Monday, July 26, 2010

I'd Like to Thank...Everyone!

I'll be in Orlando this week at the Romance Writers of America national conference. My manuscript, To Seduce A Proper Rogue, is a finalist in the Golden Heart contest, along with a bevy of other amazing finalists. Seriously, I cannot wait for these ladies' books to hit the shelves. So much genius out there!

At some point last week someone asked me what my acceptance speech would include, and I felt the same shock that coursed through my veins when that initial call came in March. The final awards ceremony has been the last thing on my mind. I literally forgot about the fact that someone will win that necklace. I've just been concentrating on all I will learn and everyone I want to meet.

That said, I suppose I'd better put a few words together, just in case. It's a scary prospect. There won't begin to be enough time to thank everyone who's been there for me along the way. From the Avon Fanlit gang to my teachers to the authors who've provided encouragement and guidance, there are just too many. I do know I wouldn't be able to continue along this path without the love and support of my husband, kids, family and my critique partner, Terry Jo Stone.

So whatever happens next Saturday night, if we've ever exchanged an email or blog post, if we've ever chatted on-line or at the conference in Dallas, and you're here and reading this--Thank You!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Anyone seen that airplane?

In a week, I'll be heading to the nearest airport (three hours away) and flying to Orlando. I'm not a frequent flier. I'm not a frequent traveler. I'm a homebody. :)

In 2007, I went to Dallas for my first RWA National Conference. I was so excited. My first conference, a trip by myself, and hey, our local (thirty minutes away) airport had a direct flight to Dallas. This was golden. This was kismet. This was meant to be, baby!

Then, two hours before the flight was scheduled to leave, I walked through the front doors of the tiny airport in my snazzy "Look- I'm a successful adult traveling to a conference" outfit, dragging my luggage across the worn carpet.

The ladies behind the lone counter stared at me. Impressed did not exactly jump to mind. Confused was more like it.

"Can we help you?" they inquired, the implied message being "What the heck is going on here?"

"I'm here for the 4pm flight to Dallas."

They stared at each other a moment, quite long enough for my stomach to fall to my toes. "Ma'am, there's no flight to Dallas."

Me, with a crumpled paper in hand, "But here's my confirmation. I printed it off."

"Ma'am, that airline closed their service here last week. We have no flights to Dallas. We can get you to Kansas City tomorrow."

Me, luggage abandoned, dreams shattered. "Um, no. No thank you." I drug my bags back to the car, dumped them in the trunk, dialed my husband, and explained that the airline was gone.

Now for the record, I did manage a 6am flight the next morning from Kansas City to Dallas, had a great time, and made it safely home. But it was yet another reason I prefer to snuggle up at home. Only the thought of connecting with all my on-line friends and listening to the amazing lineup of speakers in Orlando is getting me on that plane next week.

So are you a big traveler? Looking forward to your vacation? Any adventures you want to share? And please come visit me at Romance Roundtable on Tuesday, July 20th if you have the time.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Make Your Own Fireworks...

No, I'm not advocating home-manufactured explosives. (Those little firecrackers in cored apples are entertaining, however, as long as you have chickens to clean up the mess. Or Diet Coke and Mentos. All-American fun, and educational to boot.)

I'm saying, if the weather has the impudence to rain on your fourth of July party,  or you're just not that into the whole boom and light show...then you need a way to add some sparkle to your day.

I'm recommending:
1. Paranormals with explosives. How about  Warrior Ascended by Addison Fox? Yum! Or maybe Alyssa Day's Atlantis series? Love them!

2. Regency fireworks. If you haven't read Anna Campbell's new My Reckless Surrender --- you'd better hope for rain. You'll need it to cool off!

3. Rent Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief. Starring Pierce Brosnan and Sean Bean, it's not just for kiddos---but you can watch it with your kids. And things go BOOM! Excellent. :)

So...I wish you all a sparkly, happy, patriotic 4th of July.  Did you have a wonderful time?