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.