black to white. Like storm clouds leaving and sunshine streaming in. Nothing else of the dreams stuck with me.

I looked it up online to see what they could mean and couldn't really find anything. But I'm taking it to mean whatever dark cloud I've been living under for a long time has gone away. And good things are on their way.

Oh, My!

Remember this fellow from Moonlight, the cancelled vampire series, from a couple years ago? Oh, my. He's still gorgeous.

Nice Touch Commericals

Though I don't have AT&T, I like their commercials. The music and the concepts.

Heroes

You know, there are real heroes out in the world who don't receive medals or big money rewards.

One fellow at work is one. About a year ago, he heard someone in the office talking about the sad, mistreated dog wandering around outside. Heartbroken for the animal, he took the poor dog to a vet. The dog had so many problems most people would've put him to sleep. Instead he paid for the dog's treatments. It was such a long list, I don't remember half of them. Anyway, the vet warned the treatments would be expensive and then he offered a steep discount. Because of the fellow at work (and the vet) the dog is still alive. Now his name is Panama (it actually fits) and he's so happy and healthy as possible.

I use to work with a lady whose husband did something so giving, it brought tears to my eyes. And I was told he did it often. He was walking into a business in a low rent area of downtown Birmingham and spotted two little boys riding their bicycles up and down the sidewalks. A third little boy sat on the steps watching them. He looked so sad.

The man asked, "Why aren't you riding your bike with the other boys?"

The young fellow said, "I don't have a bike."

He looked around. "Stay here. I'll be back." Thirty minutes later, he pulls up in front of the building and sure enough the boy was still there. The man unloaded a brand new bike from the back of his truck. "Here you go."

The boy, eyes wide, asked, "For me?"

The man said, "Yes. Go ahead and tell your mom it was a gift."

The little boy got on the bike, smiling ear to ear, and rode away. He didn't say thank you, but to the man, the smile was enough.

[Edited 9/23/10]

Temper, Temper

I lost my temper today. I hate doing that. It's never positive or the right thing to do. It wasn't nothing drastic or important. That only makes it worse. It even makes me sick to my stomach. Really. Physically ill. That's why I avoid drama. Thankfully it doesn't happen often.

Sigh.

I'll pray about it and move on and work at being a better person tomorrow.

Books, Books, Books

Miscellaneous comments about books.

I've gotten my TBR pile down to a reasonable number by giving many of them away. I'm so proud.

You should see my study though. Paper and books everywhere. I hate that it's so messy. No. I won't take a picture. I'm too ashamed.

On another blog I was reading about someone in Florida planning to burn the Quran in protest of 9/11. Sheez! Don't take it out on the book. Instead live a good Christian life and that'll show them.

The only time I've destroyed a book was when the cover and blurb claimed it was a romance but they lied. It did have a romance in it, but when the hero and heroine got back together after whatever conflict kept them apart, the heroine died. Yep. You read it right. DIED! She freaking died! I had invested several days in reading this fat ass novel and the woman died in the end. I didn't shed one tear. Instead I tore it in half and threw it away. I can tell you I've never done anything like that before or since.

Nowadays, I make sure my romances end happy with the two main characters alive, in love, and making love like crazed monkeys.

LOOK

I've decided one of my favorite words is LOOK. Why? Maybe because it was one of the first words I learned. Look at Jane run. Look, Jane, look.

What other word works with eyes in the middle and matches the meaning?

Invisible

One of the things I hate about being overweight is having people pretend you're invisible. Well, exactly not just people, but men. It's amazing how if you look them in the eye at the grocery store, they'll get almost a panic look on their face. They're either trying to remember where they know you or hoping you won't flirt with them. Not that I would do the latter.

And don't get me started on being over that certain age...geez!

Beautiful Day

It was beautiful today. The sky was so blue it looked painted on. Started out in the low to mid-70's and got no higher than 82. I opened the sunroof and rolled down the windows of my new-to-me car. Life is good. God is good.

Yep, That's Him

My dad has/had several siblings. My Uncle Freeman has always be one of my favorites. I like his voice. He sounds like the Old South. Let's see if I can describe it. Hmmm. He pronounces his vowels long like any Southern, but rarely drops his G's. He sounds like he's almost hoarse but with a softness. When I hear him, I automatically think of mint juleps, long porches with rocking chairs lined up and ready for wasting the day away, humid summer days and paper church fans.

Anyway, I recently found out my uncle is rather well-known to football fans, especially to those in Alabama. Click here to read the article about him and his late wife.

Fascinating what you turn up about family members on the internet. See. I should go to more family reunions. It has been over twenty years since I've been to one of my dad's side.

YAHOO Loops and RWA

We members of RWA love our YAHOO loops. We have one for the general membership in our chapter and hundreds of others for every special group or interest you can imagine. Every day I read emails from around ten loops (and have ten more I've set at no-mail) and most of those are set on digest (means you get around ten or more emails in one long email).

On saying all of that, PEOPLE! Please trim your emails before replying!!!! I hate reading the same email over over again in my effort to get to the new ones. Just pure laziness. Oh, on their part, not mine. I trim mine. It's only polite.

Feeling better. Sheesh! I'm an old gripe lately.

Where Did They Go?

I heard people talking all the time about meeting up with old friends on FaceBook. Well, where in the heck are my old friends? I swear I had some while growing up. One of the disadvantages women have is that we change our last name. My maiden name is in my FaceBook info, but a lot of women don't think to do that.

So if you know the following people who went to Erwin High School, let me know.

Janet Nolde
Veta Bailey
Patricia Cartwright
Margaret Owens
Ninfa Phillips
Stacia Fordham
Bonnie Greathouse

Yeah, I even looked under my high school's FaceBook page. No luck.

Glee!

Even in reruns the show is wonderful!

Bitter Much?

Whenever I receive scores back from a contest, I read the lowest one first. Not because I like to punish myself, but I want to know what it was about my story the judge disliked so much. I can tell you if none of the other judges say the same thing, I just put it down as a bitter judge. You know, the one who feels everyone else is being published but her. (It's usually an unpublished writer who gives me ugly scores.) Or is published (rarely) and seeing all her friends getting the multi-contracts "without trying."

In this contest, the lowest judge (pun intended) said, "It made the story silly." She was talking about my first person POV though she said something about it being in second person. Huh? There were way too many I's. Obviously she needs to look up the definition of Second Person.

She also talks about wanting to know when the story was set. Even after writing "the story is obviously in current time." I'm sure she meant present time. So what's the problem? Some people get a little carried away is all I'm saying. Why would I say the year or that's present time unless I have a first chapter happening years before--I didn't.

The other scores were good and the judges gave me a few worthy comments. The bitter one only gave the two above with two comments on the manuscript. One of the comments was snarky. Life is way too short to act that way.

Well, I feel better. Sometimes I just have to get it off my chest.

New Family Member

Welcome my new family member! She's bad to the bone...uh...carburetor. 2007 Cadillac CTS.

Momma like.

My youngest got my 2001 Mazda Millennia. Her third car in six years. Geez! She had it less than a week and while she was at her new job, someone hit the rear. What in the heck is with that? We were hoping people would quit hitting her in the rear. She's a magnet for crazy drivers.

Business Cards - Writing

Like a lot of writers, I have business cards to hand out at conferences. So in turn, I receive business cards from other writers, and of course, from editors and agents when they ask for partials or fulls. See picture. I placed a double A battery next to it for comparison. A bunch, huh?

Yes. I have been to too many conferences. Well, that's about to change.

I'm In Love

Today during lunch, my new friend and I ate at Oscar's. That's the restaurant in the Museum of Art. I love the Museum of Art. Considering I love history and you combine that with food and old art...oh, my goodness. LOVE IT! It makes my heart so light.

Favorite Quote

"Sending out your manuscript is like pulling down your panties and waiting for comments."

Christina Dodd

Everyone Has The Same Amount Of Time

I'm a patient person. People have even told me that before. But it appears the higher your pay grade, the more you believe your time is more important than mine.

For example, doctors. You make an appointment, you wait in their waiting room and that's after you politely arrive five to ten minutes early. Then fifteen to thirty minutes after your appointment time, they take you to a private room and you wait another five to twenty minutes. Naked with only a sheet over you. Then they come in the room acting like they want to break a land speed record. You get five to ten minutes of their time and they're out of there.

This week I'm on jury duty. I'd forgotten how judges act just like doctors. Their time is more important than others. We gotten to expect the judge to be late. So when he tells us a fifteen minute break, that's judge speak for thirty.

I know other people have problems with being late but all I can say is that they are not respectful of me and those who depend on them.

Okay. I'll get off my little red wagon now.

Go Collect Your Million Dollars

I use to work with a...uh....temperamental woman who made my life miserable. Being a believer of karma, I would never wish for something bad to happen to her. So whenever she would be hateful to me, I would wish that she would win a million dollar lottery and quit her job. Well, it never happened. But she did eventually retired.

I continue to wish million dollars on people all the time. They're driving slow in front of me...million dollars waiting for them at the next exit. They're talking loud on their cell phone (anywhere in my vicinity)...another million. They're arguing with a spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/child in a public place...another million.

You get the idea. Do you think karma will decide I deserve a million too?

Anime Is Hot

I have two "cartoons" I love to watch. Yeah, yeah, I know. They're call animes nowadays. As I mentioned not long ago, I watch VAMPIRE KNIGHT. The anime is about a school girl who has a crush on a vampire. Well, there's a whole lot more to it and you can check it out at Hulu.com.

The other one is Archer on FX. You can watch the episodes on Hulu.com too. It's for adults only as the language and situations are rather naughty but so funny.

Audie Murphy Fan

My sweet youngest daughter bought me the DVD of NO NAME ON THE BULLET. It's an old Audie Murphy movie that I love. My oldest daughter had bought me the VHS some years ago, but I rarely watch VHS movies anymore. Plus a DVD is easier for me to watch on my computer.

Aren't I'm the luckiest mom ever?

Smart People

It must be hard to be extremely smart as a child. That is, since you're so intelligent, they treat you like an adult and you fly through school. Then you graduate from college at a young age without ever really experiencing all the fun stuff we fondly think back on in our adult years.

But the really hard part is when you become an adult, let's say thirties/forties, and suddenly you realize there are a lot of smart adults and you're nothing special. You can't go around bragging that you graduated college at 16 or younger. Now you're old, nothing special, never experienced a true childhood and just plain o' smart.

Bless their hearts.

Wow, I'm happy that I was plain o' average as a child. Now? There are times I believe I'm smart. Usually when I'm driving. Well, that's another story for another day...

Another Good One

Last weekend, I also read Anne Stuart's latest, RUTHLESS. Oh, my. The woman writes the best anti-heroes. The hero has a wicked sense of humor and such snappy dialogue. This book isn't for the faint of heart. If you liked the first half of THE LIBERTINE with Johnny Depp and his wicked ways, then you'll love this book. One of the best parts of Anne's book is that it ends happy-ever-after, so unlike Depp's movie.

I can't wait for the next one. Just two more weeks.

Love That Girl

Last weekend, I read Victoria Dahl's lastest historical. Oh, my goodness! I loved it. How does she do it? Not only great funny, hot stories, but so well written. The woman is a genius.

At the conference last July, I was lucky they gave out free her lastest contemporary. I even got my roommate to wanting to read it because I was laughing so hard and couldn't help myself and read her parts of the books. Vicki is so talented.

Be sure to read them