I’m off on vacation for the next week. Taking my laptop with me so hopefully I’ll get some serious writing done (or at least figure out what the heck is going to happen in the climax since it’s in the next chapter! Ay ya ya…).

Will be back Labor Day.

Happy writing to all!… Read more »

I *think* I can post this since it’s already up and running on the world wide web.

Check out Linda’s new website. It is soooo cool! Uber-talented CP Joan is to thank (again) for designing yet another fabulous site. I’ve received nothing but rave reviews about mine. You rock, J!

And in case you missed Linda’s big announcement, be sure to stop by her blog. She landed a top agent and finally signed her contract last Friday. Congrats, Linda! I know big things are on the horizon for you!!! (And I can always say, “I knew her when…”)… Read more »

See ya, babe! I’m off to the office.

A full day of work looms ahead of me – eight hours with the WIP, full steam ahead. No interruptions, just me and my muse, the computer, a few research books and a gallon of coffee (with half-n-half and splenda, of course).

Yeah, right. In my dreams.

My ‘office’ is a spot on the living room couch with my laptop perched on my knees, research books scattered across the coffee table and floor, and my half-empty cup of cold coffee on a coaster (okay, generally NOT on a coaster) on the table … Read more »

I thought some of you might benefit from this.

What Editors Don’t Want To See
(with Abby Zidle – HQN, Krista Stroever – Steeple Hill, Mavis Allen – Silhouette)

1. Queries with crazy opening questions.
Be upfront – why you’re targeting that line, what the story is about. Give a brief bio, but only relevant information.

2. No fluff bags – they like bubble wrap bags.

3. Synopses that don’t show character emotion and growth.
Synopses needs to show not only the plot but how the characters change and what their emotional connection is. Esp. important for Harlequin. Must give … Read more »

Finally getting around to posting some pictures from Nationals. Only a few weeks late. 🙂

Here’s me with my partner in crime, Piper Lee, at the welcome reception. (I’m the sexy blonde. LOL) Did I mention she kept me up until 2 am every night? It was a week-long slumber party.

Another with Danita and Paty. They dragged me to the casino to gamble. All I wanted was a free drink. After losing $11 in the nickel slots, Piper so eloquently informed me that drink wasn’t free. (Piper Party Pooper)

Lissa Manley, Danita Shattuck, Leah Vale, Paty Jager.

A small … Read more »

The queen of procrastination can waste a whole day perusing writer loops. I’m sure I’m not the only one (gasp! I hope I’m not the only one). And to prove a point, I did just that today. (When I should have been working on chapter 19…grumble, grumble)

Now, I’m on several loops – so many that I can’t even keep them all straight. I look at My Yahoo Groups link and my eyes cross. Among the many are my local RWA loop, the KOD loop, RWC, RWAPro loops (I think there are four), RWA loops (again, at least four), the … Read more »

Snarky moods can be good for the muse.

21 pgs today and counting. I’m now in the middle of chapter 18.

It’s a wonder what one can accomplish when she puts her mind to it (and plops her butt in the chair).

Of course, it’s probably all crap, but a crappy page can be edited. A blank one cannot.

(And I am sooooo going over 20 chapters. Thank goodness for editing…and hacking, slicing, shredding…)… Read more »

Ever feel like good things are happening to people around you and you’re just standing still? Been feeling like that a lot the last few days.

Paty placed first in the paranormal category of the Great Beginnings Contest. Way to go, Paty!!! Carol recently finaled in the Maggie. Linda has uber-exciting news she can’t quite share yet, Joan’s agent is about to send her book out to publishers, and Piper got to be in a movie.

And me? What have I done lately that’s super exciting?

Not one darn thing.… Read more »

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Substance: Woman
Symbol: W02
Discoverer: Adam
Atomic Mass: Accepted as 55 Kg, but there are known isotopes ranging from 45 Kg to 225 Kg
Occurrence: Large quantities in urban areas, with traces found in most other areas

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Surface normally covered in powder and paint film (thickness variable according to age)
2. Aromatic odour.
3. Boils at nothing, freezes for no apparent reason.
4. Melts if given appropriate treatment.
5. Yields if pressure applied in the correct manner, explodes if stressed excessively.
6. Bitter if used incorrectly, may become sour with age, … Read more »

I have nothing of interest to say. So I will leave you with some words of wisdom courtesy of Paty:

WOMAN’S PERFECT BREAKFAST

She’s sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee.
Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.
Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.
Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.
And her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

WOMEN’S REVENGE

“Cash, check or charge?” I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.

As she fumbled for her wallet I noticed a remote control for a … Read more »