Monday, Monday

Welcome to Monday. It's raining here again today. I'm working on my latest book, trying to get back on track. It seems every time I get into this story I get sucked back out for some reason. Wrote 3K today so I'm pleased.

But I just got the galley proof for the print version of Pride of the Lion, which means I'll have to break away from my WIP (work in progress) yet again and do this instead. Not that I really mind. I mean, it's fun to be working on the copy for the print version of my book.

I hope once the galley proof is done and sent back I'll be able to really throw myself into this book. I'd love to get a rough draft done by mid-September at the latest. We'll see what happens.

Have a great day!

Monday, snow and taxes, oh my!

The calendar might say spring, but the weather certainly doesn't.

That's the view from the window this morning, and the snow is still coming down heavy.

This is hubby cleaning off the car. We had to go out this morning because I had an appointment to get my taxes done. My bank account is much lighter, but I'm glad to have them done.

Figured it was too early to start drinking so we bought treats for lunch instead--a date square for me and an apple flip for hubby.

This afternoon I tackle the remaining government paperwork--they keep sending me surveys and forms--and tomorrow is back to writing.

Have a fabulous Monday!

NEWS UPDATE

Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday. I have lots of news to tell you all about.

For those of you who have been wondering about the release dates for the Hades' Carnival series, here they are:

Night of the Tiger--Now available in Ebook. Available in PRINT January 7, 2014.
Mark of the Bear--Available in Ebook April 16th.
Pride of the Lion--Available in Ebook July 16th.
Howl of the Wolf--Available in Ebook October 8th

That's right, all four books in the Hades' Carnival series will be released by Samhain Publishing this year!

And if that wasn't exciting enough, I just signed a contract with Ellora's Cave for a new Tapestries book. More details as they become available, but look for a new Tapestries book sometime in 2013!

I'm Doing...Stuff

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Monday! I've spent the past two and a half days doing stuff. You know what I mean...those odds and ends of paperwork that you put off until you really have no other choice. I've saved files to flash drives. (I have four that I save my writing to every day, but other writing-related files I'm not quite so vigilant.) I've cleared up end-of-year paperwork and gotten my files ready for 2013. There is quite a bit of paperwork to be done to close off one year and start another.

 

In the midst of that, I finished the rough draft of a new book, printed off a hard copy and handed it off to my first reader (aka hubby) who will look at it as soon as he has time. It's a menage a trois featuring a pair of sexy cowboy brothers. And that's all I'll say about it for now. *g*

 

I've also started the research for my next book, which will be for the Legacy series. All in all, it's been a busy, but productive, few days.

 

Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday!

Let There Be Light

Hubby and I bought a pole lamp on Saturday at Walmart. It's a simple, inexpensive one with three adjustable lights and will fit nicely beside the new chair we purchased a few weeks back.

We brought it home and he put it together. It was only then we realized--no lightbulbs. lol So Sunday we went out and I bought lightbulbs. We get home and I go to put one in only to find it's too high a wattage. *g*

Moral of the story? Always read the label on the light before buying lightbulbs. Hopefully, later this week we'll get to a store and I can buy the right bulbs for the light.

Monday, Monday

Good morning and welcome to Monday. Hope you all enjoyed the weekend. Mine was filled with a series of minor annoyances. Nothing serious, just enough to make you want to crawl back in bed and pull the covers over your head.

Today is Monday and the start of a brand new week! Hope it's an excellent one for all of us. I'm back to work on my WIP, the final book in my new paranormal quartet. Can't wait to get it finished!

The Writer's Life

I think that a lot of folks think writers sit around all day eating and watching television and putting in an hour or two at their computers. Some days that might be true, but the majority of them are spent sitting on our butts while we write, edit and promote our writing.

Honestly, I find that the promoting part takes up  a great part of my time these days. There are blog posts, social media (primarily Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo Groups), advertising, promotional items, contests and the list goes on. Not that I'm complaining. I love talking to readers and other writers, but some days it does feel a little overwhelming.

I've often said I can put in the equivalent of a days work in a two hour period in the morning. How? Once I sit at my computer (the one without internet access) and start writing, I don't move, I don't look away and I don't stop. I'm a very focused person once I begin writing, but the downside is that I can usually only get one writing session in a day because I've got nothing creatively left to give after one of these sessions. But that's okay. It works for me.

And when I'm not writing or promoting...I'm thinking about writing and promoting. I work from home so I never leave work. My desk is in the corner of my living room, a constant reminder that I should be working. So, many evenings you'll find me with my head buried in a book. It's relaxing, but it's also market research...at least that's what I tell myself. *g*

Now I'm off to work!

Some great links to check out:

Adele Dubois' Blog on her experience at Bob Mayer's Writer's Workshop.

Redlines and Deadlines blog lets you know what authors are celebrating 10 years with Ellora's Cave. Check out the Orginal Bad Girls of Romance

Monday, Monday

A question to ponder for sure. lol I'm a vegetarian, but I've been known to indulge in animal crackers a time or two.

Up very early this morning as hubby is gone on an overnight business trip and his flight left very, very early. It's eight o'clock and I've written 2K so far this morning. Not bad, but I think I need a nap.

Hoping this is a better week for writing as this has been a very slow summer for me. Some writers can write for long stretches at a time. I find I have about two hours in me for the day and I'm usually done. The old brain won't do any more creatively. I find it fascinating how different authors work--some need quiet, others can write anywhere; some write at night, others in the morning; some can write for long stretches, while others can only write in short spurts. Personally, I'm at my best in the morning before my brain gets cluttered with other things. And I need quiet. Can't write to music as my attention gets fractured.

I try to take weekends off from writing, not that it always works out that way, but I figure if I want to keep doing this for the next twenty-plus years I need to have some kind of schedule to keep from burning out.

Authors are always working--creating new stories, writing blog posts, checking social media and yahoo groups, working on advertising and promotional items, etc... The list is long and varied and can be overwhelming at times, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I love what I do and feel privleged to be able to do it. But living and working in the same space can leave you feeling like you're always working, even when you're not.

I'm thinking about taking August away from all the other distractions and concentrating solely on my writing. A lot will depend on what happens between now and the end of July. If I get my writing back on track, I'll simply keep on going as I am. But if I keep stalling, I'll probably unplug from eveything else for a while and throw myself into what I like to do best--writing!

Have a fabulous Monday.

Hmmm...now I want animal crackers. *g*

Monday, Monday

Good morning and welcome to Monday. Usually I greet the new week with a big smile and a burst of energy. I'm still smiling, but the energy is low.

Had the big family yard sale yesterday. Four families with all their junk...I mean fine collectable items...on my brothers front yard and driveway. It started out cool and cloudy, but turned into a gorgeous sunny day. Laughed a ton, ate way too much (did I mention it was also a potluck) and made a few bucks. What didn't sell is being swept off to charity this morning thanks to my SIL and her father's truck.

Seven hours in the sun left me with a bit of a sunburn (missed a few spots with the sunscreen, darn it), but nothing bad. Figure it will fade in a day or so. But the fun memories will last a lifetime. I'm already looking forward to the next one, which will probably be in a couple of years time.

Today, I'll take things a bit slower,  maybe even go to a movie. Have to see about that. Either way, I'm sure it will be a great start to the week.

Have a fabulous Monday.

Monday, monday...

Good morning and welcome to Monday! The picture of the kitten says it all this morning. I'm up, but I already want a nap. lol Need to get some energy so I can get to work on my latest WIP. Hubby also mentioned taking me to see the new Johnny Depp flick today. Maybe peppermint tea, toast and honey will help. Off to have some breakfast.

Have an excellent Monday!

Snowy Monday

Woke this morning to a sea of white outside my window. Looks like we had a couple of inches of snow overnight. Yes, I did say snow. lol You'd never say it was spring by looking outside my window. Looks more like February.

I've been sick with the flu for almost two weeks now and haven't done any work on my writing in about ten days. Starting back at it this morning. Doing a rewrite on a book that I'm hoping to be able to submit by the end of the week if all goes well. Wish me luck.

Have a great Monday!

Welcome to Monday!

Good morning and welcome to Monday! I had the nap on Saturday. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens today. Have a great Monday!

Week in Review

I meant to write this post yesterday, but that's the kind of week it's been. Actually, the past couple of weeks have been busy and they're only going to get worse. It's the time of year when there's a lot going on. You know what I mean.

I want to start my Christmas holidays on December 22nd, but I have two books to rewrite and submit before then. And, if I get time, I want to at least get the rough draft of a novella done. We'll see. Luckily, I finished the rough draft of one of the books this past Friday so it's time to start the rewrite this morning.

Hubby and I went out last Friday to see a local band, something we haven't done in a long time. The concert was wonderful, but when we stepped outside after the show there was snow on the ground. It was a huge change from the almost 60 degree Farenheit weather we'd had that morning. Thankfully, hubby had gone to the garage and had the snowtires put on the car the day before.

I worked on my Christmas cards yesterday and I'm still glittering and expect to glitter for a while yet. What can I say, I love glittery cards. Although in my defense, hubby chose the cards this year. But I loved them too.

Made a Christmas list so I know what I need to buy. My family doesn't go crazy with gifts and we tend to give giftcards and things that can be consumed (food, wine, chocolate, movie tickets, etc...) We all decided long ago we didn't need to worry about finding room for a bunch of stuff we didn't need after the holidays are over. It simplifies things and everyone is happy.

Time to get to work if I hope to have everything done in time for the holidays. Hope you have a most excellent Monday!

A Very Special Day

Twenty four years ago today, I married a man who still makes me laugh and smile every single day. He challenges me to think and he makes every day an adventure. Every day I give thanks. I know how lucky I am to have found him.

We started the day with a walk and breakfast out. (We've never run out of things to talk about in all these years.) We'll probably go to an early movie this afternoon. It's all about spending the day together.

Have a wonderful Monday!

The Writing Life

I love what I do. I love writing stories about wonderfully flawed characters who find love after much anxiety and problems. For some reason, some people look down on romance writers. And those of us who write erotic romance are considered even worse.

Why?

I write my books the same way every other author does. I sit at a computer for hours on end, pounding out a story, revising and refining until I get something I'm happy with. It's hard work even if it is a lot of fun.

I make no apology for what I do for a living. I love writing and will never stop. My writing will change and evolve over the years...that's inevitable. But I'll always be a romance writing. I love a happy ending. And, unlike many people in the world, I'm lucky enough to get to do something that makes me happy for a living.

Life is good.

Now, I'm off to actually do some work. Here the clicking of keys...that's me. :)

Monday, Monday

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Monday. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Those of you still enjoying the Victoria Day weekend, I hope you're having fun!

I've been pondering lately about work, specifically being an author and what that entails, which makes sense considering what I do for a living. It's a profession where much of what you do is out of your control but yet it is a profession that attracts so many people.

Why?

When you send off a submission to a publishing company you have no idea if it will be accepted and sometimes it takes months, if not a year to find out. Rejection is part of the job.

If you're lucky enough to have a manuscript acceped for publication, then you wait for edits. They arrived in your inbox, usually with little warning, and you have a set amount of time to get them done and back to your editor. There are deadlines for everything.

If you're lucky, you have some say in the cover art for your book, but that isn't always the case. (I've been very lucky in this respect and love all my covers!)

The book comes out and you have little control over if it does well or not. Sure you can advertise and promote, but you never really know if a book will go over well with readers or not. It's a crapshoot.

So, what is under an author's control?

The author decides what they are going to write. That's one of the best things about being a writer--streching yourself creatively. You get to dive into a world, into a set of characters and let your mind take flight. It's a beautiful thing.

You can write anywhere--at home, in the park, at the coffee shop, in your back garden--the list is endless.

You can write in your pajamas or your sweatpants. No one cares what you look like because you are your own boss.

You meet the most amazing people--online and in person.

If you get a book published you get to see something you created totally from your own mind released out into the world. You get to share your stories with others. And, if you are very lucky, you can make a living doing it.

It's a beautiful thing.

Have a fabulous day!

Monday, Monday

I get the feeling it's going to be this kind of day. It's amazing what just a one hour time change can do to a body.

Monday, Monday

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I work from home so every day is a work day and every day is potentially a day off. So why is it that I tend to conform to the standard Monday to Friday work week and take the weekends (or at least Saturday) off?

It's a strange habit and one I can't seem to break.

Something to ponder this snowy Monday.

Monday, Monday

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For me it's not coffee, it's peppermint tea that starts my day off right. I have a mug of tea sitting next to me as I type this.

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The mornings are so dark now, such a contrast from a couple of months ago when the sun would be shining at half past five. As I sat eating breakfast at the kitchen table this morning, I could see the moon shining bright in the sky. It's just past full and starting to wane, but beautiful to see.

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I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Saturday I didn't do much beyond the ordinary--chores, shopping, paperwork, some edits, reading, television...

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Sunday I did a workshop on felting at a local arts college. It was fun to spend the afternoon playing with fabrics and hanging out with ten other women.

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Now it's Monday and back to work. Have a cup of coffee, or tea if that is your preference, and have a great day!

Monday, Monday--A Weekend of Remembering

This past weekend was one of remembrance for several reasons. The biggest, of course, is the fact that it was the 9th anniversary of 9/11. Hard to believe it's been that long. I can still remember exactly where I was and who I was with when I first heard the news.

It was actually my day off from work. I hadn't even contemplated a career as a writer yet and publication was years away. Hubby and I were at the mall and the stores had just opened. I overheard two gentlemen talking about a plane crash. My first thought was that my step-father would be interested in all the news because he worked with the airline industries for his entire life. We continued on down through the mall and saw a small crowd gathered around an electronics store. We stopped to see what was going on and noticed every was watching the big television out front. We got there just in time to watch the second plane hit the Twin Towers. I was stunned and horrified as I realized this was no accident, but intentional.

Hubby and I went home immediately. At that point, no one knew what else might happen. We spent the next few days glued to the news reports like everyone else. We were numb. How could someone do something this horrible? Even now just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. No matter how long I live, I'll never understand the kind of hatred that leads to such an action. My thoughts and prayers are with those who died that day and those who survived and have to live with the shadow of this tragedy.

On a happier note, this was also a weekend of personal remembrance. Hubby and I celebrate our wedding anniversary in August. This year marked 23 years of married life. But September 10th is our own personal date--it marks our first date and the begining of our life together. 27 years ago this past Friday, we had our first date. We'd only met a week before that, introduced by a mutual friend. Who knew that all these years later we'd still be together. It's been interesting, to say the least. It's been hard work and a lot of fun. It's been an adventure and a blessing. It's been up and down and everywhere in between. But through it all, there's been love. I hope the next 27 years are just as wonderful.

I hope you all had a good weekend with family and friends. Hold your loved ones close and tell them how much you care. Life can be shorter than we think and you don't want to risk missing the opportunity.

Have a great week!