Men Being Men

Thank you, God, for men being men. Life would be strange and boring if something happened to all of them. I like they don't think like women and don't understand us. Now, I'm not saying I understand everything about them, but even men admit they are simple creatures and that's so true.

Of course, not all men rate sex as number one in what they need to be happy, but let's say it would be second place. While women usually rate security and love as the top two.

And speaking of men, I came across an interesting article about how men talk with women. So far, I don't remember a man talking to me like this (in regards to my writing/being published), but give it time. I'm sure it'll happen. Problem is, I'll probably laugh in his face and not wait until later. That's just me.

Money

When I was around ten or so, my grandfather gave me $20. I'm not sure why. I don't remember it being my birthday, and I normally didn't receive anything like a birthday card, no less present from my grandparents. They had nine of thirteen kids who grew up and had kids of their own. So you can imagine the number of grandkids and great grandkids they had by the time I came along as my mom was the baby girl (living) of the family.

But when he gave me the twenty (really wish I could remember the details leading up to that), my mom had a fit. She said I was too young for that much money. Nowadays that would be like giving a kid a fifty. Anyway, I remember the dilemma of trying to figure out what to buy no matter how many times mom would tell me to save it. But save it for what?

Though I don't remember what I spent it on, that feeling has never gone away.

Whenever I get a sum of money that I don't expect, I hoard it for a little while and then it slowly dwindles away. Sure, I can think back and remember what I purchased and half are things I need or had wanted for a long time, but the rest disappears. Usually, I buy clothes for myself and my children and go to the restaurants I prefer.

Yep. Disappears.

Talking About Liars

I'm talking about liars over at Romance Magicians today!  Come and comment.

Last Weekend

Last weekend was my chapter's annual Romance Readers Luncheon and it was so much fun! Friday night, we gathered at a local Greek restaurant (food was so good) and had dinner with Sherrilyn Kenyon and 30 other authors and friends. Amazing.

Then Saturday afternoon, Sherrilyn, as always, gave a wonderful and inspiring speech. Dianna Love's was so encouraging as she gave examples of bad reviews for classic books. Who knew?

I've posted most of the following pictures on Facebook but I know not everyone has signed up for that. Though truthfully, even fewer people read my bog. But that's okay.

Two "baskets" for give aways and one door prize

My table and the goodies for those who sit with me

My sweet sister-in-laws

The winner of my author "basket" door prize

Oldest daughter bottom left.

The fabulous Jennifer Echols and me

My youngest on the right.

Be sure to come and attend next year's with Jeaniene Frost and Christy Reece!

The Goodreads Folks

Hey, did you know that I'm on Goodreads?  So be sure to come by and friend me there too. So many places for so many things. But I do like the concept of Goodreads more than any other social network. I love talking about books that I read and write. Though being an author, I believe it's best that I not review or rank a book. You ask why?

Who will trust my review or ranking? Sure close friends and family would. They know I'm honest about such stuff. But I'm sure there are people who would wonder, when I give a five star ranking, if I'm buttering up a friend. Or when I give someone a one star, could it be from jealously? Of course, I wouldn't do either of those, but strangers wouldn't know for sure. So no reviews or rankings from me, and in turn, less stress for me.

Oh, yeah. Be on the look out for a giveaway of my next book there. I'll probably set it up this weekend. It's been so crazy for months now that I haven't made time to do it. For that matter, I think crazy has become the norm around here.

Zoooooom!

The other day, I was looking at an old post of mine dated February 5, 2011. It's hard to believe that time last year, I had no idea I would receive an email three months later from an editor at Avon/HarperCollins wanting to publish a book of mine. And now here I am with two released and another coming out December 26. Plus a proposal for three more ready to send in.

A month after that post, I got bronchitis and was so sick. You know how it is when you're not feeling good, everything appears hopeless.

Thank you Wendy Lee for making my life so much better.  Hugs.

Happy Halloween! Love The Candy!

Give Away Reminder

Be sure to remember that I'm giving away a Kindle Paperwhite and $100 Amazon gift card to two lucky winners!  What do you have to do? Just go to my website and subscribe to my newsletter. 

I send one out every three or four months. So it isn't like you will be bombarded with emails from me. Each newsletter includes special tidbits about my books, when future books are coming out and information about new giveaways.

FYI: The Kindle Paperwhite is for US subscribers and the US$100 Amazon gift card is for international subscribers.

The deadline is December 26.  That's the day CIRCLE OF DECEPTION (Abby and Rex's story) is released in e-format!

By the way, did you know you can pre-order e-format? Oh, yes, you can. 

I Did It Again

For those who know, I have a habit of buying the rights to a picture I like AND THEN finding a use for it.  Last summer it was this picture. (Click here when you finish reading this).

Well, I came across another one and bought it. This is how I used it.

Those arms. Oh, my. What do you think?

Anyway, go and buy my books. The more books you buy of mine, the more I can write, especially of the same series. And don't forget to rank the book wherever books are sold. Authors really appreciate that. Well, you know what I mean.

Let me know if you want some mailed to you. 

On The Road Again

If you've been following my blog for any time, you know I love to take pictures while in the car. And noooo, I would never drive and take pictures at the same time. And yes, I believe in Santa Claus.

Anyway, this is the view leading up to my house. During the fall the trees are so beautiful and in a couple places it even looks like a multicolored tunnel.

My drive isn't quite as steep as it looks.