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.