Just for you Honey!!

Smooth Ride to Lubbock Baby!!!!

Seasons

I'm about to have a heart attack...a sure sign of the season.

I love my boys...but school has begun. I actually have time for myself in the evenings when they go to bed and mornings while #2 is in pre-k. With the start of school...comes the weather change. But with the school year...COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!

Yes...I'm one of those. It's the only sport I like. My OU Sooners have a young team and are doing well. They are playing an old rival this week and making up for past wrongs as we speak. The only thing that could make my day better is for hubby to be home watching and cheering beside me...and working the grill at half-time. It is our favorite time of year and it only gets better.

Fall. I LOVE cool weather and the upcoming holiday season. But the start of school is what triggers all of my favorites! What is your favorite time of year or holiday...why?

Cowboys, cowboys and cowboys...oh my!

They are having a great conversation over at Love is an Exploding Cigar about my FAVORITE subject of all time...cowboys.

Check it out but in the meantime...here are pics of my favorite cowboys. One is my gorgeous hubby but guess who the other is.

Ahhh...to be young and skinny again!!!

Write What You Know

Okay...several things come to mind when I hear this phrase. It's a saying I've heard repeatedly within the publishing industry. I read a blog recently that really struck home in relation to what I think about when I hear it. I live in a small, rural community and I have young children...I also have a husband working in a war zone so our family can have a better future. My hero. Does that mean I should write a story about our life and top it off with a happily-ever-after. I could. Very easily. But we all know...excuse me...shit happens.

Six years ago...two months before I married a man I absolutely adored and wanted to spend the rest of my life with...he was told he had cancer. The DR. said that because his "belly" was tender that it had probably spread throughout his body. We were frantic. He had just switched jobs and didn't have insurance...he was a big, strapping country-fed cowboy ~ what did he need insurance for? I'm sure I could weave several stories out of what happened next. Short story...it wasn't cancer and we had quite a few outrageous medical bills, all because the DR. was retiring and needed a nice little nest egg.

But would it sell? It happens to a lot of people. Life tends to do that. What about if I wanted to write about a bull-rider? I could. I can write about anything I want to. Nana nana boo-boo. Whatever.

It's called research. So why should I write what I know...maybe emotional aspect? How do these great authors write about subjects they've only researched and put an emotional spin into the story and still sound believable? Cause they're good. So when they say write what you know...what does it mean to you?

Where do I belong?

I love the little blog cool thing website with the little quizzes. Hey...I need a little down time every now and then, too. A giggle goes a long way! Where do you belong?

You Belong in 1994

With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Or you could walk on the wild side a little...........

You Are a Log Ride

You prefer to live a fairly calm, relaxed life... with a few surprises thrown in. You don't tend to get yourself worked up easily. You can roll with what life throws at you. In relationships, you are steady and solid. You maintain a pretty broad perspective on what's going on. That's not to say you can't get swept away. You're emotions run as deep as anyone else's. Your life seems like it has been remarkably easy so far. But that's due to how you manage it. You never stretch yourself too thinly, and you think out your decisions carefully. Taking the time to enjoy each day is important to you, and you don't let your emotions rule you. You stay the course and do what's right... knowing it will all work out in the end. At your best, you are tolerant and understanding of other people's quirks. You take "go with the flow" to the extreme. Even if you don't like where you're going. At your worst, you repress your feelings and end up being a little tightly wound. You definitely have some explosive emotions that occasionally come to the surface!

What Carnival Ride Are You?

Just for you honey!

Sorry guys...bear with me while I show hubby pictures of a manufactured house I looked at over the weekend. We're looking at all of our options besides taking a year to build. They are making these houses so much stronger now and pretty nice detail work on the inside.

2280 sq. feet 25 yr warranty on roof and I think 10 yr warranty on the siding.

Master Bed Closet is huge!

Game Room looking into Kitchen ~ Laundry Room has room for the freezer.

Master Bath ~ Shower & Garden Tub W/rock (& MOM :)

One side of tub has linen closet and toilet is on the other side with door.

Game room ~ Front Door ~ Master Bedroom door

Other 3 bedrooms at the other end of house.

Kitchen w/big pantry (Mom) and Breakfast Bar

Dining Room w/ sliding glass door

Living room w/ fireplace looking at kitchen breakfast bar

(Ignore the wooden supports. They hadn't put the seams together yet.)

Kitchen Breakfast Bar (window seats in kitchen)

Fireplace w/ mantel ~ Door leading to middle bedroom.

The boy's rooms would have a bathroom connecting them together.

The 3rd bathroom is between the 4th bedroom and laundry room. But it can also be used as a guest bathroom cause it's right off of the living room w/ fireplace.

Ratings?

The Superromance thread on eHarlequin.com is a favorite stop for me. The girls offer a huge range of topics that sometimes really make me think. Which isn't hard to do considering I'd rather not...it hurts. LOL. jk. Anyhoo...one of the subjects brought up lately was language. I can't quite remember what started the discussion but many chimed in with their opinions. Which was actually nice because some were very forthcoming with admitting to the fact that they have a potty mouth. Unfortunately I had to raise my hand. I really try hard not to because it's hard telling a 4 yo he can't say something at school or in public when he hears it spoken often at home. My 13 yo is at an age where they are trying them out at school...Grrr. Oh well. I can only pray and do my best.

But. I heard bad words growing up and my husband used to be really bad...he heard them quite often in his home growing up...hmmm a trend maybe? I wouldn't dare use them in public but I began to look through my manuscript. They were peppered occasionally throughout and only used in anger. One of the girls online is an author for the Harlequin Blaze line and says she uses them to heighten sexual tension. Hmmm...it's probably not as acceptable in many lines but what do you think? I had a few in my ms but began taking them out with the thought...I don't want to offend anyone. I know I will eventually, somehow ~ someway. I've read them in books and it never bothered me but we're bad about using them. Would they offend you? If used sparingly? What about if they dropped the "F" bomb?

Technology Rocks

With the recent disaster I had, losing files when my laptop crashed, I learned a valuable lesson. That sucks but sometimes I need a knock on the head to wake me up. Several friends encouraged using flash drives and even my sweet, technology challenged hubby suggested the same because they use them at work. So I did it. I marched my rear end to Staples Office Supply. But I guess our local high school has a school to work program because the only employees were VERY young (or I'm getting VERY old) and were hanging out gossiping in front with a "customer". I tried to get their attention but got frustrated and left. I had no idea which size or brand to buy and hate to return stuff. Off to WalMart. The little guy there in electronics listened patiently (bless his heart) while I explained what I needed and why. He tried to talk me into buying a 4G flash drive at around $80. He didn't work on commission so I thought maybe he might be correct in his thinking...but man. I bought the cheap one because I thought it looked easy to use. And ok...I'm cheap.

I managed to get the stupid thing out of it's tightly wrapped package and only managed to cut myself once. Hey...that's an improvement for me! After I knew for sure my files had been loaded I double checked on the kids pc. Yeah for me. After saving 1/3 of my ms to the drive I've only used 6% of the memory. And it is only 1G for $20.

Technology is incredible. I thought maybe I might use one stick per manuscript and write the title on them with permanent ink. They are so little I can put them in our fireproof/waterproof safe. I also thought about our pictures and stuff we would copy and put on one as well.

Oh well...hope you guys are having a great weekend! We went to see Becoming Jane. It was wonderful if you like that era. I'll try to blog about it tomorrow or Monday because Jane Austin is a favorite for me.

Trashed...

Thank you so much guys for all the encouragement and support on my pitch with Harlequin editor Wanda Ottewell. It went really well and she has asked to read more. I'm working on expanding the synopsis a couple of more pages and will submit it along with a partial. I was so nervous and thought my computer would explode from the furious typing and sweat pouring from my hands.

Well...it did. Explode that is. I was so excited after she asked to read more, I went to pick the kiddos up from school and came back to a dead laptop. I wonder if it happened because I cheated with an ice cream celebration. Or maybe it's karma and I've said or done something totally stupid. Which wouldn't surprise me. Really, I've been trying to be a good girl. The tech from Dell said these things happen. I've heard horror stories about writers losing entire manuscripts...I lost several chapters but most importantly...several crits I'd been working on for my group. Sorry girls. As usual I will be slow returning the favors. Hopefully I can get caught up this weekend after my submission packet is off to Canada. Take my advice...that I didn't take myself...and BACK UP those files!!

The new hard drive came in this morning and we got all the software loaded and ready for use. Oh well...no more excuses. Back to work. I really miss you guys. Hope everyone is well and writing strong!

I just want to send a HUGE thank you and mucho appreciation out to my critique partners. You guys are so very talented and supportive. By allowing me to join the group, you've given me so much more than I can ever repay.

*hugs*

Back on track...

Okay...got an email and the pitch has been rescheduled for Monday the 20th. Nerves back and working great thank you. But at least we know what to expect and hopefully things will be a little easier next time thanks to the wonderful hosty's handling details.

The boys and I are having a grand time riding go-carts, bumper boats and all types of rides. We love Branson because it is so family oriented and fun activities for all ages. It began kind of rough but smoothed out pretty quick.

Thank you so much for all the well wishes and good vibes. It's a great feeling to finally have something go right and friends rally regardless...good or bad. But I got a funny email from someone and not quite sure how to handle it. I've read several articles about writers envy and even felt a twinge of jealousy when a writer friend is published. But it doesn't mean I would ever wish anything negative their way. My jealousy was geared more toward...I want that for myself. To me it was motivation.

I've read books before where I wondered how they broke through to get published. But someone sent me an email questioning the amount of time and dedication I have in my writing and didn't agree with the methods Harlequin was using to find new authors. I had thought of this person as a friend but realize now maybe she is just an acquaintance. Which she probably thought the same because I can't imagine wishing a friend to bomb at something. She went on to say she should write for HQ because my writing wasn't as seasoned or experienced as hers...does that mean I'm unworthy of my opportunity to pitch for an editor? Has she read my work? If she has and doesn't care for it...does it mean she thinks that I suck as a writer...or does she think she's a better writer? I haven't even had a request for my ms yet...and even if I did...I haven't signed a contract. If they put one in front of me...I will smile and grab a pen baby! Cause I am doing what I love. But right now I just want to put one foot in front of the other (or one word at a time). If nothing comes of this...back to work.

Pitch Rescheduled

Hey guys...due to a miscommunication, the editor had a different date on her books for the pitch so it will be rescheduled. It was nice though to get familiar with the set-up and procedure which will hopefully make it less terrifying next time. I know what to expect now and we have more time to prepare. Yay!

Soooo...I'm going to enjoy the rest of our vacation with the boys and see you guys next Monday!! Have a great week and weekend.

Chelle

All set up...

We have had the vacation trip from hades. Mom almost got us lost trying to remember the way she went last time with my aunt...scary thought to see the two of them navigating a map and vehicle together...at the same time. We were in the mountains looking a little out of place and people kept staring at us driving through the little towns. I wanted to stop a few times to look at the cool shops but my 13 yo refused to get out. We got to the condo and realized it wasn't free WiFi for my internet connection...$10 a day or $30 for the week. I can handle it for a day cause...I wouldn't miss this chance at the pitch with the editor...duh! No brainer. Then we get checked in and they say..."Uh, sorry no pets." Ok. Let me just turn around and drive 6 hours and take them home. Another $30.00 a day for boarding. Oh...don't forget, we've never put them in a kennel so we haven't had the Bordello shots.

I'm ok. I have a huge day today and I'm not going to let the little problems freak me out. Except for any last minute internet problems...don't jinx myself...I can do this.

My pitch is at 3 pm EST and I will repost with the results. Thank you so much for the well-wishes and good vibes.

Holy Smoke!!

I received an email from the contest hostie at HQ and guys....I'm one of the finalists. I'm shaking so bad it's hard to type. But the biggie...I was able to tell hubby before he went to sleep. I hate that while we're having our days he's sleeping. I was afraid I would have to wait until he got up to tell him how it turned out. I didn't have a whole bunch of confidence but the fact that only 18 others participated and this was my first synopsis...and first manuscript.

My crit group is the best bunch of girls!! Excuse me...women! I love you guys for being so helpful and supportive. I couldn't have done it without yous guys.

Thank you!!!!!

Ok...now I have to edit and bribe someone for crits on 10 chapters by Monday. Ackkkkk! I was afraid something like this would happen.

What would you do?

Have you ever had your heart touched where you just tear up and feel ready to just bawl. Ya know...the ugly cry? My dh asked me if I was ready to "start" because I was telling him about my day. I guess I'm just being a big old crybaby.

Mom, my 4 yo and I had lunch across the street at our favorite cool 50's style diner and this guy walks in. He's wet with sweat and smelled awful. My first instinct was I had lost my appetite. But guilt hit me almost immediately. That was so rude and hateful. This poor guy walked up, which meant he didn't have a car. I began to sweat just walking my big butt across the street. It was 100 degrees out there...you're gonna sweat. Then he had a cloth bag full of change. I couldn't help but overhear him ask the waitress if she could buy some of his change. She was a little loud about it but she's really a nice girl. He bought something to drink and she didn't bother to count out the change, which I thought was nice of her. I instantly wondered if he'd eaten recently. He looked thin but decently dressed. Would I offend him if I offered him a meal? He'd probably think I was a nut. So I tried to quietly pull the waitress aside and ask her if she'd seen him before. I didn't want to embarrass the guy and asked the waitress to "quietly" ask him if he was hungry. If he told her or acted like he didn't have the money maybe whisper it was on the house. We heard the entire conversation halfway across the room and he nervously looked around. She said the person buying didn't want to be known, he smiled and asked for a burger. She brought him a burger basket full of fries and he ate pretty quickly. I was embarrassed for the guy but hoped maybe it'll give him an urge to do something nice for someone else who might need it more. How often do we get this kind of opportunity? Have we really looked for them?

So this afternoon after working on my chapter...really...one of my favorite HQ Superromance writers Kay Stockham wrote a blog post at Pink Ladies Blog about mean, mean people that had me in tears. Please check it out. So this evening I went back to read the comments and noticed the blog post from Jules Bennett the day before. She was talking about how a customer at her salon touched her heart.

I got to really thinking about my day and reflecting with my best friend...my hubby, and I feel empowered. I've watched the movie Pay It forward (once was enough...can't watch now knowing what's going to happen) and it motivates me to want to be a better person. But if everyone would just stop and take a breath...especially before you try to tear someone down, and chill. Be patient. Be kind instead of hurtful. Say something positive instead of negative. Try to make it matter. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Yeah...drink a coke and the whole world can sing along. Seriously...what can it hurt. There is so much hate, hurt and devastation in this world. If only one person starts it...the domino effect could be outragious.

To top off my night ~ my 13 yo has been in his own little world for the last year...about when puberty kicked in and girls mattered. He's shown semi-interest in my writing and thought it was pretty cool to hear the story of our Chickasaw Ancestory. I told him about the documents signed before the Trail of Tears and how his 5 great grandfather was the last Chief before a government was formed. He seemed really excited and actually said he would enjoy going to the Historical Society in OKC. I thought it was just one of those nights when we clicked and he needed Mom time. A few minutes ago he came into the room at a slide and showed me a storyline he has created and was asking advice on how to outline and where to go after that. He's shown an interest in various artistic areas...he plays the drums (rather well I have to proudly add), he wanted to learn about photography and is showing a huge interest in history. It was really incredible to have that mature connection with him tonight and I realized how much he has really grown, how well-rounded he has become and how his personality has changed.

One of those days...

Have you ever had one of those days where you just wanted to go back to bed? I've had several...in a row. Welllllll ~ let me tell ya a story.

Remember how we just moved in May? Our rent house was flooding and of course we didn't know last year because we'd had droughts and massive wildfires. Every time we saw smoke even remotely close to the house we panicked because we lived in a rural, wooded area outside of town. And I might add - near a few idiots who thought they needed to burn trash on windy days. I must say I was impressed with our local fire department and kinda enjoyed the brush pumper truck and regular visits from the firemen.

The building my mom owns ~ has been sold. We've been on her to sell it since she got sick a couple of years ago but we'd just moved in recently and decided if we sold it, the houses could be built faster with the profits. Okay...I don't think any of us expected for it to happen within 3 weeks. I'm okay.

Which means we also have to finalize floor plans and find contractors...set-up utilities. Of course the fun stuff is picking out new cabinets and fixtures...doors and windows...maybe appliances if I whisper soft enough to my dh. But wow. I'm a little more overwhelmed than I was last time.

I was bone tired tonight. Just wanted to go to bed. One of the dogs peed in the floor. (They know somethings going on.) Youngest was being a monster and was throwing legos and army men everywhere. Oldest is begging to go back to public school and feels the time crunch because it starts on the 16th. Dh is so far away but acting like one of the kids when it comes to getting his way about something. Mom is still a little frail medically to do alot of her own packing...never mind moving. MIL called and I had to listen and defend for an hour. I think I'm still getting the blame for his job choice. But at least I warned her that FIL and girlfriend will be at BIL house this weekend so she won't accidentally visit at the same time. Not quite ready for that face-to-face yet...though it's been 7 years.

So I crawl in bed, and a couple of silly things are stuck in my head...so I needed to purge. Hopefully it'll motivate me to put more of it down on paper. I so need to finish editing this WIP. Hope everyone is happy writing and having a great weekend!!!!

Work Day

Thought I'd take a quick break while fighting with my characters. I had to completely rewrite a couple of chapters and now they want to go in a different direction...noooooooooo. Starting with chapter 6...noooooooooooo.

So here's a quickie.

CIGARETTES AND TAMPONS

A man walks into a pharmacy and wanders up & down the aisles. The sales girl notices him and asks him if she can help him. He answers that he is looking for a box of tampons for his wife. She directs him down the correct aisle. A few minutes later, he deposits a huge bag of cotton balls and a ball of string on the counter. She says, confused, "Sir, I thought you were looking for some tampons for your wife? He answers, "You see, it's like this, yesterday, I sent my wife to the store to get me a carton of cigarettes, and she came back with a tin of tobacco and some rolling papers; cause it's sooo-ooo--oo- ooo much cheaper. So, I figure if I have to roll my own .......... so does she. (I figure this guy is the one on the milk carton!)


Have a great weekend!!!!

Giggle Time!

Sorry...my brain hurts from trying to rewrite a chapter and catching up on my groups crits that I am soooo behind on. I got a cute joke today in an email from a friend. She's one of the one's pushing for my chapter to get done...stop sending me emails! LOL...jk. I needed a good giggle.

The Cardiologist's Funeral

A cardiologist died and was given an elaborate funeral. A huge heart covered in flowers stood behind the casket during the service. Following the eulogy, the heart opened, and the casket rolled inside. The heart then closed, sealing the doctor in the beautiful heart forever. At that point, one of the mourners burst into laughter. When all eyes stared at him, he said, "I'm sorry. I was just thinking of my own funeral---I'm a gynecologist."

That's when the proctologist fainted.

Critism

When I divorced my first husband, my oldest son was only two. It was a really scary time for me as a single mother. I was working at a law firm as a receptionist/do-it-all girl. I was bored to death just sitting there socializing with everyone who called and/or came in to the office. It was an incredibly interesting job for attorneys that handled patent/trademark and copyright law. The secretaries loved me because I couldn't stand being bored and would constantly ask for something to do. My previous job as a legal secretary was pretty demanding and I did the same as the paralegals. Of course with the new job they began to notice and took advantage of it. But one of my jobs had been to proofread attorney documents. Talk about intimidating. As my crit partners know...I'm not the grammar guru in our group. LOL. The first time I read through a document the female attorney got really pissy about my finds. She asked me to do it and I only noted what I as a reader could see...The remaining attorneys asked me to start doing the same for them.

As a writer...my work could be read by alot of people, not just in the publishing office hopefully. I've often talked about my crit partners because they are wonderful, talented and creative women. On one of the blogs I visit there was a past post about the feelings we go through when throwing our hard work out for someone else to crit that made me think about reactions. I was a newbie when I started in my current crit group and was scared to death to critique anyone elses work. Sure I've had experience. But not necessarily with novels which are a much different content, maybe structure and format are the same. My first group though, I came across a woman who thought she was being constructive but she was demoralizing. And if someone dare tell her something in her work...she was very defensive and had an excuse for everything found wrong. But to me if it wasn't corrected before she submitted to the group, it's left to be critiqued for several people to find. I know I make more than my fair share of mistakes. But she was quick to point out my lack of experience and I quit soon after. From what I've heard...it's pretty much her and one other now.

So...how do we react when someone does a crit on our work? I try to always immediately thank someone if I'm not totally overwhelmed with crap to do. When I open a document and see lots of blue...I may get frustrated, at myself. I also go through and read all comments and nine out of ten corrections will make an improvement. If I like the way I've done something I may leave it until I hear from several, then I know it's just not going to work. When I'm doing a crit...grammar and technical issues are not my strength. I'm an avid reader though and would like to think my money and buying power speaks as a consumer. I know what I like and if I come across a book I don't care for...I won't buy from that author again. I also know I have eclectic tastes, so I try to focus on each crit I'm doing as seeing what someone else might see. It definitely doesn't hurt my feelings if someone doesn't take my advice. I'm not an editor or agent. But it doesn't hurt my feelings so much either to get crits because I try to be as objective as possible without losing my voice knowing that the crit could actually be a reader in the future looking at it. That's my goal, ya know, to have other people read it.

Dream or Reality?

Harlequin has another contest open for the Superromance line that I was really excited about. It's the "Conflict of Interest" on eHarlequin.com. But a writer on one of the chat boards has posted this interesting conflict of her own...

Regarding the "Conflict of Interest" contest: Should be a dream come true opportunity, no? But the rules say, "In consideration for winning the award of a prize in this Contest, winners agree that his/her entry and the copyrights and any other rights therein become the sole property of Sponsor which may edit, modify, publish, promote, display, broadcast and otherwise use entry submitted for any purpose without further permission..." The entry is one scene, first chapter, and NTE 10 page outline. 3 winners will receive a detailed editorial evaluation and MAYBE (but not necessarily) a request for a full. (And, of course, no guarantee of a contract if they do request the full.) Oh, and a year's subscription to the Superromance series. So, ok, nothing like jumping to the "what if I win" mode, but what IF I was one of the 3 winners and they did NOT request a full. Now they have all rights to my 1st chapter, a scene, etc, which would mean I couldn't shop it around to any other publisher, right? (Even if I revise it?) Would this make anyone else a little nervous? Am I nuts? (ok, maybe don't answer that one...)

After I went back to the contest page and reread the rules...it left me a little sceptical. Surely that is a conflict with copyright laws...but if you enter the contest knowing this is inserted...? Could they? Would they? It's only the first chapter/scene...but it's also your entire storyline in the outline including goals, motivation, conflict and resolution. It is a great opportunity to get published...right?

Harlequin is pretty well known for taking open submissions without having to have an agent. They are also good with their pubbed authors from what I've heard. Well hell. It is being debated on a couple threads now. Hopefully an editor will throw in her two cents and ease some of the concerns this may cause. It might be a good thing though for writers to think twice and read the contest entry rules before entering.

Query Letters ~ Oh My!

Okay...my crit partner has come through once again...thank you very much Jennifer Shirk. There are so many great articles giving advice about how to construct a query letter. Jennifer gave me a lightbulb the other day (Ha! See blondes can get them too) with advice from the Rose City Romance Writers.

For some reason this lecture stuck with me and gave me a better understanding of the structure. Not that I was able to pick up my submission materials and jot down the perfect letter....but I'm still picking and twisting without giving up all hope.

Check out the site because the info helped me and ya never know...

The Dreaded Synopsis

Aaarrgghhhh! As some of you know, I'm in the process of preparing my submission materials for Harlequin. Being a newbie at this whole complicated process, from format and structure to submitting the completed ms, I have searched high and low for the perfect articles and advice on the craft of writing.

There are a lot of awesome, talented authors in this business. Surprisingly, there is also one incredible denominator binding these creative people together: they offer advice. And biographies...huh?!

Well.....

How many occupations can you think of that can possibly be more competitive, and offer more opportunities for new talent, than the field of publishing? What about...going to your competitor and asking what their secret to success is? How 'bout...asking how they got started and what the process was that propelled them to complete their goals?

I can't think of many...unless it is a successful writer selling books telling you how they became successful at writing. Go to any author's website online nowadays and look for links dedicated to writers or resources. Find any? A bunch you say....hmmmm.

I love my job!

Any hew...sorry, procrastinating a little. I like playing online and blogging with yous guys...when I really need to be working on my ms. Back to bidness...

Synopsis is an ugly word around where I travel. Even to some of the lifers. Not only are they difficult, but they make my brain hurt. I've talked with quite a few fellow writers about tips and resources for samples. You kinda have to go with the flow. For example ~ I'm targeting Harlequin at this time so I need to research samples/advice geared toward the specific line I am aiming for. Maybe you write for Avon, etc. you get my drift though, right?

So all yous guys that are aiming along beside me to Harlequin...I have included a link where Leslie Wainger, a senior editor with HQ, is giving her personal advice for Writing the Dreaded Synopsis.

Another good one...

For all you chick-lits on the novella side of writing styles...

2007 Brava Novella Contest





Hope ya'll have a safe and lazy weekend!!!!

RWA Conf~While Kitty's away...the mice will play!

As some of you know...I write geared toward the Harlequin line. Whether or not my voice fits...we'll soon see. While everyone is away having a grand ol'time in the big town of Dallas, I am actually working. But for me, it is my time to let my imagination roam and play.

We had recently talked about the pros and cons of contests and I had decided to try my hand at it. My first experience went rather well and it gave me a great kick in the motivation side. Well..........Romance Junkies is having a great first chapter contest...and it's free!!!! If you don't have time to submit, they are also in need of readers/judges. I had a friend recently suggest the site and was pleasantly surprised at the concept. It is a great place to hear about fellow authors seeking the same goal and advertise new releases. They have articles on writing and even a link to help find critique partners.

Also I need to plug my favorite Harlequin SuperRomance line, they have several things cooking in an all out search for new mss. If interested in their line you can try the eHarlequin.com community site and see what the line consists of. They have an Editor Pitch Contest and a Conflict of Interest Contest.

Good luck and happy writing!

To Title or Not

How many times have you had a great storyline idea but was stumped when it came to a title for it? How many times have you read a book and the title didn't match the content? I've seen/heard several instances where the title and/or cover art didn't make sense and the authors were upset. Did it do any good to complain? Not that I've heard in those instances. Once it's out of your hands, it's not your baby anymore.

I'm a newby. There, I admit it. I love talking and hitting up more experienced people (aka authors) for info. I have problems when it comes to deciding on my WIP titles, but wouldn't the author know content better? Maybe. Some authors that I've had the pleasure to chat with admit it's hard for them. They've even been thrilled with new titles.

But what got my goat this weekend is a book I read by a popular author. I won't name names and/or books and do myself a disservice by pissing anyone off. But when you write a book with a cowboy title...and there aren't any cowboys in your book...sorry. I was a bit miffed cause I bought the book with expectations. I miss my cowboy. I want to read about the lifestyle. I liked the book okay. Probably would've paid to read this particular author anyways...but the title was very misleading.

I'm not perfect, or even claimed to be in the category, but...who should have the right to name your hard work? Even if your title sucks? Who has the right to be the judge? What do you think?

The View

Okay. *Warning* (are you surprised?) My view is straight ahead so all of you younger viewers...time for bed. Sweet Dreams ~ Sleep Sweet. Momma loves her babies. Momma's got to vent or she's gonna explode. I love to blog! I can say what I need to say and without someone interrupting me or giving me the stink eye.

We have an interesting segment on our local tv news stations, several different stations as a matter of fact and when they first began, I would quickly grab the changer and see what was on Food Network. But they kind of grew on me...go figure. It's not like I'm the type of person to be so strongly opinionated. Okay, someone help Stacey up off of the floor. I think she's choking.

Anyhew. It's basically letting residents call or email and rant about current events or just about anything as long as it's decent and clean.
So I thought I'd try it here. Come on...I won't bite back...maybe. LOL. jk.

Well...how many of you are sick of rich people and/or celebrities that can't control themselves and are surprised or pissed off when the public reacts accordingly.

Paris Hilton ~ come on honey. You can't honestly expect a judge to actually believe that you didn't understand when the law says you can't drive with a suspended license...it meant a car, or say - it meant you, not your chauffeur. Or that you might actually be held accountable? What's funny is the Sheriff felt sorry for her cause she 'had a condition'. Yeah...it's called 'I don't want to go to jail' boohoos. Her family physician doped her up on medicine so high that she couldn't focus or function so they was worried about her mental status. Excuse me...duh. BUT~ yes, she broke the law. Yes, she deserves punishment and should be held accountable...but not to a higher standard. Mr. Prosecutor...your own wife was convicted of the same crime and never saw a day...?

Nicole Richey ~ Eat honey. Veggies...anything except your daily non-fat Starbucks.

Lindsay Lohan ~ ANOTHER child star...but no different than you or I except for a few million. Daddy's in jail and Momma wants to your best-friend aka shopping buddy. What you need is a Momma that taps your behind a couple of times and tells you that your gonna stay home tonight because your too young to drink alcohol...legally...or you can't stay up partying until it's time to report for work and be surprised when you pass out from exhaustion. What did you have for dinner last night? A case of red bull, carton of cigarettes and a stick of gum?

Britney Spears ~ Boo Hoo. Little girl, you need to grow up and open your pretty brown eyes. Your beautiful, talented, rich and you had a supportive family. Little sister is handling the spotlight just fine honey-child. You took a man away from his pregnant baby's momma and your surprised your marriage didn't work. You wear your little sister's clothes commando and your pissed off at the media for taking crotch shots?

K-Fed's baby's momma ~ Come on now...he can't be that good sweetie to have made you take his slithering butt back? And for someone wanting to stay out of the spotlight...to be involved in a tv show called The Ex-Wives Club. Girl ~ you didn't have a ring on that finger. You still don't.

Rosie O'Donnell ~ I really enjoyed your talk show and watched at every opportunity until you chose one particular guest. My man Tom Selleck. It was when you tricked him onto the show by agreeing to avoid the discussion about gun control, then blasted him and refused to apologize because you believed about something so passionately. I started noticing you in a different light. I'm one to show passion, I'd like to also believe that I have an open mind. We can agree to disagree. But when you so blatantly interrupt and refuse to rationally discuss something with someone who values your opinion..refuse to take responsibility for a televised statement...what was it? Agh...you said our military were the true terrorists. Honey, you can't be on a show called ahem - The View which is a show designed to allow everyone to discuss their view, and not allow anyone to have their own opinion. As soon as someone spoke in any other slant than your own, you said they were "naive", "young" or blamed it on Bush or anti-gays. It reminds me of a spoiled little rich girl I went to school with. What amazes me was the ratings she got. Was it because of the controversy she brought and you were curious as to the crap spilling out of her mouth? Waaas it...people genuinely are so selfishly opinionated that it's now okay to say and express ourselves at will without regards to anyone or anything else and no matter how others think...their wrong/naive/young and 'don't know no better' or wrong because they don't believe the same as you?

And on, and on...deep cleansing breath.

Who was the attorney stalking...I mean living with Anna Nicole Smith? Howard Stern? It was kinda spooky to look back on past reality-tv footage and see how mean she was to you...and have sleep-overs with multiple men while you were living together. And it's scary to know your momma didn't teach you about the birds and bees. You silly boy, you don't get pregnant by kissing. I'm sure when you kept shoving pills down her throat with the bottomless bottle of vodka that she probably did sleep with you...was she even awake? You're a lawyer...did ya really forget about DNA testing?

Baby's Daddy ~ Silly boy #2...Larry, did ya think you were too pretty to have to pay your attorney?

Okay. I'm out of breath. Until next time! I feel so much better...thanks.

The Journey

On one of the boards I visit, there was a discussion about the journey. Not ours as a writer, or mother. Or even a wife, sister...whatever. But the Hero's and heroine's journey. What is it that they face or go through to get their HEA? Boy meets girl or gets reacquainted, fall in love...then BAM! Boy loses girl.

Not literally though? Awww...like they get lost in Walmart parking lot? No...how about boy/girl does something really stupid or something from the past slithers up and bites them in the butt. We were also talking about popular trends in the methods we use to cause the conflict.

What's popular today with romance readers? I'm interested in what is popular with editors but in a way...I'm an avid reader. What do I like? A pretty eclectic mix. But it pretty much boils down to the roller coaster. Is it believable? Is it something I can relate to?

Well...some days I can relate better than others. Say...when I've had a REALLY bad day...not as bad as Jennifer's dh had recently. But, when the kids are wearing me out and I haven't been able to vent for a couple of days with friends or my own dh. I don't want to hear about how a heroine's child is an angel and she is just going through a small problem at work and the perfect neighbor is giving her come hither stares.

The journey can make or break an author. It's gotta be interesting but believable. We've heard time and again it can't be something that can be resolved over a cup of coffee. Well...what about if the heroine just found out Hero boy has a child from the past he "forgot" to tell her about and...say...she throws the coffee in his face. Maybe he is rushed to the hospital with 3rd degree burns and falls off the gurney and needs a blood transfusion. What about if the son offers to give blood but they find out the DNA doesn't match? What about the makeup sex while he's strapped to the gurney and heavily medicated so he can't feel the burns? Whatever.

What pushes the envelope?

Thursday Thirteen

I've thought all week about getting our life in Chaoticville back to normal. What better way than to do my long lost Thursday Thirteen list...What to do? You got me. But I was having flashbacks of our vacation while sending hubby pics online and came across a picture of my favorite uncle. Uncle Joe. My immediate thoughts were of an innocent, genuine happy time in an uncertain, scary transition through puberty.

What sweet, loving memories I have of childhood summer vacations and going to his farm while my single, hard-working mother took a much needed vacation. Of course as we all do...I grew up and lost interest. But I have alot of heart-warming thoughts I can share...

1... The rides on his truck tail-gate while looking for the cows in the back pasture, waiting for their squares bales of hay. I about broke my tail-bone once which ended the fun. I bounced out when he hit a huge crevice and went flying high and came down hard on a rock. Once I got my breath back into my body I turned around only to realize he had kept going. I still don't know if he did it on purpose but the smile on his face as he asked if I was ok made me think he was probably taking his time stopping because he was laughing so hard at my long skinny limbs flying through the air like trampoline acrobats.


2... Rides with my aunt on the old, rusty but running tractor to the pond. I outgrew fishing in the pond for the elusive granddaddy blue catfish my uncle swore was bigger than his beloved tackle box.

3... In the transition to a snarky, know-it-all teen, I forgot about how I always anticipated the walk across fifty acres to the weathered, collapsing two-story farmhouse next to the pond where my imagination ran wild about the families that had lived, loved and carried on as life happened.


4... A house built by hand without the luxury of a power drill or night-lights to guide the way to the outhouse. No matter how many times I visited, I could always construct a family-tree and history for the story exploding in my head.


5... I don't miss the black snake that fell out of the bedroom light fixture as I sat playing in the floor with my cousin's baby. As she panicked and ran from the room, I calmly picked up the baby and watched my step as I closed the store. I handed her the baby and began stacking books along the bottom crack between the door and carpet so Uncle Joe could have a better chance at finding and removing the slick invader.


6... I don't miss finding the scorpions in the kitchen sink as I was preparing the dishes to wash. It didn't matter that I was visiting or on vacation. I was a part of the family and helped with chores.


7... I remember the Oklahoma hot air blowing the red dirt in my face as I walked down the long dirt drive to check the mailbox for my Nanny. She lived in a house next-door to my aunt and uncle.



8... I remember cracking my chin on her coffee table as my cousin and I ran from my Nanny. I still have a dent. She was chasing us with a wooden yardstick she used for her sewing because we were fighting and pinching each other and refused to quit when she threatened to take action.

9... Even though she was Irish, dainty and fragile...she could pop a good knot with that stupid yardstick.

10... I loved it when the whole family descended on a hot, summer day and we got all the kids together to play tag football and horseshoes until the mosquitoes drove us inside.

11... But not before we had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. With sticky fingers and mouths we chased fireflies and caught them in old Mason canning jars. Uncle Joe punched holes in the top so they could have fresh-air. I always wondered how they escaped the holes and the jar was empty in the morning. Uncle Joe went to work before first light...


12... The stars were humongous out in the wide-open farm fields and seemed close enough to touch.


13... And last, only because I've run out of space, the quiet chorus of crickets and locusts when we sat out on the big front porch. The only other sound echoing against the dark was the squeak from the chain on the old wooden porch swing.

THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE THURSDAY THIRTEEN:The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. What do you do? Write Thirteen things about yourself, summarize your week in one entry, make it easy for other bloggers to get to know you on a weekly basis. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well!

Contests

We've had this discussion before and it's widely debated ~ to enter contests...or not. I recently broke down and tried my luck. I didn't win...or even place. But I was pleasantly surprised at the critiques. But I guess the main thing I got was validation that I'm not wasting my time.

Don't get me wrong...I belong to a valuable critique group full of creative and intelligent women who are very talented. Several of them are published and many others on the verge. But I began writing my first manuscript with their guidance and it's kind of like my mom telling me that I'm pretty...

It felt good for someone outside of my group to tell me I'm not a complete idiot. It also makes me very proud to be in the Romantic at Heart Critique Groups. Will I enter another contest? Don't know. Not right now. Is it worth it? It's an expensive critique when I feel very confident in my group. Will I get the same response from another set of judges? Probably not.

Our vacation

Well I'm back. I've got the laundry to prove it and massive emails...366. Alot of spam but I have to go through and weed them out so I won't miss the important stuff. Like my horoscope. jk. But dh is safe and back hard at work.

Our vacation was short and sweet and we chose to go to the lake with family instead of spending a boat load (hah) of money...like we really wanted to! I don't want dh in a war zone any longer than what it will take to accomplish future family goals, so we decided not to splurge on exotic vacations. But we love going to the lake and the boys enjoyed wallowing in dirt/sand for 3 days. We came home a day early cause of sunburn and the unpredictable Oklahoma weather. Winds were so bad the last day we were there that we felt like we were at Galveston and surfing the ocean waves.

I usually won't allow the boys to take pictures of me but Kris caught me with my hair in a headband after cleaning my face. Anyways...the trip was fun except for me being a bad mommy...baaaaad momma used two bottles of sunscreen on the boys but my little 4 yo fish wouldn't stay out of the sun and got sun poisoning. His little face was swollen and blistered for several days and we ended up taking him to the hospital on Saturday because he had a rash and high fever.

But we also signed the papers on the 51 acres we bought and started to pick out house plans. So now begins the fun. Picking out contractors and building as the money comes in.

The picture in the middle is where we decided to put the house. It'll back up into a grove of trees but the front porch will look out into the meadow. The first picture is of the entrance into the property.

Well ladies...even with all of our excitement, I surely missed my buddies. I hope all is well and you guys are ready to crack the whip. I'm back to reality...

Back to work...

Hey! *hugs* Missed yous guys! Not enough to do Thursday Thirteen though. LOL. But as much as I love and miss hubby...I'm glad to get things back to normal.

Hope all is well with everyone and you're looking forward to a great weekend! Are you all writing and being productive? I'm hoping to finally get back on track. At least for another 4 months anyways.

I've gotten stuck on editing my Nano and noticed some of my other crit partners are backing off as well. Must be summer fever...is that real? Darn tootin' it is. Sorry...no motivating words from me though...I'm slacking but hopefully I can get back to putting the words on paper again. I was listening to the radio the other day and had a storyline whiz by...kinda scary for a blonde driving...distraction not good. Maybe I'll work on it to see if I can get the juices flowing again.



My imagination is my freedom.