Some sad news

My husband just learned today that his father is in the hospital. This explains why he wasn't on Skype (a wonderful VOIP service I highly recommend) for their weekly chat. My husband immediately felt guilty, because he knew to call his father to make sure all was well, but it slipped his mind when other things warred for his attention. Fortunately, his father was smart enough to go to the doctor at the first sign of trouble. They were able to patch him up and he's now recovering with a good prognosis.

Still...

My poor husband feels helpless out here in California. That's because his father is in South Africa, my husband's homeland. So, he pines to see his father all the while wondering when he'll make it back there.

But...

We're hopeful. With the plans to move to Texas where the cost of living is lower than California and job prospects brighter, it won't be long before we'll be able to make that trip and finally visit his folks.

So...

We're keeping our chin up, though admittedly I have to keep my finger under the hubby's chin to keep it upright. It's all good. Especially given that Dad will be back home soon.

We love you, Dad!

The Close Talker

I'm a woman who takes up space. I like my space. Its cozy and warm and only has room for me. But there are times when a person invades my space. You know, that chick who thinks that a conversation is verbal intercourse. She leans closer. You step back. She takes a step forward. But she's on you like a sock with static cling. Eventually, you're in a corner that you can't escape.

But wait! I have found a solution.

Mind you, this should be a last resort.

When she bends her face towards you, don't shrink back. Instead, take the opportunity to stick your tongue out and give her a long lick in the face. Explain that you just had surgery in your mouth and still can't control your tongue. Take a sip of something before speaking for effect and viola!

It works like a charm.

Pimp My Novel: The Never-Ending Battle Continues

I came across this marvelous blog entry that discusses the current battle for B&N by two "rich guys." If the outsider, Burkle, wins the battle, we could see major changes to the company. This is specifically related to their e-business, where Burkle wants to position the company to directly compete with Amazon.

This intrigues me, because since ebooks have become more prolific in the market I am purchasing more books in the last six months than I have my entire lifetime. I find myself buying whole series in ebook format, as well as single titles. Ironically, the books are more expensive ($8 to 10 each) than if I buy it at the local B&N, but its easier for me since I live in front of a computer. That's because I read the books while I fish in World of Warcraft, wait to do quests in the game, stop writing/editing and read a few lines when I need a break, etc.

Either way this guys, I'm grateful for people like Eric in the literary industry who take the time to inform us ignorant masses with the latest.

I probably should follow the news more often than I do. Doh!

Pimp My Novel: The Never-Ending Battle Continues: "As I mentioned last month, there's a battle going on for control of Barnes & Noble (BKS). Leonard Riggio, chairman and largest stockholder o..."

More edits

I'm currently editing my last book to really tighten it up. I swear, every time I read it I remember how much fun it was to write.

Jumping through hoops in the Fall

I've put The Wolf Witch down to write another novel that has captured my imagination. I'm still unclear where I'm going with this series, so its easier for me to get something down first before I make the final decision. I want to make sure I tell the overall arch of the story through the novels in just the right sequence. However, there are times when novels can stand alone, and combined with other books in a series make for an even better story. That's what I'm looking at.

The protagonist in the first book, The Shaman's Beacon, was essentially the easiest because of her love interest, Clayton. He was such a pleasure to write that he nearly wrote the story for me. The subsequent books aren't so forthcoming. I know what I want to do, but its how I wish to present the story that is a challenge. It feels like jumping through hoops. A challenge I look forward to, despite the fact its driving me nuts. lol Yeah, I'm just masocistic that way.

Fall is my favorite time of year. One, because Halloween is coming and yours truly celebrates her birthday that day, and two, because of the changing of the seasons...not to mention pumpkin everything! Pumpkin bread. Pumpkin muffins. Pumpkin cookies. Pumpkin cake. Okay, okay. I get that its overkill. But its pumpkin!

Pimp My Novel: The Ten Commandments of Blogging

Thanks to Janet Reid, I found this little gem of a blog. I found these pearls of wisdom.

Thank you, Eric!

Pimp My Novel: The Ten Commandments of Blogging: "1. I am thy blog. If you're an author, you should already have a blog. If you're not yet published, now is the time to start. 2. Thou shalt..."

Criticism...scorned and cherished

"Criticism is one of the hardest things to take and one of the most valuable things to embrace."
(Source: http://twitter.com/chickenbuttlips)

Over the years I've come to realize just how true that statement is. I've winced, bristled, and listened with rapt appreciation to individuals who have been both brave and patient enough to impart pearls of wisdom to help me improve my skills. I hated it at the time, only to realize what special allies these people were to help me in the first place.

It takes humility to endure the sometimes brutally honest assessments, but I learned it takes wisdom and a certain type of pride in one's work to analyze, process and eventually integrate what is imparted. And what I found most intriguing is that the more vehemently defensive I was about the critique, the more I needed to listen.

Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield

This is why a person should never stop pursuing their interests, which eventually can turn into a dream.

I discovered my passion for writing one day after writing some fan fiction. I didn't care for the ending of a novel and started creating my own ending. For obvious reasons, I was doing it for my own enjoyment to read. However, I realized how much I loved the creative process in writing and then embarked on my own writing venture. That led to several other books, then a series, and now another book I've just completed.

Essentially, never quit dreaming.

Werewolves and goblins and vampires...oh my!

I'm back to working on The Wolf Witch. Its one of those works in progress, but the plot is clear. I continue to query for an agent and look forward to finally finding one who will work with me. I know I have talent, but the market is tight out there. I press on, because I believe tenacity, talent and effort leads to success. Plus, I constantly seek to improve my skill. I want to be sure to put the best product out there I can, both to entertain and hopefully encourage people.

True Blood's season finale is this Sunday. I am champing at the bit for this one.

I was able to do some of the pre-Cataclysm quests in World of Warcraft. They were so cute and fun. I really enjoyed them. You can read more about it here: http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/underdev/3p9/echoisles2.xml

Getting organized

Just finished updating a few of my social networks, moving my virtual book shelf to Shelfari (you can see the widget to the right), and essentially branding my chicken self with avatars and whatnot.

I've sent in another query letter for The Shaman's Beacon (paranormal romance) to an agent. I did write a synposis, but didn't submit it to this agent, since she feels they're "evil," bless her little heart.

I'll be working on improving the query letter for By Virtue's Design (the first book in The Judge fantasy series) to submit that as well. We'll see if I can finally get agented and get these books out that people are already dying to read (thank you very much!).

I'm still conceptualizing/plotting for The Wolf Witch. I've got several books in each series to work on. We'll see which one captures my imagination.

Grand Canyon

Here are stunning images of gorgeous peaks and valleys sure to make you gape in awe. And their are photos of the Grand Caynon too.

;)

Summer Vacation 2010 - Austin

Photos of our time in Austin, Texas.

Summer Vacation 2010

Here are photos of Jennifer's place in Lott, Texas.

Pictures and Queries

I've been working on my umteenth revision to my query letter. Yeah, sometimes it requires that much work. I'm not a strong query letter writer. But I hope to finally write the perfect query before I'm done. Well, perfect enough to get published. lol

I've posted pictures of my vacation adventures on Facebook, but they're being stingy who can view them. I'll post a few here for a taste of what Clint and I experienced, but the full experience will have to remain in Facebook. Sigh!