Misleading Words

As a writer, I'm always on the lookout for new words. Most I can use. Some are just too odd and would only confuse the reader. Did you know the most popular fiction books are usually written geared for a reader with an average of a ninth grade education? Not saying those who read books have a ninth grade education, just at that level the reading is easy and doesn't take a lot of concentration. Besides the average person uses language any ninth grader would understand.

Anyway, a couple words I like and do not use because 1) most people do not use it in their everyday speech and 2) they look dirty but aren’t. You knew there was a catch to it. It always comes down to sex for me. LOL!

They are cogitate (to think hard; ponder; meditate) and masticate (to chew).

Luxury Items?

With the cost of gas getting out of hand and the stock market reverting to percentages echoing 2001, people are cutting back on trips and avoiding buying big luxury items. Thus the car manufacturers' layoffs. I know I don't plan to buy a new car for at least three more years as my youngest is still in college. All my extra money is going to Jacksonville State. GO GAMECOCKS!

But will they cutback on their "home" entertainment? I don't think so. Since they're not traveling far, they will be going to the movies, renting DVDs, watching PPV and buying books. Yeah. I believe the economy will help sales, especially e-formats. Am I psychic? Heavens, no. I just know with the money I'll save in not traveling (I love to fly and I haven't been on a plane in over a year - longest time I haven't in, ohhhh, ten years), I'll spend on gas, groceries and books.

With Harry Potter's popularity, I believe the fans will look for similar books. Paranormal will stay strong.

Then again, I may be off my rocker. LOL!

Another Day

Well, I realized this morning, I had forgotten to blog yesterday - I fell asleep at my laptop again. LOL!

In two weeks I go to Georgia Romance Writers' conference, Moonlight and Magnolias and I've been so excited about it since I found out I'm a finalist in the Maggies. So many of my friends will be there and that makes it so much nicer.

So write it on your calendar and pray for me. :-)

Harlequin Stories

Have you ever wished you could tell Harlequin what type of stories you would love to read? Then check out www.tellharlequin.com and tell them all about it.

Role Models

I was thinking today about my role models when it comes to being a writer. Luckily I have several and most I see on occasion.

A special thank you to Sherrilyn Kenyon, Linda Howard, Kelley St. John, Peggy Webb, Debra Webb, Paula Graves and Lyn Randal.

Thank Goodness for Fridays

A few weeks ago, I had wrote I would blog my thanks for something each Friday. Then I completely forgot. LOL!

So today I'm thankful I'm one of those people who love to make up stories. I have people yakking in my head who believe their lives are so important, and of course, I get all wrapped up in their problems. I feel what they feel. I see what they see. And I love the guy just the same.

Thank you, Lord, for making me a writer.

Good News!

I found out my book, A Sheriff to Call Her Own, is a finalist in the Golden Gateway! YEAH!!! Things are looking up! Now to revise and get it back to the contest coordinator!!!

Thank Goodness For Videos on Demand

No. That's not my lips. I just realized today I missed True Blood. Planned on watching it. Excited about it coming on. Then BANG! I forgot. Sigh. Oh, well, thank goodness for VOD. That's how I watched all the Tudors last season.

If you're wondering what is True Blood. Click here to find out.

Walking and Listening

Last weekend I finally put together my new treadmill. Love it! I get to walk in airconditioning, without worrying about dogs, mosquitoes, or cars running over me. This poor old body needed excerising so much. We have a gym at work, but with my hours, I would have go in extra early in the morning and shower in their "open" locker room. The guys can do it, but not me. With this body? Hell no!

Anyway, the treadmill has a connection where I can hook in my iPod. Love it! The first two times I used it, I listened to music. Soothing. But today I decided on something different. I listened to Karen Marie Moning's free podcast of her first Fever series, DarkFever. Made me remember why I love this series so much. I can't wait for the third book to come out. Her new website shows there will be two more, plus you can click on the link to her free podcast. I'm in heaven! She's doing such a wonderful job on them.

Thanks, Karen!

I Want to Celebrate!

No. Nothing wonderful has happened. I was just thinking about the bottle of wine a customer of mine sent to me a couple months ago. (Very sweet customers - how lucky can I be?) I sure would love to open it. It's very expensive. When I got the bottle I looked it up on the internet and was SO surprised. Yeah, yeah, probably was tacky doing that but my curiosity got the better of me.

Anyway, I hid the bottle so I would have something special to open when I got THE CALL. As in the call from an editor or the call from an agent saying she sold my book. Of course, I need an agent for the latter to work.

Well, the wine is a 1982 vintage and the rate I'm going it might hit the half century mark before I sell. See, I can be sort of optimistic. I did say sell.