The Gentle Art of Conversation

Holiday Fun

2011-12-18T09:23:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone is having a bustling, blessed holiday season! Here are my favorite Cranberry-White Chocolate cookies:

Recipe from

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries

Preparation

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; set aside.
Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in white chocolate morsels and cranberries.
Drop cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

My holiday wish for each of you is the time to enjoy these while reading a wonderful book!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:44:00.000-06:00

A blessed Thanksgiving day to each of my friends and loved ones. I am grateful for each one of you!

May peace, contentment, and a table full of friends, family, and delicious food grace your day.

The Night Before the Ball...

2011-11-13T19:52:00.003-06:00

And I'm giddy with excitement! Come join me at the Dashing Duchesses romance blog Monday the 14th to discuss the romance, fascination, and celebration of history! If any of my visitors are unfamiliar with historical romance, let me assure you it runs a full gamut, from prairie school marms to the ballrooms of Regency England to eighteenth century Japan to the Ottoman empire! There are a wide variety of sensuality levels as well, from erotic to inspirational.

The Duchesses adore all historical romance, so come dressed as your favorite heroine.

Stomp those cowboy boots! Twirl those flapper beads!

Our doorways arch nicely, so don those exquisite Georgian gowns. We have plenty of room, and the party won't be the same without you!

What's your favorite historical time period or location?

NANO Day Six: Possibilities

2011-11-06T19:38:00.000-06:00

Our thoughts and imagination are the only real limits to our possibilities.
Orison Swett Marden

One of the great things about Nano (I think) is exploring the possibilities of your story line. And the very best thing (I'm certain) about exploring those possibilities is the time limit-because you have no time. You should be writing, baby!

You don't get to agonize over the implications of your secondary character's decision in regard to what will happen to the heroine sixteen chapters from now. You don't get to contemplate the psychology that's driving your hero to act like a madman.

You just write it! Two chapters later, you might not recognize your original story. Hurray! Maybe it's a better story! Maybe your tangent will inspire a completely different book!

Best of all, you don't have to (or get to) worry about it until December 1st.

You just get to savor the possibilities.

Word count: 7489 (I didn't add in the last couple of days individually, like I should. Oh well. :)

NANO Day Two: Motivation!

2011-11-03T04:48:00.000-05:00

Day two count: 1346 Total: 2303

So, in between spitting out a few paragraphs and wondering where my secondary characters are guiding my heroine, I love to procrastinate by reading author advice. Love it! Romance writers love to offer writing guidance, support, mentoring, encouragement. They are one generous bunch!

Julie Leto, NYT and USA bestselling author, has a rockin' website, which nicely complements her rockin' books. Under the heading "Articles and More", she has a reprint of her 2003 RWA National Conference workshop: Ditching "The Book of Your Heart" for "The Book of My Voice".

Wow and wow. This article gave me so much to think about, in the best possible way. Most importantly, after I read it I was fired up and ready to attack the Nano again!

Motivation is a good thing. :)

NANO For You?

2011-11-02T07:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm in.

To be specific, I'm 953 words in, as of midnight, November 1. Around nine o'clock last night, it hit me--approaching re-writes as if this was a completely new book (which it will be) and the friendly peer pressure of National Novel Writing Month ( the best peer pressure around!) means I can expect a great deal accomplished by the end of turkey day.

Anyway, that's the plan. And who doesn't need a great excuse to ignore cooking dinner or cleaning the house?

Are you NaNoing this month?

Win a Copy of Shine!

2011-10-18T07:54:00.001-05:00

Ok, winning a book catches everyone's attention...but the reason behind the giveaway will touch every writer's heart.

Go here: Read the blog. Be outraged. Go buy a copy of Shine. Then spread the word....

God Bless America

2011-09-11T07:53:00.001-05:00

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home

Take a moment today to Remember, to Honor, to Give Thanks, and to Share an Act of Kindness with a stranger.

Thanks, Mom

2011-05-08T03:26:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day pleasures....

Watching Phineas and Ferb with my girls...It makes me laugh every time...and they are never "snarky", sarcastic, or mean....

I haven't read more than a couple of pages here and there in over a month....Reading more than one book....again, I'm big on emphasizing humor these days, so it will be some classic, snort Coke out of my nose Stephanie Plum, and then a new (for me) cozy mystery series about a Mom who's a private detective (so appropriate, right?)

Indulgent, over-priced, coffee drinks will be involved....I'm stuck on iced Hazelnut with soy (and a shot of half-an-half once I've had a big drink and there's room in the cup). Yum.

And I will tell my Mom thank you today. She's amazing. So is my dear, dear mother-in-law. All you "Mom's" out there, whether you have kiddos of the two or four-legged variety, or are the official "mom" to a dear child related by the heart, if not the blood, I hope you have a beautiful day.

Easter

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Why Easter Eggs? I am very familiar with our Christian views and the fun Easter egg hunts shared with the children, but I wondered what I would find if I went on a web search. Here's some of what I found:

Evidently Anglo-Saxon legend tells how the Saxon goddess Eostre found a wounded bird and transformed it into a hare, so that it could survive the Winter. The hare found it could lay eggs, so it decorated these each Spring and left them as offering to the goddess.

From www.englatheod.org/eostre.htm:

"Eostre is a very obscure Goddess, and uniquely Anglo-Saxon Pagan. She is not mentioned at all in the Norse corpus and only fleetingly in the Old English by Bede in De Temporum Rationale. Her material is so scant that some scholars have speculated she was not a Goddess at all, but that Eostre was merely a name for the holiday. Her name is connected for words for "east" and "shining."

Grimm in his Teutonic Mythology maintained that "Ostara, Eástre, was goddess of the growing light of spring." The date of the holy tide would make this a reasonable conclusion. Holy water in the form of the dew or water collected from brooks was gathered at this time. Washing with it was said to restore youth. Beautiful maidens in sheer white were said to seen frolicking in the country side. Also according to Grimm, the white maiden of Osterrode, was said to appear with a large batch of keys at her belt, and stride to the brook to collect water on Easter morning. Cross buns were of course baked and eaten. While this could be a Christian addition, that cakes were often use in Heathen rites is apparent in any survey of the lore. And the cross may be symbolic of the rune Gebo or the buns may represent the sun wheel. Easter eggs seem to go fairly far back in both English and continental celebrations, and of course symbolize the beginning of new life. The hare also known for its fertility appears fairly early in Easter celebrations."

Have a lovely holiday!

April Pleasures

2011-04-01T06:13:00.000-05:00

Let's lure Springtime from her hidy-hole, shall we? This is walking attire from April, 1807....

Now this dress is from the Spring of 1894. She's ready for our chilly temps now as well....perhaps spring has always been this cold?

Either of these delights would do well with our current sprinkling of snow...how I wish it was an April Fool's prank! Alas...Mother Nature is the only one teasing around here.

If I could wave a magic wand, April first would look like this...

And I would choose one of these lovely frocks...

to wear on my way to tea.


Courtesy of Little Sooti . http://littlesooti.blogspot.com/ What a lovely blog!

And to top it all off, perfectly practical sandals to tiptoe through the tulips.... ;)

So.... how are you welcoming April?

Cozy Nook or Coffee Shop?

2011-03-22T08:20:00.000-05:00

Where do you read? I can read anywhere, although I'm so good at blocking out distractions that I will miss appointments every time...

If I have my choice, however, I love a rainy day, a quilt, and my worn sofa with my cat trying to position himself between me and the pages. Bright and sunny means I should be outside working! :)

I also love sitting in my truck and reading while waiting for the girls to finish their school clubs, meetings, etc. It's very cozy.

Now look at this reading room...

The Szabo Ervin Library in Budapest, Hungary is a beautiful place. Much of the building is a modern library, but in the central library is a preserved palace, Wenckheim Palace. It was built by Count Frigyes Wenckheim (1842 – 1912), a well-known aristocrat of the end of the 19th century, the owner of a vast estate with the membership of the Parliament.

The City Council purchased the building and converted the beautiful palace rooms into reading rooms for their new library in 1931.

If I had a teleport machine, this would be mine!

Where is your special reading place?

What a difference a year makes!

2011-03-17T21:13:00.004-05:00

Head over to the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood blog on Friday, March 18th and check out what the 2010 Golden Heart finalists, otherwise known as the Unsinkables, have accomplished this last year. For those not familiar with Romance Writers of America, "The purpose of the Golden Heart® contest is to promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding romance manuscripts." A GH final is as good as it gets for an aspiring romance writer, until that 'call' telling you the book has sold. :)

Not everyone has reached that signed contract . . .yet....

but we're all still swimming!

Essentials for a Memorable Snow-in....

2011-01-31T11:20:00.000-06:00

Ok, after a really mild winter we're going to get hammered over the next couple of days. (Unless they're wrong. Oh, how I hope they're wrong.) I've got water, batteries, flashlights, blankets, non-perishable foods, firewood, de-icer (not that we'll be driving again for two or three days), blah, blah, blah. But what makes a non-welcome snow day FUN?

Seriously. Nothing sexier on this planet than the man who's going to fix our electrical lines when it's ten degrees below zero outside (and quite possibly, inside). Whatever these heroes get paid, they deserve double. Triple. And a batch of chocolate chip cookies, to boot.

Harry Potter audio books. My first choice would be some of my favorite romances on audio, but I won't be snowed in alone, so we'll all enjoy these. They'll go perfectly with this:

And this:

So...what's on your essential snow-day list? Who else can't wait for spring?

Need a Stocking Cap, Crave a Bonnet

2011-01-20T10:03:00.000-06:00

(All right, she's adorable.)

Baby, it's cold outside. Common sense dictates something stretchy, thick, and hair-flattening (or static-inducing). Flattering, they're not.

(It's eleven degrees outside. Sensible!)

Or maybe this clever little number.

But the heart wants what the heart wants, and today I'm in the mood for one of these:

(Absolutely lovely)

Or maybe even this:

(Be still, my romance-loving heart...)

Spring, where art thou?

Research and a Spot of Tea

2011-01-02T22:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome! I've done a bit of blog redecorating in celebration of the new year, and quite enjoy the change in color. I'm also in a researching frame of mind, and came across a link I'd like to share with you:

Women Writers: 17th and 18th Century

You'll read about women such as Aphra Behn, a young woman who went from early widowhood to a short career as a spy, to debtor's prison, to writing over sixteen plays and fourteen novels, only six of which were printed in her lifetime. Fascinating!

Tea of the Week: Celestial Seasonings Blueberry Tea. Such a delight! I let it sit for two or three minutes, sprinkle with a packet or two of Splenda, sip, and dream of spring. I adore this tea, and cannot wait to try my raspberry packets.

Have a lovely week! Any new favorite January drinks?

Snowbound Blessings...

2010-12-23T19:39:00.001-06:00

If you can't get out...if the snow is blowing and ice glazes each glittering tree branch and country road...

If your cupboards are full and tea's steeping in your mug...if you have heat, light, and your loved ones with you...

If mother nature has decided your holiday shopping and preparations are as good as they're going to get...

Take a moment to embrace the simple peace and hope of the Season.

Merry Christmas to each of you. :)

P.S. If you find yourself with a bit of time on your hands after the 25th, you might visit Averyl's Attic, which features lovely Victorian clip art. Beautiful!

Christmas All Week Long

2010-12-19T09:03:00.000-06:00

Do something special for yourself each day this week as you ready for the holidays. Relish a perfect cup of eggnog. Get up very late (or very early!) Monday night and watch the lunar eclipse. Go to a child's Christmas concert. Count your Blessings!

Present of the Day: Starbucks Nesting Tea Mug Set. So darling. So practical. Something pretty I could use each day.

Writing Quote of the Day: "A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper." E B White (1899-1985) Wow, do I love this one. And absolutely treasure the work of E.B. White, which only makes it better.

Cures for the Hum Bugs!

2010-12-16T14:07:00.000-06:00

Happy, happy holidays...busy, busy, happy days...frantic, frenzied, wired days! Joy to anyone who can balance the bliss and bedlam of this season. I know what I do when it's all just too much: hibernate.

Now, the hibernation may consist of an entire day, or only a stolen hour or two, but if it's intentional and deliberate on your part, with all those things that you love most around you, it goes a long way toward enjoying the rest of the holiday festivities.

Naps are essential. You need the coziest blanket you can find, after you've wrapped up in the coziest sweater you own. Curl up on the couch. Light some candles, turn off the lights, and drift away. Preferably at one o'clock in the afternoon. Most of the free world has this right. Only crazy, work-obsessed Americans push through an entire day ninety-to-nothing and then wonder why we're so cranky. Channel your inner todler, and sleep...

Perfect Hibernation Book: The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It's full of adventure, happy endings, and a description of the most mouth-watering flapjacks. You'll crave pancakes for days. Indulge yourself.

Perfect Hibernation Food: Fudge. There is my Mom's fudge, and all other fudge. This is my Mom's fudge.

FANTASY FUDGE

3 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter
2/3 c. (5 1/3 fl. oz. can) Carnation evaporated milk
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2 c. Kraft marshmallow creme
1 c. chopped nuts
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, butter and milk in heavy 2 1/2 quart saucepan; bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate pieces until melted. Add marshmallow creme, nuts and vanilla; beat until well blended. Pour into greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Cool at room temperature; cut into squares. Makes approximately 3 pounds.Double recipe: Use this full 13 ounce jar of Kraft marshmallow creme, doubling all ingredients. Prepare fudge as directed, using 5-quart Dutch oven. Pour fudge into 2 greased 13 x 9 inch pans. Makes approximately 6 pounds.

13 Days to Santa

2010-12-12T22:06:00.001-06:00

Christmas Book of the Day: Tosca's Christmas by Matthew Sturgis. Christmas picture books are magical. This is one of my favorites.

Christmas gift of the day: The Writing Sets from Barnes and Noble. Just the perfect combination of practical and pretty. I love them all.

The Writing Quote of the day: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
— Mark Twain

Sugar and Spice

2010-12-08T11:30:00.002-06:00

Christmas recipe of the day: Yule log! Isn't it pretty?

My oldest and her boyfriend make one each year for their French club contest. They have more patience than I do.I like my food fairly quick and easy. But this is oh so impressive on a Christmas table!

Christmas book of the day: A Holiday Yarn by Sally Goldenbaum. A yuletide Mystery!

Writing quote of the day:"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." - Frank A. Clark

Have a lovely day!

Winter Treats

2010-12-06T06:23:00.000-06:00

Recipe of the Day:

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home

Rate Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe

12 Servings
Prep: 30 min. + standing

Ingredients

2 large sweet red pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Pita bread, warmed and cut into wedges, and reduced-fat wheat snack crackers
Additional garbanzo beans or chickpeas, optional

Directions

Broil red peppers 4 in. from the heat until skins blister, about 5 minutes. With tongs, rotate peppers a quarter turn. Broil and rotate until all sides are blistered and blackened. Immediately place peppers in a bowl; cover and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
Peel off and discard charred skin. Remove stems and seeds. Place the peppers in a food processor. Add beans, lemon juice, tahini, oil, garlic and seasonings; cover and process until blended.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with pita bread and crackers. Garnish with additional beans if desired. Yield: 3 cups.

31 Days of Celebration

2010-12-03T07:20:00.000-06:00

Today's writing quote: "And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." ~Sylvia Plath

Today's Christmas book: "Under the Mistletoe" by Mary Balogh. (Yup, same title, different anthology collection) A wonderful selection of novellas.

Today's Christmas gift suggestion:

This is an amazing organization. You can pick an animal, a country, or make this a monthly donation. And they don't just help those in need overseas, but right here in the USA. Nothing feels better at Christmas than giving!

What's your favorite animal? I'm partial right now to the honeybees, and those little rabbits are charming. :)

31 Days of Celebration

2010-12-01T16:02:00.001-06:00

Welcome to December! All month long we'll celebrate the season with recipes, book suggestions, simple gift ideas, and inspirational writing quotes. Enjoy!

Writing quote of the day: “Planning to write is not writing. Outlining, researching, talking to people about what you're doing, none of that is writing. Writing is writing.” E. L. Doctorow.

Christmas book of the day: Under the Mistletoe by Irene Brand and Anita Higman. Two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present.

Christmas recipe of the day: Easy Toffee Bars

Ingredients

1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 (10 ounce) package saltine crackers
1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat melt butter with brown sugar; bring to a boil and remove from heat.
Arrange crackers (salt side up) on a jelly roll pan. Pour butter mixture over crackers.
Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers. Bake for another 5 minutes.
Spread the melted chocolate, then sprinkle with nuts, coconut, or toffee pieces. Cool, break into smaller bits, and enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T07:42:00.000-06:00

May your day be filled with delicious food and bountiful blessings.

I am thankful for all of you!

Winners!

2010-10-25T06:14:00.001-05:00

Congratulations, Clarissa and Ginger/Savannah Granny! I've chosen your names out of my trusty coffee cup. Please contact me at gillian.layne@gmail.com so that I can get your book(s) to you.

Thanks so much to all who stopped by! May your Halloween week be filled with treats. :)

Book Prizes and Treasures

2010-10-18T07:36:00.002-05:00

Because I read two novels this weekend that took my breath away, and it's a Monday (nuff said), and it's October (the perfect month), and my birthday ( I've decided gratitude is the key to gracious aging), and I needed two blankets on my bed last night (snuggling weather!). . .Let's give some books away!

Now for the breathtaking books....

Inara Scott took the classic brilliant young woman-bad boy-good boy triangle and turned it into a "oh, shoot, I've missed my dental appointment and burned the roast" triumph. Turning each page was a supreme effort, because I knew the sequel wasn't sitting on my bookshelf...or the bookstore's bookshelf...and I really want to know what happens next. I passed out bookmarks to my local librarians and suggested they jump on the bandwagon early. Delcroix Academy: The Candidates is YA perfection.

Insatiable sat on my shelf for two months because I am a rather busy woman, and knew the laundry and dear parents and children needed attention and the garden was one weed away from being declared a wildlife preserve....and I'm an idiot. It is a good thing I waited a bit to read this treasure, however, because after I read it....I couldn't write. Not right away. I knew I had read perfection, perfection for me, and I had to analyze why those words, that theme, that voice, made it so. Nope, I couldn't just enjoy the story. I had to rest, gather my thoughts, breath fresh air and then go back and figure out why this book was so utterly captivating.

I'm still working on it.

So--what is/are your Ah-Ha! book(s)? What epiphanies have they wrought? Share your treasures, and I'll share mine. Because treasures are personal, I'll be asking the winners what genre (inspirational, suspense, contemporary, etc) trips their trigger, and then I'll chose the prizes accordingly. I'll announce two book winners here next Monday.

A Soft Throw and Spiced Tea

2010-10-04T06:10:00.002-05:00

Now we need a scented candle, firelight and an appropriate October book...

Demon's Covenant is the much-anticipated sequel to the Demon's Lexicon, which I could not get enough of. Edgy, fast-paced, and other-worldly in such a natural way that it has me believing at least some of my mild-mannered neighbors must be witches. If you haven't read the Demon's Lexicon first, please do so. You'll thank me later. :)

A Matter of Class is lovely, much like curling up in a window seat with your throw and tea and watching raindrops trickle down the glass. In fact, it would be fine setting in which to read this book. Reading this is the difference between grabbing a to-go cappuccino at Starbucks and setting down for a proper tea at four o'clock. Take the time to savor this story.

Original Sin is a gripping tale of good and evil, and masterful story telling by an author whom I greatly admire but could not read until now. Her other works were simply too...real. And I'm a big coward. But the paranormal twist lets me enjoy her genius while reminding myself that's it's just a (very, very, very good) story.

Hill Country Holdup. A dark, driven FBI agent. A son he never knew he had, kidnapped. (And that really moody, evocative covered bridge)...this book was meant to be read on a dark October night. With the lights on. ;)

On audio while driving? Why, Harry Potter, of course.

So what are some of your favorite October reads?

Simple Joys...

2010-09-14T21:39:00.000-05:00

Here's more Zen living...I really love how easy these ideas would be to incorporate into your life.

"Understanding what is important in our lives allows us to rid ourselves of the rest without remorse. As Cal Newport recently wrote in a guest post here on Zen Habits, “ … when you know what your life is about it’s easy to sidestep all that threatens to clutter it.” Time, attention, and most especially, the ability to go deep into our experiences—all gifts of minimalist and smaller living—are the critical ingredients for a life to be rich with simple joys.
So how can you create and enjoy more small joys in your life?
1. Allow some breathing room in your schedule. When we rush, we barely acknowledge what is happening around us. I can’t remember ever hearing someone say they had a joy-filled day because they were rushed and stressed, running from one thing to the next.
2. Be present. Being present, a common theme here on Zen Habits, is absolutely essential for experiencing and appreciating the small joys of life. Instead of always thinking of the next thing on our to-do list or itinerary, being present allows us to recognize and enjoy those small moments of joy as they arise.
3. Stay with the moment and fully experience it. Pay attention to the details.
4. Remember this. Remind yourself at the time of how it makes you feel and what about it you want to treasure. Think of these moments like little GPS way stations, points in time and space that you want to commit to memory."

For the entire post, I'd highly recommend clicking HERE. Enjoy!

Good Enough

2010-09-01T06:37:00.001-05:00

Hello, September! Welcome to the unofficial beginning of the New Year. (Who picked January first, anyway? It's dark and cold and often icy and I'm inspired to do nothing more than snuggling under blankets and sip hot cocoa.) Time for resolutions, new habits, closet cleaning, out-with-the-old...unless the old is working for you. Many times, it is.

But then, sometimes not.

So when you google things like "new habits", you'll receive all sorts of helpful advice about sticking with any changes you want to make in your life. Having a concrete goal, breaking it down into daily steps, deciding if you're working toward or away from that goal (interesting, yes?), and removing temptation crop up in many articles. (Removing temptation? Eh. What are you going to do, lock yourself in a closet?)

I happen to like this piece of advice: Be Imperfect. I really, really like that. Expect slip ups, assume all will not go well as you pursue whatever it is you are pursuing. Because if you don't demand perfection...then you can't use it as an excuse to quit.

What would you like to accomplish while enjoying this beautiful fall?

Zen Habits: a brief guide to life

2010-08-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

‘A few strong instincts and a few plain rules suffice us.’ ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Post written by Leo Babauta. Follow me on twitter or identica.

Life can be ridiculously complicated, if you let it. I suggest we simplify.
Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote, which I’ve stolen as this site’s subtitle, is the shortest guide to life you’ll ever need:
“Smile, breath, and go slowly.”
If you live your life by those five words, you’ll do pretty well. For those who need a little more guidance, I’ve distilled the lessons I’ve learned (so far) into a few guidelines, or reminders, really.
And as always, these rules are meant to be broken. Life wouldn’t be any fun if they weren’t.

the brief guide

less TV, more reading
less shopping, more outdoors
less clutter, more space
less rush, more slowness
less consuming, more creating
less junk, more real food
less busywork, more impact
less driving, more walking
less noise, more solitude
less focus on the future, more on the present
less work, more play
less worry, more smiles
breathe
—
If you liked this guide, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, my friends.

Tighten Your Prose Workshop

2010-08-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

***** Permission to Forward Granted *****
RWA® Online Chapter presents:

PRUNE YOUR PROSE! Ten Tips to Tighten Your Fiction Writing
Instructor: Linnea Sinclair
August 16th – 29th, 2010
Registration Period: August 2-15, 2010
Fee: $15 Non-Chapter members. RWAOL Chapter #136 members; free.
Payment method: PAYPAL is recommended!

It’s safe and fast! Check and money orders also accepted.
Registration: http://www. rwaonlinechapter .org/campus.htm (without the spaces)

NOTE: -Use your real First and Last Name & Choose Pay Option.
ONLY Chapter #136 members choose the Chapter Member option button.
For more information: workshops@rwaonlinechapter.org

CLASS DESCRIPTION: As the saying goes, “Close only counts in…hand grenades.” Don’t let your manuscript bomb because of easily overlooked errors, or for lack of sophistication and polish. Learn how to make every chapter count, every scene earn its keep, every main character memorable. Award-winning Bantam Random House author Linnea Sinclair will take you though ten tips (and more!) that will make your story shine, move it out of the slush pile, onto an editor’s desk so that—when on the shelves—it can garner reviews that note: A must-read, by an author who never disappoints!

Attendees should bring sample pages of their work-in-progress (including their first page) and be prepared to share and improve!

BIO: Winner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven novels. Reviewers note that Sinclair's novels "have the wow-factor in spades," earning her accolades from both the science fiction and romance communities. Sinclair's current releases are GAMES OF COMMAND (PEARL Award winner and RITA finalist), THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES (PEARL Award Honorable Mention), SHADES OF DARK, HOPE’S FOLLY and REBELS & LOVERS.
A former news reporter and retired private detective, Sinclair resides in Naples, Florida (winters) and Columbus, Ohio (summers) along with her husband, Robert Bernadino, and their two thoroughly spoiled cats. Readers can find her perched on the third barstool from the left in her Intergalactic Bar and Grille at www.linneasinclair.com.

FORMAT: Course is conducted via online discussion (bulletin) board on the RWA® Online website. Non-chapter members MUST complete both the workshop registration AND the discussion board login registration for access. Instructions for login are presented after the registration pages (or to return to the login instructions, go to http://www.rwaonline...strationTY.htm. The workshop is available for up to one week after the end date and a downloadable archive of the workshop will be available the week following the workshop.

***** Permission To Forward Granted *****

Recovery

2010-08-08T08:51:00.000-05:00

Ever need to take a vacation after your vacation? I'm finally starting to feel human again, after being as sick as I've been in two years.

Wow. Nationals kicked my immune system's hiney to the curb.

I am supremely thankful I didn't have to immediately jump back into the day job and had time to sleep and lay on the couch and recoup. Recharge the batteries. Read all those amazing new authors I picked up at the book signings (I love finding new authors!)

So...how have you been welcoming in August? Isn't being sick during summer the worst? Reading any new gems? Feeling the "back to school" excitement of a "new" year?

It Takes An Army!

2010-08-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know---it takes a village. I'm just thinking about all those volunteers during the RWA convention, and let me tell ya what--army is a better term. These people are organized, on time, in formation, and expecting those around them to pick up the slack and do the same. (Especially the pitch appointments...do not get between those women and their line-ups. You're not fifteen minutes early for your scheduled time? Fagettaboudit!)

Getting the book written is very much the same. You can only coddle yourself for so long; then it's down to brass tacks and results, baby! Where the heck are those pages you promised yourself? So what if the day job's a time suck and your research is grueling? Get in there and get it done, so you can sell that bad boy (really, I hope he's a bad boy...I have such a soft spot for a rebel...). Then the small army it will take to sell your book can hop to it; the copy editors, the cover artists, the contract wizards. The tiny little bunch of bound pages isn't making to the shelves without a lot of hard working folks wrapping up their piece of the puzzle.

RWA great news #1: I heard so many people asking about Westerns and American set historicals. Don't believe me? Hey, go check out Pub Rants here. I consider this under the "Thank Heavens and It's about Time" category.

I'd Like to Thank...Everyone!

2010-07-26T12:13:00.000-05:00

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!

Anyone seen that airplane?

2010-07-20T08:54:00.001-05:00

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.

Make Your Own Fireworks...

2010-07-04T09:29:00.002-05:00

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?

2010 GH finalists

2010-06-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

The Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood blog, created by the 2009 Golden Heart finalists, are hosting the 2010 GH finalists today. Please stop by and say Hi!, or come and read how I was able to make a lasting (read: embarrassing) first impression in under five seconds. It's a gift, really.

I'm honored to have been included among such talented writers. Come read the log lines--you're going to want ALL of these books!

First Lines

2010-06-09T14:33:00.001-05:00

I never tire of this subject. First lines are little jewels holding the promise of endless treasure. Here are some of my recent favorites. (I admit, even when I buy books I have no time to read, I always dive into the first couple of pages.)

Hannah's List, Debbie Macomber: "I'm not a sentimental guy."

Bulletproof Bodyguard, Kay Thomas: "Sweat ran down Marcus's back and sides."

Married by Morning, Lisa Kleypas: "Anyone who had ever read a novel knew that governesses were supposed to be meek and downtrodden."

Promise Me Tonight, Sara Lindsey: "Seconds always seem inconsequential."

Original Sin, Allison Brennan: "No one could hear Moira's piercing screams; they were in her head, as trapped as she was by the ancient demon who was luring the man she loved to his death."

The God of the Hive, Laurie R. King: "A child is a burden, after a mile."

A Secret Affair, Mary Balogh: "Hannah Reid, Duchess of Dunbarton, was free at last. Free of the burden of a ten-year marriage, and free of the endlessly tedious year of deep mourning that had succeeded the death of the duke, her husband." (Yes, it's more than one line. You're lucky I stopped here. I could quote the entire book. It's Mary.)

So, what has captured your attention lately? Isn't it wonderful when the promise of a perfect first line is kept by the rest of the book?

Heroes

2010-05-31T07:49:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day. Many thanks to all the real heroes and heroines in this world.

The Write Thing

2010-05-06T08:31:00.001-05:00

First of all , huge kudos to RWA for rescheduling a massive conference in little more than two days. Amazing. Bless those board and staff members for all their hard work!

Secondly, our hearts go out to everyone affected by the Nashville floods. I am so sad I won't be visiting your beautiful city this year, but I'm certain Nashville will come back stronger than ever.

Please visit this link Do The Write Thing For Nashville, where agent and editor critiques will be auctioned off to raise money for the relief efforts. Good for them! It's a win-win situation all around.

The romance community, as usual, has a big, big heart.

Do you know of other relief efforts? Let me know!

Pen, Keyboard, or Paper Napkin?

2010-04-19T07:08:00.000-05:00

Hubby heard me mention how handy a tiny netbook would be. I run errands. I drive kids. I wait in lines and offices. That is, I lead a life just like the rest of you. A netbook, I informed him, doesn't just hook a person to the internet. You can write on that puppy. It has Windows 7 and everything. And rumor had it those bad boys have an awesome battery life. We should check it out in our spare time. (Pause for a moment of hysterical laughter)

So hubby brought one home Friday night. I was shocked (why? He's a techno-whiz type person) and thrilled (I didn't have to even offer an opinion on the subject-hurray!) and spent the weekend falling in love with that cute little box. Technology irritates me on a regular basis, as I never know enough to ask intelligent questions or understand explanations, but I love this thing. It has been simple (so far) and efficient and easy to type on.

I still have my piles of notebooks in the car and at home. When push comes to shove and the computer screen feels like enemy #1, I retreat to the comfort of pen and paper. But my aching hands don't appreciate that as much as they used to. Keyboards are just kinder to my fingers.

Does how you write vary? Or do you stick with one location and method? Do you have a notebook or netbook? And does that "no disc drive" bother you at all?

First Book

2010-04-09T16:57:00.000-05:00

Do you remember your first book?

Heaven's, I certainly hope not. In a perfect world, our first book would be read to us while we were cradled in our mother's arms, not more than a few days old.

We do not live in a perfect world. We do, however, live in a world filled with people with very good intentions.

Mission: First Book provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books.

Inspiration: Kyle Zimmer, a corporate lawyer by day, tutored children at an inner-city soup kitchen by night. She discovered that the children she tutored had no books to read. That year, Kyle left her day job, and she and two friends founded First Book to provide new books and resources to the children who needed them the most. They delivered 12,000 books to local communities in the Washington DC area the first year.

Achievement: Now, nearly 20 years later, First Book has delivered more than 65 million books to programs serving children in need across the United States and Canada.

You might stop by their site and see what you can do to help. You might already help in your own hometown. If not this organization, then you can certainly find a dozen more like it. But this year, do something to encourage the joy and empowerment of reading.

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T06:24:00.001-05:00

Happy Easter weekend! I hope you all have a chance to spend time with family and friends, and reflect on all the good things that are happening in our lives.

Easter Sunday is a day of hope and joy! (And, fingers crossed, clear skies.)

Are you having ham and deviled eggs? I am, if I can get the eggs out of the shell without tearing them--it's tricky. Any spring holiday favorites for your table?

Red Pens

2010-03-30T21:38:00.006-05:00

On Thursday, April 1st (only now as I type that date does it give me pause...), Emily Bryan will critique the first two pages of my second manuscript, To Tempt A Wicked Kiss. She's been doing these public Red Pencil Thursday critiques for a couple of weeks, and I'm honored and grateful she's taken the time to look over my work. I'm also looking forward to any comments her readers would care to share. Like "I don't understand." Or "Hey, you used the word 'rather' seven times!" Or "I don't understand."

I ~~rather~~ hope my future readers understand my story. :)

Emily Bryan has penned a wealth of Regency works.I love Vexing the Viscount, but I might have a new favorite once Stroke of Genius hits the stands May 25. (And my day job in the schools will just be wrapping up. A coincidence? I think not.) She's also posted a sexy, free novella on her website-A Duke For All Seasons--go catch up here. The link to her blog has been on my sidebar for a while now. Emily's a font of information concerning all things Regency, Georgian, and romance writing, and generously shares that knowledge with all of us. So if you have a moment, please stop by!

Love critiques? Hate them? What about the benefits of an anonymous judge's opinion vs a treasured critique partner?

Regency, Interrupted

2010-03-25T14:24:00.002-05:00

You know when you know how something is going to turn out, and so you go ahead and eat a candy bar, even thought you've been cutting out sugar for a few weeks, but it's rainy and cold and you didn't final in the Golden Heart--- so you go ahead and eat that chocolate?

And then they call you and tell you that you've finaled?

And you say, "But I already ate my 'I didn't final' candy bar!"

Yes. That's the kind of calm, collected, sophisticate that I am.

Now I have to go calm down so I can drive to school and pick up my kids. I'm pretty certain the police won't be impressed by a GH final.

Huge congratulations to the other GH and Rita finalists! :)

Inspiration

2010-03-13T14:09:00.008-06:00

Inspiration....sometimes the plot grabs you. The crisis. The impossible choice. The midnight rendezvous, hidden treasure, long lost love.

And sometimes, all you need is a really good hero.
So who inspires you?

Oh, and check out the addition....good call, Kate! Who else am I missing? Feel free to call them out.

Inspiration

2010-02-19T03:37:00.009-06:00

For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston

I could write an entire book based around this comic strip. I love how much is conveyed in four pictures. And I can never get enough of Calvin and Hobbes....

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

I'm not sure I'm functioning at six thoughts a minute these days.... :)

Do you have a favorite cartoon?

Cliché Me, Baby!

2010-02-11T17:49:00.007-06:00

You know those classic story lines:

The heroine comes back into the hero's life with her secret baby.

The poor hero has been given up for dead....but comes back the morning the heroine is about to marry another person.

The heroine has amnesia. Is the hero her true love, or a psychopath in disguise?

Oh, and my personal favorite--the sheik who is masquerading as a common working man, for whatever reason (tired of sand in his silk sheets? Fed up with spitting camels?) and falls in love with a small town girl. Sigh.

These so-called predictable story lines get a bad rap from people who criticize romance--not that they've actually read romance, they're too busy reading Oprah's latest pick and popping Prozac. But they know a cliche when they see the cover of one.

Well, I do too. And thank you, romance world, for making my life a little easier!

Valentine's Day is this weekend...I'm seeing another batch of paranormal, classic, vampire-loving, kilt-wearing, amnesiac billionaire romances in my near future. I love them, one and all.

I hope you all have time to curl up with a romance this weekend, too. I'm off to find another awesome trapped-in-a- snowstorm story... any suggestions?

Shining Through

2010-01-25T04:35:00.005-06:00

Well, I've held those precious Golden Heart manuscripts in my hands. I both skimmed them and spent hours pouring over them, even pulled my dictionary from the shelf and learned a new word or two. It is an honor and a privilege to do so. As an active member of RWA, I consider it an obligation.

But more than anything, it's fun!

Oh, dear. I have to spend hours upon hours reading romance stories? Poor, poor me. Such a hardship. :)

The first time volunteered to judge, I did so with my heart in my throat. Who was I to pass judgment over a stranger's hopes and dreams? Had I not picked up many a bestseller, only to abandon the story by chapter three in sheer boredom? Therefore, would it not stand to reason that I was a really very poor judge of what could be deemed quality genre fiction?

But I did it anyway.

Oh, what I learned! I should have been paying those contestants; it was as good as any class. To hold the manuscript in my hands--yes, I think reading the printed pages made a difference, lesson one for me--and watch the story unfold before my eyes, taught me so much about my own work. Each year I judge these, I learn something new. Pacing, opening sentences, chapter breaks, voice, grammar, characterization, secondary characters, setting--synopsis!--and what qualifies as a romance....

Do you judge? And if you judge the GH, what do you think of the "score only, no comments" rule?

Christmas.....already?

2009-12-22T08:48:00.004-06:00

Christmas is here--this week! I hope you all find time for Bing Crosby, White Christmas, The Holiday with Jude Law, any music by Nat King Cole, peppermint bark and gingerbread cookies, eggnog and mulled wine, chaotic kitchens and strewn wrapping paper.

I wish you each a moment of contented reflection on how blessed we are to have friends and family near and far. I am thankful for each one of you!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Still Writing?

2009-11-16T06:55:00.004-06:00

Are you fingers cramped up from constant keyboard contact? Are you wearing that pencil right down to the nub? (And, irritatingly, the eraser as well?)

Well, here, you poor dears. Have a nice cup of hot apple cider and relax. Let your characters wander aimlessly while you enjoy a bit of nosh. It will be good for both of you.

Isn't this cup gorgeous?

Happy middle-of-November....and middle of Nano. While I don't actively participate, I hear great stories each year of all the success it brings. So go forth for the next two weeks (and the next two months, and the next two years) and write!

But first, finish your drink. :)

Write!

2009-11-01T08:21:00.004-06:00

So evidently November is National Novel Writing Month. But hey...you already knew that, didn't you?

And 50, 000 words...new words...are expected by the end of this month.

Yet here you are, when you should be out there writing...

Or maybe you're not here, because you're out there writing...

If a writer falls asleep over her keyboards,
does she make a sound? Or more to the point,
will her family pull her off the backspace key
before she's deleted all her words?

Good Luck in your writing and reading
endeavors this month!

Home, Home on the Plains...

2009-10-30T16:24:00.003-05:00

Hubby went and stood in line with a few hundred women to buy me this book last night.

Did he have the time? Nope.
Did he do it anyway? Yup.

Just doing his part to keep the publishing business alive and well....and no, it's not a "traditional" romance...but I do love everything about her cooking and her blog.

Never Enough Sin

2009-10-27T09:08:00.002-05:00

Speaking of supporting authors you love....

Go. Release day is TODAY. Buy a copy for yourself, your mom, your sister, your poor overworked hairdresser....

And enjoy. :)

Value the Work

2009-10-23T13:36:00.003-05:00

Hi all! I have been, as I read in a Jennifer Cruise blog post once, "protecting the work." For me, that has meant a serious reduction in internet time.

However, I just had to throw in my two cents concerning the price slashing between Wal-Mart and Amazon...and whoever else has jumped into the fray....

I don't understand or care about the legal ramifications. I do care if authors and publishers aren't getting their fair share. So please join me in letting your favorite authors know how much you value and appreciate their work. Can you afford to buy the hardcover and not wait for the paperback? Can you stop by the store on a Tuesday and buy that new mass market release the day it's released, and not a month later? Can you skip a coffee or two and buy two books? Can you give books for presents this holiday season?

We spent money on Halloween costumes, candy, pumpkins, cotton candy at the fairs, two dollars for a pack of gum, almost six dollars now for a value meal at a fast food drive through.

Please. We can afford full price for someone's vision and talent brought to life in the pages of a book that we can share with friends or eventually pass down to our children.

Hope this finds you well, and reading. :)

Hiatus

2009-03-15T08:21:00.003-05:00

Of course, my hiatus might not be as long as the other gaps I've had between posts, but at least this is intentional.

For your viewing pleasure, may I present Buckingham Gardens.

See you soon!

Mary, Mary , quite extraordinary......

2009-02-27T09:12:00.003-06:00

Finally....our local Wal-Mart put First Comes Marriage, Mary Balogh's newest release, on the shelves. It's the Read of the Month for Wal-Mart, and Mary has included a bit of bonus material, a small section originally cut.

Hurray! We'll take all the Mary we can get.

Mary Balogh is more than an autobuy for me. She's a comfort read, the first and last name in romance done perfectly, the books that are in almost every room of my house. She's the first romance author who made me cry.

Isn't the cover exquisite? No doubt the story is as well. I'm off to curl up with a cup of coffee on this cold, blustery day and discover the magic between Viscount Lyngate and Vanessa Huxtable.

I highly suggest you do the same. :)

What author calls a halt to your day? Which author makes you cry, or laugh out loud? Aren't we lucky to have such a wealth of talent and genres to choose from?

Writing Rules....

2009-02-20T16:58:00.003-06:00

My March 09 RWR came in the mail this afternoon. Some months are full of information, others only so-so. But this issue is loaded with interesting articles; the role of the publisher, power promotion, author's views on revisions, and my personal favorite so far, the scene and sequel. I think Patricia Kay did a wonderful job of illustrating how well the scene/sequel can work, and what they can and cannot do for your story.

There are all sorts of technique books and websites out there. Swain's Techniques of a Selling Author, Ingermanson's Snowflake Method, and Stephanie Bonds Writer's How-To articles are good for me.

However, I think the methodology study works best after the first draft- Vivid, unique, heart-felt story telling comes fast and furious, when you are utterly in love with your h/h and all the mayhem before them. Then, once that first draft is over, the rules can help you smooth out your masterpiece. But to deliberately worry about the details before the bones of the story are laid out seems a bit stifling to me.

What about you? Any "have-to" rules you follow from the very beginning, or do you punt the rules and let your characters lead the way?

Life according to Fred....

2009-02-16T19:14:00.003-06:00

It's generally understood around this house that if you make a reference to literature or social norms pre-WWII, I'm bound to follow most of the conversation. History, or bits of it, is my thing. It's my comfort zone, and allows me to ignore much of modern life, in the same way that I can bounce my head along to the rhythm of Soulja Boy, blissfully unaware of the lyrics.

So I've just recently joined Facebook, a huge leap for a recluse such as myself. My husband and daughters insisted it's another important modern social contact. (I'm not convinced yet, but I fought my cell phone acquisition as well. Convenience, I get. But with the convenience comes the time-suck. When do all these twelve-posts-a-day people read?)

And now, because all I watch around here (besides NCIS) is kid's TV, I understand (thank you, iCarly) who Fred is. So I trotted over to YouTube and found him...and found him...and found him. Does the boy go to school? Seriously, I'm not sure. Maybe he's home schooled. Where does he find the time to post all those videos? And who the heck are the millions of people watching them? And why is it entertaining?

He's cute. He's charismatic. He's obviously caught the eye of Disney, so I'd imagine the world is his for the taking, provided he's got a bit of level-headed adult guidance. But...he talks in a high pitched voice, and runs from cabbages.

I'm wondering if the reason I don't get Fred is the reason I don't get Monty Python, but think Taming of the Shrew is a scream. Somewhere along the line my modern gene was definitely skewed.

What's funny to you?

Valentine

2009-02-13T09:09:00.003-06:00

Have you heard about those personalized romance novels? You can order them on line, pay anything from twenty to over one hundred dollars, depending on the cover and what's included. They offer a variety of settings and heat levels. Sweet.

And the author never has to worry about Amazon reviews. ;)

It's an interesting idea. I imagine the recipient either loves or hates it. They would certainly last longer than chocolate or flowers. However, the fill-in-the-blanks aspect of it leaves me a little cold. I'd rather have a remember when? note. Remember when I held your hand for the first time? Remember when it didn't matter if ice knocked out the electricity? Remember when the very best gift was time spent together?

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love. ~Albert Einstein

Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely. ~M*A*S*H, Hawkeye

Soul meets soul on lovers' lips. ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

Have a lovely Valentine's Day!

The Bliss List

2009-01-18T21:36:00.004-06:00

I've been tagged by the brilliant Chiron, who just got her CALL--Yippee!!!!!!!!

Rules are simple; Link to the person who has tagged you. Write down six things that make you happy. Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it. Then tell the person when your entry is complete.

My List:

1) Spooning with my husband of twenty years. He still curls my toes and melts my heart.
2) Watching my girls grow, slowly but surely, into compassionate, independent young women.
3) Double stuff Oreos!
4) Holding my cats. Especially on these bitterly cold evenings.
5) Loosing all tract of time while reading....
6) A very strong cup of English breakfast tea, with a dash of sugar.

An ongoing inventory of thanks is a lovely way to start the year! Who's next?

Burrrrr.......

2009-01-15T05:27:00.004-06:00

Isn't this beautiful? A timeless picture of nature's frozen splendor. But...enough already!

Where's the warmth? Where's the sun? And good grief, we don't even have snow! It's just bitterly cold and gray.

So....

What's your favorite hot drink, hot meal, hot vacation spot. . . and let's not forget, hot read and hot hero! What's warming up your winter nights?

New Year

2008-12-31T08:50:00.004-06:00

The Happiest of New Years to you and yours. 2009 will be a wonderful year!

Ok, I've borrowed the following from Killer Fiction's blog.
Commitment

Commitment is what
transforms a promise into reality

It is the words that speak boldly
of your intentions
And the actions which speak
louder than words

It is making the time
when there is none.
Coming through time after time
after time
Year after year after year

Commitment is the stuff
character is made of,
The power to change
the face of things.

It is the daily triumph
of integrity over skepticism.

What a great saying! I hope your New Year commitments truly define your dreams.

Christmas Eve Delight

2008-12-24T06:40:00.006-06:00

Here We Come A Wassailing

Christmas is mentioned in all of Jane Austen's novels and even in some of her short stories. The Christmas season in Georgian England was a time of balls, parties and visiting and celebration. The Kinghtleys visit the Woodhouses, the Gardiners visit the Bennets, Lady Russell visits the Musgroves, John Moreland visits the Thorpes (with sad results), William Price visits his sister at Mansfield Park, the Westons hold a party, and John Willoughby distinguished himself when he, "danced from eight o'clock till four without once sitting down." These incidents and more are covered in Jane Austen's Christmas: The Festive Season in Georgian England by Maria Hubert.

All this company, visiting and merrymaking requires a lot of food. One popular holiday drink was Wassail. Wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon toast "Waes Hael" or "Be Whole". The first "Christmas Carols" were Yuletide drinking songs and singers caroled their neighbourhoods carrying their wassail bowls with them.

Holiday Wassail
1 gallon apple cider
1 large can pineapple juice (unsweetened)
3/4 cup tea (can use herb tea)

Place in a cheesecloth sack:
1 Tablespoon whole cloves
1 Tablespoon whole allspice
2 sticks cinnamon

This is great cooked in a crock pot. Let it simmer very slowly for 4 to 6 hours. You can add water if it evaporates too much. Your home will smell wonderful! Serve warm, garnish with orange slices.
Serves 20.

May you have a peaceful, blessed, and romantic
Christmas Eve. May the lights on your tree sparkle, the eggnog flow, and the presents find themselves wrapped before midnight.

Christmas Snacks

2008-12-12T08:38:00.002-06:00

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup real butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
* cream all these together

*Gradually add:
3/4 cup of powdered sugar
4 Tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Chill for 2 hours or more. Form into a ball and then roll in chopped walnuts or pecans. Serve with graham crackers; I serve with cute Teddy Grahams.

Enjoy!

Christmas Cheer

2008-12-02T20:35:00.003-06:00

Happy December to all of you!! I'll share a few of our favorite recipes this month, even though I'm not very fond of cooking, because making food as gifts is fun. And this recipe qualifies as a gift, whether it's given away or enjoyed by the maker on a cold December night. :)

Cranberry Vodka

1 pound cranberries

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split

1 bottle tonic

Lime slices, for garnish

Place cranberries, sugar and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Place pan over medium heat and stir. Simmer cranberry mixture until the berries burst, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Divide mixture in half and pour into large, clean mason jars. Pour vodka into the jars to cover the berries. Set aside and allow to sit for 1 week. After 1 week, strain out the cranberries and store cranberry vodka in a clean jar in the refrigerator.

Any favorite Christmas drinks you'd care to share?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2008-11-27T07:27:00.002-06:00

Poor little tater. . . doesn't stand a chance at our Thanksgiving dinner! :)

I hope you all have a blessed, happy holiday!

Twilight Temptation...

2008-11-23T11:57:00.005-06:00

As though the movie isn't enough to be thankful for. . .

By Larry Carroll

Views

It's been talked about, it has a screenwriter, and now it's official: Stephenie Meyer's "New Moon" will be coming to a theater near you. Summit Entertainment made the official announcement on Saturday (November 22), during a brief respite from counting the massive box-office receipts that Meyer's first film, "Twilight," is taking in this weekend.

"I don't think any other author has had a more positive experience with the makers of her movie adaptation than I have had with Summit Entertainment," the best-selling author said in a statement. "I'm thrilled to have the chance to work with them again on 'New Moon.' "

The news comes on the heels of the vampire flick selling out theaters nationwide, despite its mixed reviews. The madness began with some impressive advance ticket sales, then the film added to its $7 million midnight-screening take with a staggering $35.7 million on Friday, taking in money at a rate reported to be more than three times that of last week's box-office winner, "Quantum of Solace." To put it in perspective, "Twilight" is now second only to "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" in terms of biggest opening-day gross for a non-summer release.

"Twilight" is currently on track to become the highest-grossing film ever made by a female director, the highest-grossing vampire film of all time, and is also threatening several other records heading into Saturday. The film is currently projected to make more than $60 million this weekend, which would put it on track for the $150 million box-office haul that director Catherine Hardwicke has said would automatically green-light sequels.

Some critics are already whining about the quality or lack thereof concerning the special effects. For me, the romance was the ONLY factor worth considering.

The Giving of Thanks

2008-11-21T10:00:00.006-06:00

I love Thanksgiving! Like the 4th of July, the holiday is a celebration of America and gratitude. A great heaping bunch of delicious food, and no presents to fuss over!

So here are some holiday facts; some well known, some a little more obscure:

The Turkey Trot, a ballroom dance in the 1900s, was named for the short, jerky steps of the turkey. It became popular mainly because it was denounced by the Vatican as "suggestive."

Turkeys are known to spend the night in trees! (Maybe to escape the Thanksgiving table?)

Turkeys can drown if they look up when it's raining!

A turkey's field of vision is 270 degrees--one of the main reasons they're able to elude some hunters.

The average age of the Mayflower passenger was 32. The oldest Mayflower passenger was 64.

There was no milk, cheese, bread, butter or pumpkin pie at the original Thanksgiving Day feast.

Contrary to popular belief, the Pilgrims did not have big buckles on their clothing, shoes, or hats.

The cranberry got its name because the pale pink blossoms on the plant resembled a crane’s head and neck. The name craneberry stuck, eventually becoming cranberry.

Fresh cranberries are ideal for cranberry sauce. Cranberries of the highest quality will always bounce! (If you try this at home, please wash the cranberries before eating.)

President Abraham Lincoln established the original date for our National Thanksgiving Day celebration in 1863.

President Thomas Jefferson scoffed at the idea of establishing a national “Thanksgiving Day.” Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as 'tom' to spite Jefferson.

Congress did not declare Thanksgiving a national holiday until 1941.

I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving week. I'm very, very thankful that TWILIGHT was released today....what are you thankful for?

Sugar or Cream?

2008-11-09T07:27:00.003-06:00

Mmmm. . . can you smell it? Mine this morning is actual coffee, a rich breakfast blend from Gevalia that my husband prefers. (Actually he prefers a french roast so dark and bitter it would peel paint ;)). I'm usually a tea drinker, English breakfast or Tazo Passion. But it's cold and windy this morning, and the coffee sounded good, especially doctored with delicious hazelnut creamer.

Calories drank don't count. :)

For your blogging pleasure, I've added two new links to my Group blog listing. The Chatelaines are an eclectic mix of many of my favorite authors; Bonnie Vanak, C.L. Wilson, Cindy Holby....oh, I won't list them all. Stop by and visit when you have a chance.

I've also added Killer Fiction. You know, Gemma Halliday is the only name is their group I think I recognize. But I read one post, then another, and another...and I love their collective 'voice'. I'll recognize their names now when I'm out shopping, and their books will find their way onto my shelves.

Mmmmmm, big stretch. The cats are changing sleeping stations, from one chair to another, and I believe I'm ready for another cup, and perhaps a slice of pumpkin strudel bread. Yes, go ahead and believe it's homemade, if you are so inclined. What a lovely, lazy Sunday morning thought. :)

Thank you for stopping by, and pleasant reading as you meander through the blogs I've posted here or in the post below. Enjoy this tiny reprieve before the preparations for Thanksgiving and Christmas must commence...(and if I should have already started, I don't want to know :)...)

Bloggin' Love!

2008-11-03T17:30:00.006-06:00

What a lovely Monday surprise: First Edition has gifted me with an I Love Your Blog award. So, now to follow the rest of the award rules:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

There are so many worthy nominees, but the following stand out:

1) Terry Stone-Western Romance. I adore Cowboy heroes and their Women of the West. Terry Jo does a magnificent job of introducing us to incredibly detailed bits of history that bring her stories alive, as well as wonderful books reviews. A not-to-be-missed site.

2) The Writer Side of Life. Lee McKenzie writes Harlequin American Romances, which are near and dear to my heart. She's a member of the Wet Noodle Possee, and her blog is a refreshing mix of yummy recipes and a peak into her beautiful Pacific Northwest home.

3) The Write Soul. Do yourself a favor; if you're a writer, run to this blog. Chiron O'Keefe's essays on what motivates and inspires a writer constantly amaze me. She is both insightful and delightfully down to earth.

4) Periodic Pearls Margaret Evans Porter's blog brings home a slice of New England heaven. She offers a look at her lakeside cabin, her beloved dogs, and her love of travel. Ah, to be in New Hampshire at Christmas...

5) Regency Ramble. Michele Ann Young writes both Regency romance and Westerns, and has been nominated for Foreword Magazine's Book of the Year award. Regency food, dress, occupation, and lifestyle are covered in her fascinating posts.

6) Being Bonnie Vanak I am obsessed with Egypt. Crazy, over the top, can't get enough of it, obsessed. I was THRILLED when I discovered Bonnie's Egyptian historicals (Dorchester), and then found myself hooked on her Nocturne line as well. In addition to writing can't-put-'em-down books, Bonnie works for an internation charity and spends a great deal of time trying to help those living a reality you and I cannot imagine. She's an all-around super gal. :)

7) Jennifer on Writing Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James/Ashley Gardner--whoever you know her as, you must have read her books. The woman is a writing dynamo, and she still finds the time to share the inner workings of the publishing world with us. Her motto on her blog is "I write, therefore I am." Words to live by.

Inspiration

2008-11-01T08:43:00.005-05:00

"Desire is the Key to Motivation." - Mario Andretti

That's the quotation on my desk calendar for this weekend. I get one quote a day for Monday through Friday, and Saturday and Sunday must share a quote...so it had better be good, yes? I happen to find Mary Engelbreit very inspiring. I love the color, shapes, and subjects of her work, so having her calendar close at hand makes me happy. Autumn is my favorite season, so it is inspiring as well.

"Be a Lamp, a Lifeboat, or a Ladder."-Rumi

Go forth and help others. It fits with the well known "What goes around, comes around" and so theoretically if we're there for others, we are helping ourselves as well. This could quickly get bogged down into the whole "Why exactly are you helping others".... No, thanks. Just go help. The reasons will work themselves out. When someone is collecting canned goods for our local food bank, I don't care if you give because your heart is full of good cheer, you're hoping for a bit of good karma, or you've found the perfect reason to get rid of the canned beets. Someone in need will still have dinner this month.

"If you can't Excel with Talent, Triumph with Effort."- Dave Weinbaum

Now, there you go. I love this one. I have worked with hundreds of children over the years, and can say with absolute certainty (which for a Libra, is saying something!) that attitude and perseverance trump aptitude any ole' day. I have seen so, so, soooooo many children--and adults--who have every bit of cognitive brilliance a person could need to make dreams come true. . . and yet they flounder. They wait for the Dream to come to them.

I tell my girls if they want their Dreams to come true, they need to go out, hunt them down, and drag them home. Anything is attainable with belief and effort. :)

I'll leave you with something to mull over:

"It is only with the Heart that one can see Rightly; what is Essential is invisible to the eye."- Antoine de Saint Exupery

Inspiration and Motivation are both very personal things; what inspires you and your work? And check out my new link The Write Soul for some truly inspirational writing posts.

Happy Halloween!!!!!

2008-10-29T11:31:00.003-05:00

I'm all about the TREATS at this time of year, myself...... :) Hope you all have a great holiday! :)

Write....and the World Writes with You

2008-10-09T07:53:00.003-05:00

Whine...and you're whining alone. Ha--not really. If you feel the need to vent, I'm all ears. It's been a crazy, hectic, whirlwind of a Fall so far. In fact, I've only found the time to post this today because I'm waiting on a phone call from our physician about daughter #2--she fell at school yesterday and we think she sprained her ankle. But she's had foot issues before, so we're waiting for the "final word." (Update: A simple sprain, thank goodness!)

A month ago, after working all day, running the girls to two after school programs and then hanging out with doctors, and getting ready for another's field trip today, I wouldn't have thought about trying to squeeze in writing.

But last night, I sat down and pushed out four and a half more pages before crawling off to bed.

It's weird, but it's working for me. Candy Havens says 'Just do it. No excuses, no worries, NO EDITING. Just get it down as fast as humanly possible.'

And I thought, what the heck. I really believe that no one system works for everyone, and we each must find our own best way to get those words on the page--but I'm liking this. It kind of freeing.

Any special techniques or methods that work for you?

Butterfly Friday

2008-09-26T17:21:00.005-05:00

Bless Robynn B today, as she undergoes a bone marrow transplant.
All our best wishes and prayers go out to her and her family, including her dear Aunt Terry Jo.

You can read more about Robynn here.

Robynn's blog:www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewHome.do

Thank heavens for the friendship of fellow romance writers as yet another support during difficult times.

The Giddy Joy of Autumn

2008-09-04T07:26:00.004-05:00

Oh, how I love, love, LOVE this time of year! Lots of birthdays, my wedding anniversary (20 years! Yes, I married when I was six. *G*) Cool weather, beautiful foliage, yummy comfort food, football games, gathering and shelling walnuts until your fingers are a beautiful brown.

Apples! Apple Cider!

Long walks through the fields and forests of my parent's farm.

Homecoming parades. Tailgate parties!

Visiting the pumpkin patch in search of that perfect jack-o-lantern.

That first fire in the fireplace. . . the first frost on the leaves.

Why do you love Fall? If autumn hasn't captured your heart, what Season brings out the best in you?

Good-bye, Divas...

2008-08-29T06:03:00.006-05:00

I left my heart in San Fransisco. . . Nope, I'm not talking about the National Convention. I'm talking about the Fog City Divas, who have decided to disband their blog (Nooooooooo!) in order to better spend their time---writing!

Shoot! Can't they pop out fabulous, entertaining posts and interviews every day and still crank out wonderful books?? Must they insist upon a personal life as well?

These ladies offered up the perfect variety of historical, YA, contemporary, humor, category, erotic, romantic suspense--you name it, they write it, and write it WELL.

I am sooooo going to miss their take on the profession, and life in general, when they leave tomorrow. Be sure and stop by their site and say thanks and good luck!

Divas, I wish you Happy Days and Happy Writing! Thanks for sharing your lives and expertise with us these last three years. :)

Annual Migration

2008-08-15T08:34:00.003-05:00

Bless those tenacious Monarchs, fluttering their way to Mexico each fall. At this time of year, I'd love to fly away with them. :)

As I've said in previous posts, August is our "new year". I work in the schools, and our three daughters attend school, so August is filled with saying goodbye to the routine, or lack thereof, of a lazy, self-centered summer and hello to the demands of work! school! teachers! extracurricular activities!

Each summer, I feel as though I separate from one career and fully embrace another. The writing might have been filed under "extracurricular" activities at one point in my life, but now I treat it with a great deal more respect and commitment. My children and my husband still come first, but then they take precedence over the "paying" job as well.

The transition back is always bumpy the first week, but I do try a few tricks to ease myself back into the fray. Keeping my writing desk clear of school papers, household bills and other paraphernalia helps. So does a stash of dark chocolate M&M's. *g*

So how do you balance your writing with your other responsibilities? Do you use any special routines to switch gears from caretaker, employee, chauffeur, jack-of-all-trades, to focused writer? Do you need a few minutes to let the story come back to you, or can you flick it "on" in an instant? Do Tell! :)

Let's Get Back To It!

2008-08-03T10:04:00.005-05:00

Party's over, people!

There is nothing like a conference, RWA Nationals or something more local, to get those inspirational juices flowing. And all those workshop CD's just waiting to be listened to.....all that juicy research, just waiting to be explored....

But hey! That book isn't going to write itself! Take all that newfound wisdom and glorious insight and refreshed enthusiasm and put that pen to paper (hands to keyboard, etc.) !

Get back to work! Let that page count reach new heights! Celebrate every single new word that makes it to the page, and let us know when you've finished another brilliant WIP! :)

The Joys of Home-bound Nationals

2008-07-21T20:29:00.006-05:00

We'll soon be waving a fond farewell to those making their way to San Fransisco . . . .

I think we're all pretty familiar with why the RWA national conference is so wonderful. The people you meet, the variety of workshops, the connection with others who totally get you and your writing . . . it's an experience not to be missed.

But sometimes life gets in the way. If you're staying home this year, there are some pretty great things happening on-line to keep your muse satisfied and eager to help you stay excited about that WIP.

Paperback Writer is hosting a week-long Left Behind and Loving It , a series of virtual workshops for those of us keeping the home fires burning. (Or the AC blasting. . .) And the Romance Divas are hosting a Not Going to Conference Conference from July 30th to August 2nd. Such a wealth of information at your fingertips, and all available after a simple registration! It's also great fun to visit familiar personal blogs and read everyone's updates on what's happening during the conference, and the posts that follow for weeks after.

August always feels so much more like the beginning of a New Year than January for us, with three children in school and my own day job in the school system. Let's embrace the energy of Nationals and make August the beginning of a new enthusiasm for our writing as well.

Already packed and ready to take on San Francisco? Staying home and celebrating the joys of a profession that can be carried out in pajamas? How are you recharging your writing right now?

Conference Month!

2008-06-30T07:43:00.003-05:00

Hey, it's RWA National Conference month over at the Wet Noodle Posse. Follow my link directly to your left for some first hand, first rate, been-there, done-that advice from some really wonderful and generous writers.

I thought Dallas was amazing. I learned so much by just listening to everyone around me, fellow unpublished to fan-girl worthy pros. One of my favorite moments was sharing an elevator ride with Teresa Medeiros. She is the sweetest person ever!

I'm not going this year--ah, the economy has struck again!--but I know a bunch of you are! Very excited? Pitches polished? Comfy shoes shined? Seat at the bar already reserved? :)

Seasoned veterans, what's your favorite thing about Nationals? Newbies, what are you looking forward to the most? Any good stories of your own to pass along?

Where did the month go?

2008-06-30T07:30:00.003-05:00

Good grief. I cannot believe it's the last day of June. Of course, I've been having all sorts of bizarre conversations with people for the last two weeks in which I cannot remember which day of the week it is, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. We're on summer time now, and it's hit hard. Up very late (for us), up late in the mornings (for the girls, the dog waits for no one :) ), and doing all sorts of normal summery things.

The fireworks are going off like crazy around here already! So let me sneak in an early Happy Fourth of July, since on the fourth I'll be running around like a crazy person, or dozing in a lawn chair. No in between for us around here!

What do you do for the 4th?

Tagged!

2008-06-03T08:01:00.004-05:00

I've been Tagged by Alice to sum up my life in six words or less.

Yikes! The switch from non-stop school activities to summer sloth has melted our brains around here, but I'll try . . .

Embrace the Chaos, Treasure the Now.

That's nice and Zen. :)

Now to tag others that I love to read--

Terry Jo, brilliant researcher of all things western, and Marnee Jo, slaving away over a wonderful WIP with the rest of us.

What about the rest of you? Could you sum up your life in six words or less? Or if not your entire life, what about your life right now?

Prince Caspian

2008-05-16T08:30:00.003-05:00

Well, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian released last night at midnight, and my two oldest were there to watch and pass judgment. They liked it well enough, but the oldest confessed to being a tad confused . And they were surprised by the low turnout at the theater.

I'm not. It's graduation time and finals week around here. Next week, the movie theater will be full.

I'm looking forward to the second Hellboy. What are you going to see this summer? Will any of us be able to afford to drive to the movies? (We are at 3.79 a gallon as of this morning...)

The Day After....

2008-05-10T23:30:00.006-05:00

One minute your small town is busy with normal Saturday afternoon tasks; mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, a quick trip to the grocery store. . .

The next, most of what you know and love is gone.

This isn't our town. The tornadoes missed us--again, by only ten miles this time. But several of our neighbors to the south and east suffered heavy loss of life and property. It's Kansas, and that's how it goes, and someday we might not be so lucky.

These were our friends and neighbors, and we don't have to know them to grieve for their losses, while trying to find a way to help them rebuild and move on.

On this Mother's Day, I honor their loss and wish you all a peaceful holiday with those you hold dear.

A Picture's Worth . . .

2008-05-04T17:31:00.004-05:00

. . . a thousand words? Maybe. Perhaps a hundred or so is a bit more on the mark. Really, how often have you seen a picture of a person or location and then experienced the real thing, only to think "Oh! Not quite what I had imagined."

A picture can give you the visual within a limited framework. But you're missing out on the sounds, the smells, the feel of a place. I do believe certain places (and heaven knows, people) give off a feel that is unlike anyplace else. Certain holy places have it. Jo Beverley talks about it at the end of To Rescue a Rogue as the "chi " or pure energy of Brideswell. (You haven't read the book? Go read the book! You will love it.)

So those of us who choose to write about places we've yet to experience face an interesting challenge. We need to get across the essence of a place (and time) that helps the reader immerse themselves in the story--and we need to avoid sounding like a travel log. It helps to key in on the sense that's most affecting the character at the time and focus on that. And there is nothing like reading first hand accounts of natives and visitors. Natives can let you know what it is about their home they value and dislike the most. Visitors can express what most struck them when they first arrived, and what was the most last impression when they left.

I like this bit from Luck Be A Lady by Betina Krahn:

"Now, the damp earth chill of the thick stone walls and worn oaken pews carried the forlorn mustiness of age and disuse. Forgotten, she realized; it smelled forgotten."

Betina's descriptions are lush. We have the visual, and we have the smell, and we know how these combine to create the feeling of this place for this specific character.

This bit from Ten Big Ones is a great example of Janet Evanovich's voice:

"He's an oily little guy with slicked back hair, pointy-toed shoes, and a bunch of gold chains hanging around his scrawny tanning salon-tanned neck."

Janet's descriptions are stark, vivid, and simple. We know enough to fill in the gaps. We're ready for the story.

This is a bit from my work. The hero is concentrating on the food, and the fact that he's never been in this particular room before:

"Low, angry voices drifted from the far side of the room, beyond a rough-hewn table strewn with an assortment of copper pots, a large plucked chicken, and several root vegetables. The tangy scent of rosemary and onion suggested all hope of food had not yet been abandoned. "

So how do you approach description? Is it something to draw out and revisit, or do you stick with just enough to ground the dialogue? What strikes you about the forest picture (above): the light, the shadow, the stillness, the early morning foragers skittering through the fallen leaves, the damp smell of last night's rain? Could it be Oregon, New Hampshire, Scotland, Columbia? Go ahead and try to describe it based on your frame of reference.

Writing and Reading

2008-04-27T10:44:00.003-05:00

Writers love to read.

Writers need to read.

Writers hate to read. . . .

Writers love to read because the reading came first. No chicken or egg confusion; most likely their adoring parent/sibling/caretaker was reading to them before their own little fingers could grasp the page. Then a magical bit of prose was read that captured their attention, along with an especially brilliant illustration or photograph (Long Live Picture Books!) and they were hooked.

Writers need to read because it's not a self-sustaining craft. You only get better at writing if you consistently write. . . but you must read, read, read in order to grow, as well. You can read books in your most beloved genre. You can read craft books, research books, peer blogs, magazine articles, critiques of work you both love and hate. But you have to read.

Writers hate to read because writers can appreciate, perhaps more than anyone else, how a well written book captures and holds your attention, usually to the detriment of everything else. Captivating. . . we all want our work to be captivating.

The problem is, I've yet to meet a writer who's satisfied with the number of hours in her day. We need to think about our story, research our story, write our story, talk about our story, tear apart our story and write it again. The last thing we need is some new ( to us) , simply amazing author coming along with her expansive, wickedly compelling backlist which seduces us into abandoning our own manuscript in order to lose ourselves in her amazing characters.

So thanks a bunch, Suzanne Brockmann. Is it not enough that you were friendly, genuinely charming, the consummate professional while you signed a mountain of books for wildly adoring fans? Must your writing not only live up to, but wildly surpass my expectations as well? I held off reading Hot Target as long as possible, but a thunderstorm and no computer did me in. Now I hold Breaking Point in my hands, and there's really no hope of working on my own projects today.

What about you? What author has everyone read but you? Have you discovered an auto-buy in an unexpected place, or a genre you didn't even expect to like? Who else do I need to read NOW?

Favorite Things......

2008-04-04T08:49:00.008-05:00

Terry Jo Stone , one of my oh-so-creative critique partners, has a absolutely excellent blog. The colors are beautiful, and although her reading tastes vary widely, she's a font of information and delicious research on all things Western.

Her most recent post asks the question all writers and readers love to answer: What are you reading now and why do you love it? (I'm assuming we all know life is too short to bother with uninspiring books....)

Go post your favorite(s) , and pick up great recommendations for your ever-growing TBR pile.

And thank you, Terry Jo, for keeping historical diversification alive and kickin' !

Congratulations!!!

2008-03-27T10:44:00.003-05:00

Finally, Blogger is cooperating!

I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all the Golden Heart finalists, with a Special Shout-out to Passion's Slaves own

Pamela Bolton-Holifield/LOUISA CORNELL for LOST IN LOVE

It's a brilliant story, Pam, and we wish you every success!

Spring!

2008-03-24T06:11:00.003-05:00

This is spring in our neck of the woods. We'll move straight from ice storm warnings to "cleaning parties", as in "Hurry up and clean the downstairs--we're under a tornado watch and we'll have all the neighbors over later."

The kids straighten. . . . I make nachos. It's good to have crunchy foods during a storm.

Has anyone spied their first flower of spring yet? Our hyacinths are blooming, and the yard smells lovely.

A Blessed Easter

2008-03-20T20:30:00.003-05:00

This is my favorite Easter book; I don't think you need children in the house to fall in love with the story or the illustrations (although children are a lovely excuse to read it over and over).

In this season of hope, I love the simple, powerful theme: Never give up on your dreams.

I hope everyone has a peaceful Easter weekend.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T05:25:00.003-05:00

This is how we roll at this house. Cartoons, anime, and Robin Hood rule!

Hope a bit of the Irish brightens your Monday.

More Moon....

2008-02-24T19:36:00.001-06:00

Here are four more. These show the shadows much better, although I prefer the reddish pictures.

Goodnight, Moon

2008-02-24T19:24:00.002-06:00

The eclipse, photographed in White River Junction, VT., by my very talented husband. How beautiful.....

A Little Obsession Never Hurt Anyone

2008-02-19T03:53:00.004-06:00

I know it's time to post something new, something timely, something clever....

But I'm in revisions.

Now I've been in revisions for a while. But as I consistently keep learning things I never knew I needed to learn in order to write this book, it is taking a while. That's life, I suppose. I keep my thin thread of patience from snapping by reminding myself that the second book shouldn't---couldn't----damn well won't take as long as the first.

So I'm here. . . I'm just so busy pondering and dreaming and polishing To Seduce the Scholar (yet another twist on a title, something I will SO gladly leave to the editors when the time comes) that it's difficult for me to think of anything else.

I haven't forgotten a child yet. . . I suppose that's something.

Does anyone else wander through grocery isles while visualizing new--amazingly clever!-- chapter hooks in their head, only to leave the store (again) without the one thing they came for?
Do all writers eat the same four meals? Has your family plotted a revolt yet? Inquiring minds want to know.

Fun in the Sun

2008-02-06T15:44:00.000-06:00

Does he look happy or what?

I want to look like him (actually the round tummy and spreading hips are not too far off the mark....). I can smell the briny water and feel that powdery sand between my toes.

And I'd much rather look at him than look out my window at yet another gray, wet, snow's-almost-melted-away day. We are SO ready for spring around here!

Anyhoo, here's a quick little recipe to go with your beer and the cold snowy days left this winter. Put on some Jimmy Buffett and turn up the heat!

Taco Soup (very easy-- very, very, very easy....)

pound or so of hamburger
2 1/2 cups beef broth
one package taco seasonings
one can chili beans
1/2 cup corn, frozen or canned
a shake of Cajun or jerk seasoning
1/2 cup chunky salsa

Brown the hamburger, when done throw on the taco seasoning and Cajun or jerk spice. Mix, then pour the broth over the meat and stir. Mix in the can of beans, corn, salsa. Simmer five minutes. Serve with corn muffins, or over crushed taco chips, with cheese or sour cream on top.

Yummy! And the spice makes it easier to shed those winter pounds. I read it somewhere, so it must be true . . . :)

So what gets you through these last days of winter, with spring clothes filling the stores and messy, melting snow everywhere?

A Voice in the Dark

2008-01-22T20:48:00.000-06:00

I would have loved the 1940's for their radio shows. I love those faceless voices, and if there is the occasional special effect in the background, so much the better.

I have listened to romances passed on to me that I would not have bought, and enjoyed them so much. I drive from school to school in my day job; Harry has been my traveling companion for years. It took me forever to branch out, but when I did Jude Deveraux was a wonderful distraction. And it's so much fun to listen to Janet Evanovich; just make sure you're in light traffic. Laughing to the point of tears and six lanes don't mix. :)

Finally, I began to understand pacing in a way I never had. I also finally realized the importance of reading my own manuscript aloud (a brilliant piece of advice passed on by a cp).

Are you a music-only person, or do you enjoy books on CD? Do you pick new authors or like to listen to familiar favorites?

The Most Unlikely Places

2008-01-16T20:28:00.001-06:00

I've been tagged. And considering my small town, Midwest lifestyle, Alice can't even begin to touch the word "uninteresting". However, if she can take liberties with the process then so will I.

See me smiling and happy next to the incomparable Jo Beverley?

It's not (just) because of her book. It's because she made a positive impact on the health of my middle daughter. I owe her, big time, and it was a joy to be able to say "Thank you" in person.

This is the link that will take you to her 2003 New York RWA luncheon speech. It's one of the best speeches I've ever read.

It begins with an admonition to go get your Ferritin levels checked. Not blood iron levels--Ferritin. It's the iron reserves your body stores. If you're low, life is NOT GOOD. And doctors may pass this by. Do not let them!

My darling daughter, a young teenager in fact, was in the NEGATIVE numbers when I requested the doctors check her. Negative! And I would never have known precisely what to ask for if I hadn't read this speech.

Now this health alert was simply a segway into an amazingly motivational speech that all writers should read. I appreciate her passion for the profession, and her generosity of spirit towards all those just starting out.

But the ferritin info impacted me immediately, personally, and that's what I'll always remember.

Ok, this hardly fits the "tagged" guidelines, but it works in nicely with the "up with romance" theme I have going this month :) If you're reading and you're willing, consider yourself tagged!

And hey--what's the best piece of info you've found in a most unlikely place?

More Good Stuff!

2008-01-13T10:31:00.000-06:00

Maybe this is what January is all about--enthusiasm and fresh beginnings!

Anyway, I found another site that is definitely worth your time. If I had a smidgen of computer talent, I'd know how to post one of those button things that link you--but I don't.

No problem!

You all know Romantic Inks. Of course you do. What, you don't? Never fear, just click on the link under my "Favorite Group Blogs" and hie thee over there. (My favorites are my favorites for a reason! :) )

Then read at your leisure, revel in all the awesome advice and interviews, and bid on some amazing prizes! The prize money is sending some lucky deserving writer to Nationals this year. (And it's San Fransisco, folks. They'll need all the moola they can get.) It's a win-win!

Let me know what treasures you claim as your own....