Peggy Webb and Elvis

Well, I'm going to Books-a-Million in Brook-Highland tonight to see my buddy Peggy Webb. Her latest book, Elvis and The Dearly Departed is out and I can't wait to buy it. She writes heart warming, funny books. And she's a wonderful person.

She told me once how her grandson announced to the world, "GeeGee, I love you more than bacon." Now that's true love. LOL!

How Do You See Them?

I was thinking today of when I was growing up I thought of my mom as Lucille Ball (I LOVE LUCY fame) and my dad as John Wayne.

When I told my mom that, she was upset. All mom could think of was how nutty Lucy acted. But if you look at Lucille Ball, really look at her, you will see a beautiful woman. I remember when I was eight or so my mom wore her hair in a French twist and dyed it red. She also loved to play card and board games. In fact, still loves to play games, but her hair is blonde now.

Then there is my dad, six-one, broad shoulders, barrel chest, small hips with a deep voice. I know for a fact he can shoot and ride a horse. I've seen him do both, but not necessarily at the same time. From what I read about John Wayne, he was a wonderful father but not so good husband.

What about you? Does your parents remind you of anyone famous?

Synopsis: Even The Word is Not Fun to Type

I'm working on the synopsis for my latest book. The WIP is almost complete. I'm at the climax and finally know who the villain is and how it will end (happy, of course, I'm talking about how did it gets there). So why is it so hard to write? Because I don't want to put too much of the details into it and make it too long. Or make it sound too heavy in mystery/plot and not show the romance. I need to find the perfect balance.

Then again, the synopsis's beginning is better than my old one. The one I wrote before I was even halfway thought the book.

Whoa! The story is so much better now!

Happy Tuesday

Thinking Positive Takes Help

A little over a year ago, depressed with my writing and how long it was taking to break into publishing, I knew my attitude needed to change. What editor or agent wants to talk to a Gloomy-Gus? As I do whenever I’m trying to deal with any unknown area in life, I look for a book on the subject. So I was looking though the inspirational section of Wal-Mart and found The Secret. The book itself was beautifully designed but I purchased the CDs as I’m more apt to listen to self-help books in audio while driving to and from work. I rather read romance in my spare time when I’m not writing.

Now it was a little new age-y but the message was positive and, from everything I read and heard elsewhere, right. It basically said you can have anything you want (money, friends, health, material goods, status, etc.) if you believe you can. And you should start everyday being grateful for what you have and what you will have.

So I started applying the principles with a little revision for my faith and I realized my attitude improved. Then in June I received an unexpected rejection and my spirits fell. Now I knew my depression wasn’t no way as deep as it could’ve been if I wasn’t thinking, working on being positive. Though I do admit it was hard to stay on the path. But it wasn’t just the CDs, it was also the many friends I had in my writing group.

Friends really make the difference.

They’re the ones who email you and ask if you’re okay and tell you when you ready to talk about it, they’ll be there. They’re the ones who tell you when a line in your book is the best they'd ever read and make you believe it. They’re the ones willing to listen and join in your contest judge bashing. They’re the ones who cheer you on when you picking up your not-number-one certificate and make you feel like you’re the next Nora Roberts. They’re the ones who buy you champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries (along with cake) and stay up to two in the morning listening to oldies and talking about old boyfriends and make you feel young again!

And they’re the ones you make a pact to continue to be friends with even when we’re all highfaluting New York Times bestselling authors.

I raise my glass, filled with love and appreciation, to the very best friends I ever had in my life! This is to you, JoAnn Weatherly and Diane Richmond!

Networking

I find people-watching to be the most interesting part of going to a conference. And on top of that, I enjoy meeting new people and saying hello to those I already know. The last two things are part of what is called networking. I'm so happy something I already enjoy doing is important in the writing business.

So hello again to Teresa Medeiros (thanks for remembering me & we'll treat your buddy, Christina Dodd, well), Margie Lawson (the interstate near Tall-a-dega was clear after all), Tanya Michaels (thank you again for wishing me luck - it worked), Wanda Ottewell (the partial will be sent soon), Jennifer Schober (the email will be coming soon), Anna DeStephano (thank you for your kindness on the stage), Nicki Salcedo (thank you for wishing me luck with my appointment), Emily Sewell (I hope you're getting well-deserved rest), Cathy Mann (you're sweet as ever), Trish Milburn (I'm looking forward to seeing you again November 1 at Southern Magic's Luncheon), Gannon Carr (just let us know if you want to come to the luncheon), Anna Adams (you have one of the nicest smiles), Carmen Green (good to see you again), Pat Trainum (Congratulations on your win!), Patricia Robertson, Jennifer St Giles, Missy Tippens, Debby Giusti, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Susan Goggins, Suzanne Adair, Juli Heaton, Regan Loyd, Heather McCollum, Dianna Shuford, Mary Marvella, Nancy Litzau, and several other wonderful writers.

Third Ain't Bad When You Got Friends

Okay, my book came in 3rd place at the GRW's Maggies in the Unpublished Long Contemporary. At least, Wanda Ottewell asked for the partial. I'm okay with that. I did better than last year. Plus my good, sweet buddies bought me this...

Chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate cake, carrot cake and other sweets with champagne! Are they the best friends ever? Love you JoAnn and Diane! And it's not the champagne talking!

I Love My Room!

Check out my room for M&M. Am I lucky or what?

Taking A Second

Sorry. Working on my pitch for the agent tomorrow and need some rest. Plus been trying to Bluetooth some pictures, but they wouldn't connect. I'll try tomorrow. See you then. AND YES I'M HAVING A FUN TIME!!!!

Conference Bound!

Well, tomorrow I head for Norcross, GA and the Moonlight and Magnolias Conference. My book, A Sheriff to Call Her Own, is a finalist in the Maggies, Long Contemporary category. Wish me luck!

Hopefully I'll find time to blog while I'm there. If not, you know I'm having too much fun. LOL!