Hummer, baby!

Here are the pics from our night out on the town in our big ol' yellow Hummer! We had a blast. I had everyone around us teary-eyed when the managers walked out with two vases of my favorite pink tulips. My hubby is the man. Thank you, sweetie!!!!

Busy, busy, little bee....

Daaaannnng. How do they do it? I checked the blog and realized I hadn't posted in a week. I've got 3-4 contests coming up, pretty quick actually. My local chapter pitch is in a couple of weeks. Did I tell you I'm starting to get nauseous??? I'm not sure if I can do this one-on-one thing. And I've got 2, back-to-back pitches. Ugh.

Do you think it'll scare 'em off if I'm puking in the corner trash can? I also have a dinner the night before where we *mingle*.

Oh, man.

Magical Musings

Hey guys, Magical Musings blog has quickly become a favorite for me. They often have industry professionals as guest bloggers. Lately they've been having agents and editors offering advice and information about their agency or submission guidelines.

Today's guest blogger is Jennifer Schober of Spencerhill Associates, Ltd.

It's a great way to ask any questions you might have. Check them out!!

Magical Musings

Happy writing!

Tag

My buddy Melissa Beck, aka Mel ;), has tagged me on her blog.

There are rules to the game of tag here. Share 6 unimportant things about myself, and then link back to Mel's blog and others' and to post the rules on here. So here goes:

1...I LOVE pink tulips. I don't think it's just the flower that I love...when I see them available in the stores, it signals how close we are to Spring. I'm usually pretty sick of winter by then.

2...I was one of only two girl drummers in our junior high band.

3...I LOVE a nice, juicy steak cooked medium rare. I think I woke up hungry today.

4...I'm starting to feel short. That's not something I ever thought was possible. I'm 5'7 and have always been considered tall for a girl. Most of my friends are shorter and I like to tease them as much as they do me. But my hubby is 6'3 or 6'4. My oldest is 14 and eye level with me and my 5 yo is already 4'. The doctor has predicted our baby boy will be as tall as his daddy...maybe 6'5. It's kinda cool cause I can almost think I'm petite when I'm with them.

5...I love to work outside with flowers or a garden. I can't have much where we're at in town, but I've got grand plans for when we move out onto our land.

6...I love horses. When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of owning them. When we had our house in the country before mom got sick, we bought a line back Dun. She was absolutely gorgeous. But mean as hell and we had to sell her back to the previous owner. What pissed us off was when he took her back, he said he'd probably have to sell her to a rodeo because she was so mean.

Okay...if you guys have time to play along...have fun!

Workin' it out...

So you know, I thought I had a breakthrough and actually got my chapter finished. No. It sucked. And I know why...I hope. But the key is ~ I was writing and not staring at the screen. I sent my chapter out and a wonderful friend lovingly told me it sucked. I needed that. I reread it and it sucked. It's snore boring. Have you ever read a book and hit parts where you just kinda skimmed? I don't want people to skim. I want the reader to fly through the pages and forget the time. Don't we all. *sigh* I felt I'd lost my confidence.

After IM'ing a crit partner until almost 2 am this morning...THANKS RAE!!!...I have a direction. I need to focus on the romance and not so much on telling the story. Yes, I need to increase the conflict but I need to let my characters react to the conflict. They'll tell the story.

On the fence...

We were talking recently about career investments, whether it be by methods or with money. Of course I want to fast track my writing career and start my publishing journey as an author...but I don't think I'm really ready when it comes to making a big time money investment. I want soooo badly to go to San Francisco this year to the RWA Nationals. But WOW!! The conference fees are $425 (for early bird registration), hotel room minimum cost per night is $309...per night!!! And airfare is showing up at about $500 if I were to book today.

Now...I know there's a possibility I could find a roommate to cut down on room costs, but WOW. I don't think my writing abilities are worth making a $1500 investment at this point. So...it looks like I may be waiting for something a little closer. I'd also looked into going to Chicago for a chapter conference, but same thing...hotel and airfare will eat me alive.

Did I ever tell you guys what a tight-wad I am?? I'd rather put that money toward building our house. That's also a lifetime investment. And if I'm going to spend that kind of money...I kinda need a guaranteed return on my investment. I know eventually it'll lead to a contract, but WOW. I think I'll have to find a cheaper route.

Tag...

I owe someone for a tag...maybe, Jennifer? Okay. It was supposed to be something like 8 things about myself. What about 10? An author from eHarlequin, Samantha Hunter found a fun way to get to know people...here's her blog post on eHarlequin. You may have to register if you're not already a member. Feel free to skip a question if offensive to you.

Samantha Hunter Blog - eHarlequin

I love watching "Inside the Actor's Studio", and so I found these questions online and thought it would be fun to post them here and see what people had to say. They originally come from the French series, "Bouillon de Culture" hosted by Bernard Pivot, but they're the ones James Lipton asks all of his famous guests on TAS. So... give them a shot, and use brief, one-word answers as much as possible, and asterisks where necessary to avoid saying anything offensive. ;)


1...What is your favorite word? Contract
2...What is your least favorite word? Cancer
3...What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Unconditional love. Or good music.
4...What turns you off? Self-centered arrogance.
5...What is your favorite curse word? F*ck
6...What sound or noise do you love? My babies laughing.
7...What sound or noise do you hate? People eating with their mouth open...smacking. Or...forks scraping on a plate.
8...What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? DEA Agent or Psychiatrist
9...What profession would you not like to do? Executioner or bill collector.
10..If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at thePearly Gates? Sit down, shut-up and enjoy the ride.

*Rant Warning*

Be warned...I'm in one of my moods, girls! Super Tuesday is almost upon us. I believe strongly in voting because I believe my voice counts. If ya don't vote...don't bitch. I haven't made a decision yet...on candidate or party. I'm not ranting to piss anyone off - just want you to open your eyes and really KNOW who you're voting for. Regardless of who it is. Hopefully this election won't be a battle about race, gender and religion. One of the candidates has even brought age into it. Okay...that said.

I vote for the person, not the party. But - my beliefs run along Republican values. I believe in less government, less social programs and less taxes. If you don't work, you don't pay taxes - you shouldn't get a tax refund. I want our elderly, disabled and vets taken care of...don't get me wrong. But I was a single mom and worked my butt off working two jobs. I also went back to college as a single mom and racked up a crapload of debt...but I did it. I did it without welfare. My Mom was a single mom with two kids, no child support and she worked her butt off. Without welfare. We were broke. I remember eating alot of macaroni and cheese, bologna sandwiches and home-grown veggies. I don't use it to make anyone feel sorry for me...I know what it means to me. I DO NOT believe in socialized medicine, pork-barrel programs that silently get slipped into a bill as if being sold for a vote (or grants to see why spiders eat flies) or welfare. I've seen too many people living off the system while the gap spreads wider...you're either rich or poor. I've seen too many people on welfare while wearing designer clothes and eating a hell of alot better than my family. Too many people not getting married because it would cut off their benefits...so they keep having babies. It's not a gender or race thing, it's a people thing. Too many are willing to cheat a system instead of working hard.

Everyone has a plan to fix the government. All I'm asking is to give everyone the same opportunities. Yeah, it sucks to work my/hubby's butt off and have the government quadruple tax us. It sucks that stupid, careless people can sue because they spilled hot coffee on their lap. I know a guy, union labor, working for a big plant here in OK. He has been off work for 3 YEARS because he hurt his knee playing softball. He's still playing softball, he's still getting a full paycheck. It's a morality thing.

We're taxed when we make our money, and when we spend it. I think if you're taxed when you make the money, you shouldn't be penalized because you sacrifice and invest it. We're taxed on anything we sell...even though we were taxed on the income, taxed when we bought it...we're taxed if we try to get a dollar back at a stupid garage sale. We're even taxed on the toilet paper we wipe our butts with. Sorry. But one of the politicians said that if we work, we shouldn't be poor. I applaud that vision...but then they went on to say they would support all types of social programs. Uh...where are ya gonna get the money for those programs? It's a no brainer that the whole system needs an emergency make-over.

I think if a company is making record, billion dollar profits...they shouldn't be able to raise the cost of a product because of supply and demand, or get huge tax breaks. People are having to sell wedding rings and window air-conditioning units so they can drive to work. I don't think we should have to pay someone to do our taxes because it's too hard and confusing to read the directions...and a simple tax return with three write-offs takes 20 pages of forms. My hubby is working in a foreign country...and still has to stay out of the country 330 days before it's considered foreign income. He can't come home on one of his R&R's because we'd have to pay taxes on his foreign income. And because it's foreign income...we can't qualify for any tax write-offs but yet anything over $85K is taxable. His income isn't tax-free, we are paying social security and everything besides federal. But someone can sit on their butt, not work...and get free healthcare and a tax refund.

I'm sorry to be so crude. I'm sorry to ramble. But...I've been watching too many politicians lately and it really pisses me off when they "accidentally" point out what the opponent is saying wrong. Who cares...I don't care what you think you're going to do when you're in office...tell me how in the hell you're going to fix it. Don't just talk to the crowd and say something you think a crowd wants to hear. It's very difficult to believe any politician during an election year. I don't care what star power is behind you. I don't vote race or gender. I vote proven experience. I think if you run with dogs and reap the benefits, you share the same fleas. I want this war over as much as anyone else...but don't tell me you're going to pull the troops out on your first day of office. It isn't physically possible. If our troops pulled out today, it would be mass genocide for the people left behind. Talk to the military. We have, personally. They believe in what they're doing. Of course everyone wants them safe and to come home alive, but they joined the military for a reason. Don't join just for the school money if you don't believe in war. I don't agree with how we got there. But I'm sorry...Bush did not single-handedly send the troops. Did you know that an illegal immigrant can find work, get a credit card, bank account, mortgage and driver's license? Legally. Do you realize they get free health care and education? Your tax dollars pay for it. How hard do you, did you, or does your spouse work for that money?

I agree our country is in trouble. But tell me HOW you're going to fix it...not what you think you're going to do. Too vague and easy. I can't vote for someone just because they have star power behind them...when you tell one crowd something and speak to another...and change the speech to fit the crowd - I'm not stupid or deaf.

I believe in our freedom. Freedom to decide...your opinion counts, just as much as mine does. That freedom wasn't free. We fought for it. Please don't take it lightly. Really look at your candidate. Look at their experience...voting record...family life...family history. Not charisma, not - who likes you. It matters. Your vote matters. Open your eyes and your mind. Just because a politician can speak the loudest and weave the words we "want" to hear...doesn't mean they can do the job. And yes, religion does matter to me. I can't vote for someone that doesn't believe in the very foundation and bible this country was founded on. Who am I going to vote for tomorrow? I'm not sure.

Focus...

I'm sorry...I've been slacking on my posts. But it's for a good reason, I've been working. Problem is - on too many things. I've had several great storylines pop into my head lately with all of the upcoming opportunities. So this week I've got to concentrate. I took the kiddos to school and I've checked my buddies blogs...and that's it. I've got to get my chapter finished on my Supers revisions. Then I've decided to try a paranormal. Nothing gory or over-the-top, just something with a light Native American mysticism.

Oh...and crits. Trying to work on being a better crit partner. I absolutely love to read my partners WIP's, just need to make it my second in line of priorities. As for my TBR pile...it's about to collapse. *sigh* Oh, well.

I've tried a schedule, but it never fails to fall apart. It's like God is laughing when I attempt something besides chaos. I think I almost work better under pressure. Anyhoo. I have until March.

Pitch Advice

Some of you know that I have a pitch scheduled in March with a Harlequin editor and an agent. I've been trying to come up with something constructive that doesn't make me sound like a complete idiot. A friend mentioned on eHQ that she was watching a DVD she ordered by Michael Hauge. I had no idea who he was. I found an incredible interview though where he talks about pitching. His book is How to Sell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

Interview at Writer Unboxed. It's a very interesting three part series.

Internal Conflict

One of the things I've thought about when I started revising/rewriting my ms...is what the editor said in her suggestions. I'm trying to focus on her comments. One of the things she commented on was the lack of internal conflict for my heroine. I could semi-understand (Is that even a word?) what she's talking about...I think. I mean, I think my internal conflict is great but I guess I didn't get it down the way it was in my head. Big difference between thinking it...and getting it conveyed on paper.

I thought about what internal conflict was and how to get it down so that the reader can see what's in my head. (Which could really scare someone;) It seems to be...putting the reader into the storyline. Making them feel what your heroine/character is dealing with - internally. An emotional POV because her conflict is what's driving her emotionally.

My character has a great motivation...which is also causing her conflict. How many times have we've been driving down the road...or doing dishes...taking a shower, and thought about our problems? My heroine's internal conflict is something we all deal with...doubt. In her situation it should be easy ~ because of what's causing the conflict. A teenager. If you're a parent, doubt goes hand-in-hand with the daily decisions we have in dealing with the drama a teen can create.

What drives your character's emotions...their motivation? Why? Question their reasons and reactions to conflict. And ask why.

Oklahoma Outlaws

What image does that conjure in your thoughts? That is the name of my local RWA chapter that I joined officially as of Saturday. I think I'll fit in well ;) I was really embarrassed Saturday because the room was FULL of talented, creative...published authors....and I had to introduce myself. I thought my face was going to catch on fire and explode. I can hold my own in a chat channel...but girls...I hate being put on the spot. I wonder what'll happen when I get published and have to sit at a table full of books and pray someone actually wants me to sign one. *sigh*

Anyhoo...our March meeting is going to be a mini-conference. We'll be able to pitch our mss to Miriam Kriss, an agent with the Irene Goodman Literary Agency and Margo Lipschultz with HQN. How cool is that.

Sooo...I'll be a little busy until then...maybe hit and miss for awhile. But, I'm here. Lurking and missing you guys.

Sharing

I'm going to share the love...

A good friend sent me an e-mail I just had to share with my writer buddies. Who else could understand our humor? LOL! Hope everyone is having a productive week.

MY LIVING WILL

Last night my sister and I were sitting in the den, talking, and I said to her, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle to keep me alive. That would be no quality of life at all, If that ever happens, just pull the plug."

So she got up, unplugged my computer, then threw out my wine. She' s such a bitch.

Funny @ Bopmyspace.com

Cheat Sheet

My, what a bright and shiny new year it is. I have a good feeling about the direction I'm heading and I've met some really incredible people. 2007 overall was a great year for pursuing dreams.

Let's start the year out write/right and get this party started. Let's get some motivation cranked up on high. A favorite author of mine is also a fellow Oklahoman ~ Laura Marie Altom has a "cheat sheet" posted on her website that reminded me of where I am in my career. She gives some great advice! Enjoy!

Top Ten Ways to Get Published in Romance:

"Cassie-gate"

O.M.G.

A long time historical author has been accused of the unthinkable. This should shake things up a bit. Even La Nora has eloquently spoken. I was checking e-mail tonight and a RWA Alert was posted. It was a second notice about RWA's standing toward a recent scandal hitting the press but it sounds as if the internet and blogosphere is where it all began.

SmartBitchesTrashyBooks.com

In a succession of blog posts, you can see the controversy bud and then explode. Supposedly, even CNN, MSNBC, USA Today, New York Times and the AP have responded. SBTB details how they have compared passages from multiple books, multiple publishers written by historical romance writer Cassie Edwards, to identical passages she supposedly lifted from various published works. They've even tracked the plagiarism dating back to 1983. Apparently a big part of the controversy lies with the fact that Signet, the publisher, originally denied any illegal wrong doing and Ms. Edwards herself claimed to have done nothing wrong. The passages she copied were available for "fair use". But I guess now that Signet has had time to see the fallout from this, they've decided to investigate. In my case, the internet worked better than satellite. I hadn't heard anything of the debate until tonight.

SBTB notes that Signet has changed their POV. Hmmm. Really. La Nora even commented on SBTB with calm and class. But even I remember as far back as elementary school, it's considered plagiarism if you copy words verbatim and not site the source. Whether it's from historical research and non-fiction or fiction.

How does this affect us? Well...if people boycott Signet...what about the sales of innocent authors swept up in the tidal wave of bad press? What about Janet Dailey and her admission to plagiarizing Nora Roberts works in 1997...is Ms. Dailey still writing?

Breathing!

Boy howdy! I've been a little busy...eHarlequin has been getting ready to roll-out the new boards and they had some of us doing a little tire-kicking to check for glitches in the system. So, the new hub went online and I sat patiently waiting...finally I had to go pick up kiddos and thought I'd missed it. I checked online and *voila* it was there...I sent a post to my favorite SuperRomance board and before long realized my signature line had changed. It said January Member of the Month! How cool is that! My picture is on the community hub front page. Ugh!!!

Which brings me to another reason I'm busier than normal ~ I joined a gym. I knew that I would make myself go if I was paying for it. I'm such a tightwad and really hate spending money on myself...this forces me to make it work. And yes, I've gone two days in a row. I signed up Tuesday...exercised and actually "wanted" to go back today. It's quiet when I go and only a handful of people were in there...no intimidating barbie dolls! I'm a little sore but not bad. Already down a pound but I think it's because I haven't had a Coke in a couple of days. But...I signed a year contract. Even when I lose weight, I'm going to keep it off!

Wow!

Man stabs another man with pork chop bone

Jan 2, 2008 03:32 PM CST

NBC NEWS REPORT

ARDMORE -- An Oklahoma man was arrested after police say he stabbed another man in the neck with a pork chop bone during a food fight.

Police in Ardmore, Oklahoma responded to call of a fight outside a local business New Year's day. When they arrived, they found the victim covered in blood with a puncture wound to his neck.

Police arrested the suspect, 38-year-old Tony Willis a few block from the crime scene. According to authorities, Willis had blood on his clothes and they found the bone used in the attack.

The victim was treated at a local hospital and released.


(I read this online with a local news agency...it lends a whole new meaning to slapping someone who picks food off your plate. I wonder if the victim had eaten his black-eyed peas for the New Year?)

Happy New Year!!

New Years @ Bopmyspace.com

Goals anyone?

Let's see....

My first and usual one...lose weight. At least I have until April before hubby gets home again. But I really want to focus on my writing. I don't want to come up with a long list of what I could be doing better. Just do it!

New Baby!

As if I didn't have enough to do, I let myself get suckered into taking a puppy. A friend had gotten a Lab mix from the animal shelter and didn't know she was pregnant or full of heartworms. She started treatments and began to get fat and healthy looking. During the big ice storm we had, she popped out 15 puppies, 11 survivors. But one of the first pups they found outside was cold and stiff, they tried for a long time to revive her. My friend finally gave up and put her with the others until he could clean up the mom and remaining puppies. As he was taking the pups out that didn't make it, he heard a squeal and realized it was the first little girl they found outside. They named her Possum. And now she's a part of our family.

Welcome Miss Possum!!

Motivation

I'm trying a new approach on the revisions...actually it's almost a total rewrite of my ms. I'd love to say I'm hard at work and the word count is growing, but I've been gathering. I'm wanting to take a more organized path this time to see if maybe it'll make a difference. When I wrote this ms the first time, it was a NaNo.

Samantha Hunter is a Blaze author with Harlequin and she is currently working a thread at eHQ about motivation. When I first heard them discussing the workshop, I thought maybe it was about writing through adversity or outside influences during the holidays...nope. It plays in more with what I had been reading about ~ layering and character traits.

One of the things that she mentions is...WHY? There are so many things that can play into your character's motivation. History, personality, reactions and background issues ~ just to name a few.

The Motivation Clinic

I really liked something she mentioned - a motivational chain. Start questioning why and see where it takes you. I think it adds a three dimensional depth to a character. Several of the authors lately have had threads where their characters are being interviewed and chatting with readers. It made it seem more realistic, especially after having read the book. But the readers were digging into motivation and what drives the character.

How deep do you get into your characters...and how do you keep it consistent?